Get ready to transport yourself back to those nostalgic family gatherings with the most irresistible green bean casserole that has been secretly passed down through generations! This isn't just another side dish – it's a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're a holiday dinner hero or just craving some classic comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that combines the perfect balance of tender green beans, rich creamy sauce, and crispy golden onion topping.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2 inches long.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Drain the green beans and pat them dry with paper towels. Add them to the soup mixture, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Season the green bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all beans are well seasoned.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional crispy onions if desired.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh green beans when possible. They provide a superior texture and flavor compared to frozen varieties.
- Blanching Technique: Don't skip the ice bath after blanching! This crucial step preserves the beans' bright green color and crisp texture.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning makes a huge difference in the overall flavor.
- Crispy Onion Hack: For extra crunch, reserve some crispy fried onions to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the crispy onions right before baking.
- Temperature Matters: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
