Green bean casserole is one dish, which, when mentioned, makes you think of different holiday occasions. Green bean casserole will come to your mind if you think of the most widespread holiday food. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are not complete without this traditional casserole and they ever have a familiar taste of home and warmth. Everybody understands that for preparation of this well-known side dish all you need to do is to make some simple steps with simple ingredients. But if this is your first time making green bean casserole, we have got you covered. So let’s get into a green bean casserole that is fast and will surely delight the whole family during the next occasion.
What Is Green Bean Casserole?
A Classic Dish for the Holidays
Green bean casserole is an uncomplicated but tasty dish based on green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and onion crisps. Such a delicious comfort dish has undoubtedly become a staple during holidays- the creamy fills coupled with the crunchy crust makes it impossible to go without it. These are the make-ahead dishes that can be prepared quickly and yet are full of flavor.
Origin of Green Bean Casserole
Did you know that green bean casserole was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, who worked for the Campbell Soup Company? Her goal was to create a using common pantry items, like green beans and cream of mushroom soup. Since then, this casserole has taken its place as a holiday classic.
Ingredients for Easy Green Bean Casserole
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe-infoodblog.com
Fresh or Canned Green Beans: What’s the jury’s decision?
The first question that is likely to confront you is which form of green beans to choose- fresh or canned. Both of these options have their pros and cons as follows:
Canned Green Beans: Reasonably, these are easy to use due to their tenderness that will help them to be inclusive in a last minute pot luck underscore casserole.
Fresh Green Beans: These on the other hand provide a crunchier taste and less cook flavor but are time consuming in trimming and blanching.
Which Cream of Mushroom Soup will You Choose?
Casserole ‘s creamy soup of mushroom constitutes the crux of the casserole. In most cases, people go for the canned soup due to the ease of use, however, one can also prepare theirs to improve taste and be in control of the ingredients.
Crunchy Fried Onions: A Dessert that Must Be Topped with Other Dishes/Casserole
Crisp fried onions are the most important part of green bean casserole Most importantly they also resolve the problem of texture and give the impression of being able to have it all on the soup Tom Collins. You can purchase crispy onions from the store or prepare them on your own in case you are an adventurous type.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Green Bean Casserole
Preparing Fresh Green Beans
In case fresh green beans are used, they should still be washed and their ends trimmed before being boiled in salted water for not more than 5 minutes. This helps to keep them green and a bit firm.
In case canned green beans are to be used, simply drain out the excess liquid as it may be containing salt.
Blending Creamy Mixture
To a large mixing bowl, add your cream of mushroom soup and a little bit of milk, and mix. Then, add the blanched or canned green beans and toss until everything gets coated.
Placing the Fried Onion
After spreading the green beans mixture in a casserole dish, top it with plenty of crispy fried onions. This topping adds crunch to the element that makes the dish appetizing.
Casserole Dish Boosting Heating, Cooling, and Drying
Set your oven at 175 degrees centigrade-350 degrees for others. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and hot with bubbling.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe-infoodblog.com
Incorporating Fresh Mushrooms for More Taste Improvement of Baked Casseroles.
How can you build on the mushroom flavor? First, mince some garlic and onions and saute the fresh mushrooms with them, then mix them with the casserole.
Casserole Green Beans without Dairy Products or Vegans.
For the vegan version of it, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a plant based cream soup. Instead of milk it is also possible to use soy or almond milk, and also put fried onions on the top that are dairy free.
Gluten Free Version
To alter the s and bake emerged other ingredients, make the casserole gluten free by using gluten free cream of mushroom soup, and fried. this ingredient must always be checked because it may be hidden wheat.
Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe-infoodblog.com
Creamy on the Inside
In case you are craving a creamier casserole than the one made with a tablespoon of sour cream, go ahead and put more milk or even sour cream in the mixture.
No More Casserole Topped Brown Onions
Don’t distress if your fried onion topping turns out soggy. Just do not take advantage of it placed on top before the last 5 minutes of the baking process. This is because it causes the topping to be crispy or fresh for longer.
One More Thing, Seasoning the Food
Don’t forget to season your casserole! A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or even garlic powder will do wonders to the dish.
Leftovers and its best storage and reheating
Best Practices for Storing
Any leftovers should be placed into an airtight container and can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Reheating for Fresh Taste
To heat it up again, it is enough to put the casserole in an oven that has already been heated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or as long as it takes to heat it through. The casserole can be reheated in a microwave and be done faster, only that the onions might lose their crispiness.
Green Bean Casserole for Special Occasions
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe-infoodblog.com
Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners
Typically, people serve this as a side dish with turkey stuffing and other accompaniments during Thanksgiving and Christmas dishs. The holiday’s rich dishes are improved with the present dishes having an ultra-creamy flavor.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Potlucks and Gatherings
It’s never a bad idea to celebrate this occasion with your friends and serve a green bean casserole. Green bean casserole is very good and goes with almost all the food you are serving on hand in case you are running out of ideas of what to serve on your occasions.
Conclusion
This well-known and comfortable side dish is perfect for almost all celebrations or even everyday dinners. Who wouldn’t love a dish with a creamy filling and a crispy topping? The main reason why this dish is deemed to be classic. Regardless of whether you follow through with the old style of making the dish or attempt one of the alternatives, your green bean casserole will sure be a success!
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned or fresh green beans about 1 pound fresh, trimmed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk can substitute almond or soy milk for dairy-free version
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce optional, for extra flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Green Beans
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling in water for 3-5 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain and set aside.
- If using canned green beans, drain and rinse them to remove excess salt.
- Mix the Casserole Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce
- Add the green beans to the mixture and stir until all the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the green bean mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Add the Topping
- Sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions on top of the green bean mixture.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the onions on top are golden brown.
- Final Touch
- For extra crunch, add the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can use almond milk or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. You can also substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery, depending on your preference.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole without the fried onion topping and refrigerate. Add the onions just before baking for the best texture.
