Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans: Fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Cream of mushroom soup: A canned soup that adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole.

Milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create a smooth sauce.

Fried onions: Crispy onions that add a crunchy topping to the casserole.

Soy sauce: Adds a touch of umami and depth to the dish.

Black pepper: Provides a hint of spice and seasoning.

When preparing this green bean casserole, blanching the green beans before combining them with the cream of mushroom soup mixture can enhance their texture and color. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your green beans remain crisp and vibrant in the final dish.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can provide a comparable crunch and flavor profile.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of celery soup: Cream of celery soup offers a similar creamy consistency and a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will make the casserole richer and creamier, though it will also increase the calorie content.

• fried onions - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can provide a similar crunchy topping when toasted with a bit of butter.

• soy sauce - Substitute with Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a similar umami flavor with a slightly different but complementary taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar level of heat and can blend more seamlessly into the creamy casserole.

• To store your green bean casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, it's best to do so before baking. Assemble the casserole as per the recipe instructions, but stop before the baking step. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date and contents. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen green bean casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake it according to the original recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.

• For reheating leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the fried onions from burning. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• To maintain the crispy texture of the fried onions, consider storing them separately in an airtight container and adding them just before reheating. This will ensure they remain crunchy and delicious.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the green bean casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the fried onions from burning.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the fried onions on top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the green bean casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the casserole and then microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. If the fried onions have lost their crunch, you can add a few fresh ones on top before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the green bean casserole in a large skillet or saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of milk or cream of mushroom soup to keep it moist.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is warmed through.
  4. If desired, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes to crisp up the fried onions on top.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green bean casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the fried onions from burning.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to crisp up the fried onions on top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, green beans, and fried onions.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and fried onions accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce and black pepper.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the casserole mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Spatula: Used to stir the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Knife: Used to trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to trim and cut the green beans.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely remove the hot baking dish from the oven.

Use pre-trimmed beans: Save time by buying pre-trimmed green beans from the store.

Microwave the beans: Quickly steam the green beans in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper in advance and store in the fridge.

Use pre-fried onions: Opt for store-bought fried onions to eliminate the need for frying your own.

One-dish method: Mix all ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup time.