The legendary dish that appears on every holiday table and provides a warm, savory hug on a plate. The beauty of this Classic Green Bean Casserole is how simple it is to prepare, requiring just minutes of hands-on time for a result that is absolutely iconic.
We're sticking close to the tried-and-true formula, with a delicious optional addition of cheddar cheese to truly elevate the comfort factor.
📝 Ingredients
|
Component |
Quantity |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Green Beans |
4 cups |
Fresh, trimmed, or frozen. |
|
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup |
1 can (10.5 oz) |
The essential base for the creamy sauce. |
|
Milk |
3/4 cup |
Use whole milk for the best richness. |
|
French-Style Fried Onions |
1 cup |
The quintessential topping! |
|
Salt |
1/2 teaspoon |
|
|
Black Pepper |
1/4 teaspoon |
|
|
Soy Sauce |
1/2 teaspoon |
(Optional) Adds a rich, savory depth (umami). |
|
Shredded Cheddar Cheese |
1/2 cup |
( |
Directions: Step-by-Step
1. Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350^\circ\text{F} (175^\circ\text{C}).
- Lightly grease a 9 \times 13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Green Beans
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them first: boil for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- If using frozen green beans, thaw them completely and drain away any excess water.
- Do not drain canned green beans if you are using them (they are already cooked).
3. Mix the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and the optional soy sauce. Mix until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Stir the prepared green beans into the soup mixture.
- Add half (1/2 cup) of the French-fried onions to the green bean mixture and stir gently to incorporate them.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9 \times 13-inch baking dish.
5. Add Cheese (Optional)
- If you're using cheese, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling around the edges and heated through.
7. The Golden Topping
- Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining half (1/2 cup) of French-fried onions evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and perfectly crisp.
8. Serve
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy this classic centerpiece!
✨ Pro-Tip for Ultimate Crunch!
To ensure your fried onions stay incredibly crispy, always wait until the final 5 minutes of baking to add the second half of the topping. If you add all of them at the beginning, they will absorb the moisture from the sauce and lose their crunch. The delayed addition is the key to that perfect, golden finish!