When you think of Thanksgiving dinner, a few key players probably come to mind. Turkey, stuffing, and of course, a bubbling, savory casserole. It’s one of those dishes that just feels like home. This recipe is what I consider the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving has ever seen, and I think you’ll agree.
It’s simple, it’s creamy, and it has that amazing crunchy topping we all love. Forget complicated recipes with a dozen steps. This is all about getting a delicious side on the table so you can enjoy the holiday with your family. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This is a Classic Green Bean Casserole for a reason. It’s the definition of comfort food. It brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive meals. It is a true staple.
The combination of tender green beans swimming in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce is just so satisfying. It’s a flavor profile that works so well with everything else on your Thanksgiving plate.
Plus, the crispy fried onions on top add that little bit of texture that takes it over the edge. You get a little crunch in every single bite. It really is a fantastic addition to your holiday spread.
And the best part? It’s so incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special skills or equipment. Just a bowl, a baking dish, and an oven. It’s a great recipe for beginners or anyone short on time.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dinner needs. Most of these are probably already in your pantry, especially around the holidays.
- 2 (1 lb.) packages frozen haricot verts (extra fine green beans), thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
- 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), divided
See? Nothing too complicated. This straightforward list is what makes it such a reliable Traditional Green Bean Casserole. It’s a recipe you can count on year after year for fantastic results.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s walk through How To Make Green Bean Casserole. This process is so simple, you’ll have it ready for the oven in minutes. Let’s get started on making the holiday magic happen.
Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab an 11 by 7 inch baking dish. Give it a light coat with some cooking spray. This little step makes cleanup so much easier later on.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now for the fun part. In a large bowl, you’re going to combine a few key ingredients. Add your thawed and dried green beans, the cream of mushroom soup, and the heavy cream.
Next, you’ll add half a cup of the crispy fried onions and a quarter cup of the Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir until it’s all nicely mixed together. The mixture should be creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Add Casserole Filling To Baking Dish
Carefully transfer your green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Now, take the remaining one cup of onions and the final quarter cup of cheese.
Sprinkle them all over the top. This is going to create that wonderfully golden and crunchy crust that makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving deserves. Don’t be shy with the topping!
Step 4: Bake Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the casserole cook through without the top getting too brown too quickly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Put the dish back in the oven and continue to bake for another 20 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be hot and bubbly, and the cheese topping to be golden brown.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set up a bit before you serve it. Then, it’s ready to enjoy! You did it!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this fantastic dish, storing them is a breeze. First, let the casserole cool down completely to room temperature. This is an important step for food safety.
Once cooled, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s great for post Thanksgiving meals.
To reheat, you can place it back in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. You could also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps keep the topping a little crispy.
Tips
Want to make this Classic Green Bean Casserole even better? I have a few suggestions. For a bit of extra flavor, you could add a dash of black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder to the soup mixture.
If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can make your own creamy mushroom sauce from scratch. It takes a little more time, but it can add a lovely homemade touch to this traditional dish.
Make sure your frozen green beans are thawed and squeezed very dry. Removing the excess water is key to preventing a watery casserole. This keeps the sauce thick and creamy just how it should be.
For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to mix in some shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese along with the Parmesan. It adds another layer of savory goodness that is always a welcome surprise.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, reliable recipe for a truly delicious side dish. This is the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving tables need. It’s a crowd pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
It’s more than just a recipe. It’s a part of the tradition, a piece of the celebration. I hope this Traditional Green Bean Casserole brings as much joy to your holiday table as it does to mine. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead. Just prepare everything up to the point of baking. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Leave off the final topping of onions until just before you bake to keep them crispy.
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans?
You certainly can. If you’re using fresh green beans, you’ll want to blanch them first. Simply boil them for a few minutes until they are slightly tender, then drain them well before adding them to the mixture. This ensures they cook properly in the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem at all. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or half and half. The casserole might be slightly less rich, but it will still be incredibly creamy and delicious. It’s a very flexible recipe.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because of the crispy fried onions and standard cream of mushroom soup. However, you can easily adapt it. Use a gluten free cream of mushroom soup and look for gluten free crispy onions at the store.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
This simple, comforting green bean casserole features tender green beans in a rich mushroom sauce, topped with crunchy fried onions. It’s a satisfying side dish, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 11 by 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed and dried green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and heavy cream.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the crispy fried onions and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let casserole cool completely before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions, keeping in mind the oven helps maintain crispiness.
For extra flavor, add a dash of black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder to the soup mixture.
Ensure frozen green beans are thawed and squeezed very dry to prevent a watery casserole, ensuring a thick and creamy sauce.
For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to mix in some shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese along with the Parmesan.
Nutrition
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