Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole is a beloved comfort dish that combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. This savory blend is perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts, offering a delightful crunch and rich flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained green beans, milk, cream of mushroom soup, ground black pepper, and half of the French fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Top the casserole with the remaining French fried onions.
- Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a different condensed soup like cream of chicken. If you're short on time, fresh green beans can be quickly blanched instead of using canned. For extra flavor, add sautéed garlic or onions to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This classic green bean casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or a hearty meatloaf. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce for a festive touch. For a vegetarian option, it complements dishes like the Milk Chocolate Bar Cake or Banana Chocolate Chip Bread for dessert, making it a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If the topping has lost its crunch, briefly broil for a minute to crisp it back up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Green Bean Casserole contains roughly 369 calories, with 12g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it according to the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used for a fresher taste. Simply trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients. Drain and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What can I do if I don't have French fried onions?
If you don't have French fried onions, consider using homemade crispy onions by thinly slicing onions, coating them in flour, and frying until golden. Alternatively, you can crush potato chips or use panko breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder for a different crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).