When it comes to holiday feasts, green bean casserole is an absolute classic. This comforting dish, with its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, has been a staple at family gatherings for generations. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this green bean casserole recipe is sure to become a favorite in your holiday spread.
Here’s how to make the best green bean casserole that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
- Fresh Green Beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces if needed. Blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Canned Green Beans: Simply drain the cans and set them aside.
2. Make the Casserole Base:
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the prepared green beans to the mixture and stir until the beans are fully coated with the creamy sauce. If you’re using cheddar cheese, stir it in now for an extra layer of richness.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the green beans are tender.
5. Add the Topping:
- Once the casserole has baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The crispy, cheesy topping combined with the creamy green beans creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole:
- Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans: Using fresh green beans gives the casserole a fresher, crisper texture. However, canned green beans work well too and make the recipe even quicker!
- Customize the Flavor: You can add a bit of grated nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a unique twist. Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking also adds a crunchy texture.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day or two ahead of time. Just refrigerate it before baking and add the fried onions just before the final bake to keep them crispy.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but if you want a dairy-free version, you can swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This green bean casserole recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner table. With a creamy base, perfectly cooked green beans, and a crispy fried onion topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is sure to impress and become a favorite tradition for years to come. Enjoy!
