Holiday Green Beans
A classic holiday side dish featuring tender green beans, crispy fried onions, toasted almonds, and creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the well-drained green beans, almonds, mushrooms, and one-third of the onion rings in a 2 to 3-quart casserole.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and cream of mushroom soup until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the green bean mixture.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the lid from the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining onion rings on the surface of the beans.
- Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a splash of soy sauce to the green bean mixture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce or use a low-fat version. Toast the almonds prior to mixing for added crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, ensure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious green bean casserole alongside holiday favorites like roast turkey or glazed ham. It also pairs beautifully with Vegetarian recipes focused on hearty winter vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. This dish can also be a delightful side for a summer barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the green bean casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Green Beans contains roughly 481 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (43% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% 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 use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used for a fresher taste. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture during baking.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and vegetable or chicken broth. This will give you a fresher flavor without preservatives. Alternatively, a can of cream of celery soup can work well as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the onion rings before baking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
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).