Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the star of the dish, providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Cream of mushroom soup: This canned soup adds a rich, creamy base with a hint of earthy mushroom flavor.

Milk: Used to thin out the soup, making the casserole creamy but not too thick.

French fried onions: These add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor on top of the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a cheesy richness that complements the other ingredients.

When preparing the green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before combining with the cream of mushroom soup and milk. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. After blanching, immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your casserole has perfectly cooked green beans that are tender yet still slightly firm.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can provide a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• green beans - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli offers a similar crunch and can absorb the flavors of the casserole well.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy texture and a different but still savory flavor.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade mushroom sauce: Making a sauce with fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk can replicate the creaminess and enhance the mushroom flavor.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will make the casserole richer and creamier.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

• french fried onions - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch and can be seasoned to taste.

• french fried onions - Substitute with crispy shallots: Crispy shallots offer a similar texture and a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese melts well and adds a nutty, rich flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• Allow the green bean casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will keep the casserole fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For freezing, first, ensure the casserole is fully cooled. This prevents ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture.
• Portion the casserole into individual servings if desired. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need without defrosting the entire dish.
• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. For optimal taste and texture, consume within this timeframe.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Alternatively, you can thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This reduces the overall reheating time and ensures even warming.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover green bean casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the french fried onions from burning. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If needed, continue heating in 1-minute increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover green bean casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream of mushroom soup to keep it moist. Stir occasionally, heating for about 10-15 minutes or until the casserole is thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the french fried onions from burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.

• Baking dish: The container where the green bean mixture is spread evenly and baked.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk, french fried onions, and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it after baking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly after baking before serving.

Pre-cook the green beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to reduce baking time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Opt for canned beans: Substitute fresh green beans with canned ones to skip the trimming and cutting.

Mix directly in the baking dish: Combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk directly in the baking dish to avoid extra cleanup.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the process.