Original Green Bean Casserole
A classic holiday side dish featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this casserole combines comforting flavors and textures that appeal to all ages and complement a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except half of the fried onions in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese to the mixture. If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them before adding to the casserole. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or another creamy soup for a different flavor. This dish pairs well with vegetarian recipes, making it a great side for a meatless meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green bean casserole alongside roasted turkey or ham for a festive meal. It also pairs beautifully with Crescent Dinner Rolls for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or some mashed potatoes to round out the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green bean casserole should be cooled to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover it with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Green Bean Casserole contains roughly 213 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% 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 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of this green bean casserole, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure the French fried onions are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will work perfectly in this recipe.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by adding sautéed garlic or onion to the mix before baking. You can also include herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For a richer taste, consider using a mix of different cream soups or adding grated cheese on top before the final bake.
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).