Description
Traditional Southern Green Bean Casserole
This classic Southern green bean casserole is a must-have at family gatherings and holiday dinners. The creamy mushroom sauce pairs beautifully with crisp green beans, while the crispy fried onions on top add the perfect crunch. It’s simple, comforting, and an iconic dish that even beginners can make effortlessly. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a weekday treat, this casserole never fails to deliver warm, homey flavors.
4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups French’s fried onions
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil green beans for 5 mins until tender-crisp.
3. Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Combine green beans with sauce, pour into a 2-quart baking dish.
5. Sprinkle with fried onions, bake for 25 mins until golden.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 150 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, thoroughly wash and trim the ends from your fresh green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for exactly 5 minutes for a tender-crisp texture; immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their vibrant color and snap. While the beans cool, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until completely smooth. Drain the green beans well and fold them gently into the sauce mixture, ensuring all beans are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the top with the entire amount of fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the onions are a deep golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is the quintessential holiday side dish. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. For a complete Southern-style meal, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and cornbread. It also makes a fantastic potluck contribution—simply double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch dish. For a weekday twist, serve a portion topped with a grilled chicken breast or a fried egg for a comforting dinner.
How-to Summary
In short: Blanch fresh green beans, mix with a creamy mushroom sauce, top with crispy fried onions, and bake until golden and bubbly. The key steps are achieving the perfect bean texture and ensuring an even, crispy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen or canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh is preferred for texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry; no need to blanch. For canned, drain and rinse well to reduce sodium, and skip the boiling step entirely.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole with the beans and sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What’s a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Make a homemade sauce by sautéing 8oz sliced mushrooms in butter, stirring in 2 tbsp flour, and then whisking in 1 cup milk or broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results to maintain crispness; microwave reheating will soften the onions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup (or the homemade substitute) and ensure the fried onions brand is vegetarian-friendly, as some contain animal-derived enzymes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the green beans initially: This leads to a mushy final casserole. The blanching step is just to par-cook them.
- Not drying the blanched beans: Excess water will dilute your creamy sauce.
- Stirring the fried onions into the mixture: They must remain on top to get crispy. Mixing them in makes them soggy.
- Using a dish that’s too deep: A shallow, wide dish ensures more surface area for the coveted crispy topping.
Conclusion
This traditional Southern Green Bean Casserole is more than a recipe—it’s a centerpiece of comfort and celebration. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor and satisfying texture. By following this enhanced guide, you can master this classic dish, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt it to your needs. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of Southern hospitality to any table.