Simple & Tasty Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This classic Green Bean Casserole is a staple of American holidays. It’s easy to make and delicious, making it a great option for Classic casseroles¹. Its rich and creamy sauce and crunchy topping make it a new family favorite. It’s perfect for the holidays, with Green Bean Casserole being a top choice¹.

Key Takeaways

• Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat¹.
• The recipe requires minimal ingredients, including 3 cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and 2 containers of French’s Crispy Fried Onions¹.
• The casserole can be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 to 35 minutes¹.
• Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven¹.
• The nutritional information per serving includes 558 kcal of Calories and 44 g of Carbohydrates¹.
• Green Bean Casserole is a great option for Classic casseroles and can be made with fresh or canned green beans².

The History of Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole has a rich history that started in the 1950s. It was created in Campbell’s test kitchen by Dorcas Reilly³. Initially called “Green Bean Bake,” it was made with Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup. It has become a classic dish, loved at holiday meals, like Thanksgiving⁴.

Some interesting facts about Green Bean Casserole include:

• It is estimated that 20 million households include Green Bean Casserole on their Thanksgiving tables³
• Approximately 40% of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup sales are attributed to Green Bean Casserole⁴
• The recipe is recognized as the most popular ever developed by Campbell’s⁴

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved dish, often served at holiday gatherings. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a classic. It’s a staple in American cuisine, showing the power of food to bring people together³.

Looking for a simple recipe or a classic casserole for your holiday gathering? Green Bean Casserole is a great choice. Its rich history and delicious taste make it a favorite for holiday recipes and classic casseroles.

Why This Green Bean Casserole Recipe Works

The Green Bean Casserole recipe is a classic in many American homes. It uses fresh green beans and cremini mushrooms, making it delicious and satisfying. It’s perfect for the holidays.

Using fresh ingredients is key to this recipe’s success. The original recipe, created by Dorcas Reilly in 1955, had just five ingredients. Fresh green beans and cremini mushrooms add lively texture and flavor. The dish also includes cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy taste.

Here are some key ingredients and their quantities used in this recipe:

• 1½ pounds of fresh green beans⁵
• 16 ounces of cremini mushrooms⁵
• 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup⁵
• 3 cups of milk⁵
• ½ cup of Parmesan cheese⁵

The mix of these ingredients and simple steps makes this Green Bean Casserole a classic. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters⁶.

This recipe has been perfected over the years. It’s delicious and easy to make. With its rich sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onions, it’s a great side dish for any occasion⁵.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole

Making the perfect green bean casserole, a classic holiday recipe, starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy onions. These are the key elements of this beloved dish, often served as a vegetable side dish during the holidays. The prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking takes 40 minutes, making it quick and easy for the holidays.

Choosing between fresh or canned green beans is a big decision. Fresh beans offer the best taste and texture, but canned beans are convenient. The type of cream of mushroom soup you use is also important, with options like low-sodium or gluten-free. Adding crispy onions, whether homemade or store-bought, gives the dish a nice crunch.

Here are the must-have ingredients:

• Fresh or canned green beans
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Crispy onions

These ingredients come together to make a delicious casserole. It’s perfect for holiday recipes and vegetable side dishes. It serves 8 people and takes 50 minutes to make, making it great for big gatherings and special occasions.

Each serving of this casserole has about 112 calories, 11 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein⁷. You can also use frozen green beans, needing about 2 pounds⁸. By picking the right ingredients and following a simple recipe, you can make a tasty green bean casserole. It’s sure to become a favorite holiday recipe and vegetable side dish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make a tasty green bean casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A 9×13-inch baking dish is essential, as it’s the right size and shape for the casserole⁹. You’ll also need a large bowl for mixing and a can opener for opening canned goods⁹. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons to get the ingredients right, making your casseroles perfect¹⁰.

Here’s a list of the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Can opener
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon

These tools will make preparing the casserole easy. They ensure your dish is delicious and flavorful, just like a traditional classic casserole⁹.

Also, having a well-stocked pantry is key. You’ll need green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions¹⁰. With these tools and ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious classic casserole that everyone will love⁹.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

To make a tasty Green Bean Casserole, start by cutting the ends off 2 pounds of green beans. Cut them into 1-inch pieces¹¹. This makes sure they cook evenly and quickly. Next, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes¹¹. Then, cool them down in an ice bath right away.

In another pan, cook 1/2 large onion and 3 cloves of garlic until the onion is soft¹¹. Add 4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces, and cook until crispy¹¹. Remove the bacon and set it aside. In the same pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix in 4 tablespoons of flour to make a roux¹¹. Slowly add 2 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps¹¹.

Put the cooked green beans, mushroom sauce, and crispy onions in a 9×13-inch baking dish¹¹. Sprinkle 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs on top¹¹. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is hot¹¹. This recipe serves 8 and can be ready in under 50 minutes¹¹, perfect for holiday meals or small parties¹².

The Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday dish that’s easy to make and tasty to eat. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a favorite at many holiday gatherings¹². Try making it this holiday season and add it to your family’s traditions¹³?

Creative Variations and Additions

Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish that you can make your own. You can change it up by using different cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan. Adding carrots or bell peppers is also a great idea¹⁴. For a spicy twist, try red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Looking to try something new? There are many ways to spice up your casserole. You can add bacon, chives, or blue cheese for a unique flavor¹⁴. Or, try cooking it in the microwave or slow cooker¹⁴. For more ideas, check out tastingtable.com.

Here are some ideas for creative variations and additions:

• Adding diced ham or cooked chicken to increase the protein content
• Using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version
• Experimenting with various spices, like paprika or garlic powder, to add depth to the dish

By trying these creative ideas, you can make your green bean casserole special. It will be a hit at your next gathering¹⁵.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Making Classic casseroles ahead of time saves a lot of time, which is great during the holiday season. Green bean casseroles are a favorite during holidays in the Southern United States¹⁶. You can put together a green bean casserole a day before, without adding the garnishes¹⁶. For even more prep, you can make it 2-3 days early and keep it in the fridge¹⁶.

Here are some tips for storing your green bean casserole:

• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• Freeze for up to 3 months

To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly¹⁶. You can also microwave it by covering it with a paper towel and heating on high for 30-60 seconds¹⁶.

By using these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy your green bean casserole at your next holiday recipes event without the stress of last-minute prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Green Bean Casserole, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is texture problems. These can happen if the casserole is overcooked or undercooked¹⁷. To avoid this, it’s essential to follow the recipe carefully and use a food thermometer to ensure that the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Also, using frozen green beans can be tricky, as they are partially cooked before freezing, making them more susceptible to overcooking¹⁷.

A runny casserole often results from not defrosting and draining frozen green beans before adding them to the dish¹⁷. Using a slurry of flour or cornstarch can effectively thicken excess liquid, provided this step is performed before the crispy topping is added¹⁷. It’s also important to avoid overcooking the green beans, as this can lead to a mushy texture¹⁸. Using fresh ingredients, such as fresh green beans, can help to avoid these texture problems and provide a healthier and more flavorful dish¹⁸.

Seasoning issues can also arise when making a Green Bean Casserole. Using canned green beans can lead to a lack of flavor, as they are often pre-cooked and contain high sodium levels¹⁹. Adding diverse ingredients, such as mushrooms, water chestnuts, or pecans, can help to improve the flavor of the dish¹⁷. It’s also essential to use the right amount of cream of mushroom soup, as excessive amounts can lead to an unbalanced flavor¹⁸.

Temperature concerns are also important when making a Green Bean Casserole. Preheating the oven to the right temperature is essential, and it’s recommended to bake the casserole at a temperature of 400°F or below to avoid burning the topping¹⁹. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious and creamy Green Bean Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. For more information on common mistakes to avoid when making a Green Bean Casserole, visit Green Bean Casserole mistakes¹⁷.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Green bean casserole is great with turkey or mashed potatoes²⁰. It’s also perfect for holiday parties. Try it with roasted meats, stews, and soups for a tasty side dish.

Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a full meal. It goes well with beef, pork, chicken, or fish too. Some sources say green beans match many cuisines, like Italian and American²⁰.

Here are some specific serving suggestions and pairings for green bean casserole:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots
• Stews or soups, such as beef stew or creamy tomato soup

For more pairing ideas, check out cheesevibes.com. They have great cheese pairing suggestions²¹.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Modifications

Understanding the nutritional facts of Classic casseroles like Green Bean Casserole is key. A serving size of 110g has 70 calories, with 3g of fat and 7g of carbs²². This info is vital for those watching their calorie intake or following specific diets.

The dish is low in calories, with most coming from carbs and fat²². It also packs vitamins C and iron, adding to its nutritional value. For dietary tweaks, try gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or dairy-free milk to cut calories and fat.

Some important nutritional points for Green Bean Casserole include:

• Calorie breakdown: 44% from carbs, 44% from fat, and 12% from protein²²
• Gluten-free options: using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or alternative ingredients²³
• Dairy-free alternatives: substituting dairy with non-dairy options like almond or soy milk²⁴

Knowing the nutritional facts and making dietary changes can make Green Bean Casserole a healthy choice. For more healthy recipe ideas, check out cheesevibes.com.

Troubleshooting Your Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a holiday favorite, often served as a side dish. But, problems can happen while making it. To fix these issues, knowing common problems and their solutions is key. One big problem is if the casserole isn’t cooked right. Make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature²⁵.

A good casserole has a thick sauce that covers the beans, not a soup-like consistency. If it’s too watery, it might need more thickener²⁵. Cooking it at 400°F or less helps prevent the topping from burning²⁵. To fix a runny casserole, mix flour or cornstarch with liquid before adding the crispy topping²⁶.

Some mistakes to avoid include adding the topping too soon or letting it sit too long after baking. This makes it soggy²⁶. To avoid this, add the topping near the end of baking. Take the casserole out of the oven when the topping is crispy. This way, you’ll have a delicious, well-cooked green bean casserole for your holiday meal.

For more tips on fixing green bean casserole problems, check out cookbooks or online recipe sites²⁵. This will help you make a dish that everyone will love. It will become a favorite in your holiday recipe collection²⁶.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our look at the beloved²⁷ Green Bean Casserole, it’s clear it’s a true American classic²⁷. It started in Campbell’s test kitchens in 1955 and has become a Thanksgiving favorite²⁸. Its simple ingredients – green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions – make it a hit for those looking for a tasty side dish²⁸.

By following the steps and tips in this article, you can make the perfect²⁷ Green Bean Casserole at home²⁸. It’s great with a roasted turkey or on its own, and everyone will love it²⁷. Its lasting popularity shows how much people love these classic green bean casserole recipes²⁸.

So, when you’re with family this holiday, make sure to add this classic casserole to your menu²⁷. It’s got a creamy sauce and a crispy top that adds a lot of flavor to your meal²⁷. Enjoy the timeless charm of this green bean casserole and make memories with every bite²⁸.