Ah, green bean casserole! Just saying it makes my heart flutter with nostalgia. This dish has become a staple on my family’s holiday table, and I can’t imagine Thanksgiving or Christmas without it. It’s that magical combination of creamy, savory goodness and crispy texture that makes it irresistible. I remember my grandma making it every year, and she always said it wasn’t just a side dish; it was a symbol of togetherness. Everyone gathers around, forks at the ready, ready to dive into that bubbling dish of warmth. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this casserole, you’ll want to make it for every gathering, big or small. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in. So, let’s get cooking and bring a little bit of that holiday magic into our kitchens, shall we?
What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a classic American side dish that beautifully marries fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions on top. It first made its debut in the 1950s, thanks to a recipe published by the Campbell Soup Company, and has since become a beloved staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners. This casserole is not just a dish; it’s a comforting symbol of tradition and togetherness, often evoking cherished memories and warm conversations around the dinner table. Its rich flavors and delightful textures make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal, elevating even the simplest of feasts.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! This casserole comes together with just a few simple staples that pack a ton of flavor, and I promise you won’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh green beans – Make sure to trim the ends for a clean look and taste. Fresh is best for that crisp texture!
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This creamy goodness is the heart of our casserole, adding richness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk works wonders for creaminess, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- 1 cup crispy fried onions – These little guys are a must! They add that delightful crunch on top and a savory kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce – Just a splash gives the casserole a lovely depth of flavor. Trust me on this one!
And that’s it! You may even have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Let’s get ready to whip up some magic!
How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious green bean casserole! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step. Here’s how to do it:
Prepping the Green Beans
First things first, let’s prep those beautiful green beans! Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 5 minutes. This quick cook helps to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. After that, drain them and set aside.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and half of those crispy fried onions. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this is where the magic starts to happen, and you can already smell the deliciousness!
Baking Instructions
Now, pour the green bean mixture into a baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Once that’s done, take it out and sprinkle the remaining crispy onions on top. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes to get that glorious golden brown crust. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for their first bite!
Tips for Success with Green Bean Casserole
To make your green bean casserole truly shine, here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way! First, if you’re short on fresh green beans, frozen ones work perfectly fine—just make sure to thaw and drain them well. Want to amp up the flavor? Consider adding some cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory punch. Also, don’t skimp on the crispy fried onions; they’re essential for that crunchy topping! And remember, you can adjust the consistency by using more or less milk to get your desired creaminess. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Green Bean Casserole
Let’s chat about the nutritional aspects of this delightful green bean casserole! Each serving is approximately 180 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. It also contains around 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy this comforting dish without too much guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Green Bean Casserole
Got some questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First off, yes, you can absolutely use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing. If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and check that your fried onions are also gluten-free. As for what to serve with it, this casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s versatile, delicious, and sure to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Super easy to make with minimal prep and cook time.
- Rich, creamy flavor with that irresistible crispy onion topping.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably have on hand.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this green bean casserole! After you give it a try, please leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your delicious creations on social media. Happy cooking!
Z nadrukami
Green bean casserole: 5 Reasons to Love This Classic Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A classic green bean casserole made with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Składniki
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes.
- Drain and place the green beans in a mixing bowl.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and half of the crispy fried onions to the green beans.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
Uwagi
- Feel free to use frozen green beans if fresh ones are unavailable.
- You can add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: green bean casserole, side dish, vegetarian
