Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole: A Family Favorite

There’s something heartwarming about serving a steaming hot dish of green bean casserole at the dinner table, isn’t there? It’s not just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic celebration of gatherings, especially during the holidays. My own experience with this ultimate green bean casserole has transformed it from a simple recipe into a cherished tradition. This dish combines the crunchiness of fresh green beans with creamy goodness and savory bacon to create a masterpiece that not only steals the spotlight at Thanksgiving but is perfect for any family meal.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

You might wonder what makes this green bean casserole recipe so special. Well, for starters, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both busy weeknights and holiday feasts. This casserole is budget-friendly, utilizing fresh, accessible ingredients. Furthermore, the combination of crispy bacon, creamy soup, and fresh green beans makes it a flavor explosion that even picky eaters love. Trust me; once you serve it, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

“I made this for Thanksgiving, and it was the first dish to disappear! Everyone raved about it, and it’s now a must-have at our family gatherings.” – Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Are you ready to dive into this delightful dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process: first, we’ll prepare the green beans by blanching them to preserve that wonderful crunch. Then, crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms will bring rich flavor to the casserole. After mixing these with a creamy sauce and cheese, we’ll bake it to perfection. Finally, it gets topped with crispy French fried onions for that extra crunch. It’s straightforward, and your family will be asking for seconds!

Gather Your Ingredients

To achieve this deliciousness, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup French fried onions

Ingredient Notes

Feel free to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version, or switch up the cheese to your favorite type for a personalized twist!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the green beans until they are tender-crisp, roughly 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, keeping a bit of the bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they’re soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and half of the cooked bacon.
6. Pour everything into a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with French fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve hot, and enjoy the delighted faces around your table!

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving this ultimate green bean casserole, the options are endless. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken, making it an ideal side dish for holiday gatherings. You could even make it the star of a cozy family dinner by serving it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Wondering how to keep leftover green bean casserole fresh? It’s simple! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe dish, and it should be good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Just avoid microwaving for best texture results!

Expert Advice

A few tips to elevate your green bean casserole game:

• For an even richer flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the creamy mixture before baking.
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a delightful smoky note.
• Make sure not to overcook the green beans when blanching, as they will continue to cook while baking!

Creative Twists

Who says you have to stay traditional? Get creative with your green bean casserole! You can add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or spicing it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a cheese lover’s delight, mixing in some pepper jack cheese adds an extra layer of flavor. You could also opt for a gluten-free version by using a homemade cream sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and cooking time is around 35 minutes. In less than an hour, you can have this scrumptious casserole on your table!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead, just store it in the fridge and bake it right before serving. Just remember to add the French fried onions in the last 10 minutes.

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer a homemade option, you can create a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, mushroom, milk, and seasoning instead of the canned soup for a fresher taste.

With this ultimate green bean casserole, you’re not just making a dish; you’re creating a lasting memory with your loved ones. Dive in, enjoy, and savor every delectable bite!

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

---

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A heartwarming green bean casserole combining fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy French fried onions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup French fried onions

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, keeping some bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and half of the cooked bacon.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with French fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute bacon with turkey bacon and cheese with your favorite type. For a richer flavor, add Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, side dish, Thanksgiving, family recipe, comfort food