Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Green Bean Casserole: just the name conjures up images of Thanksgiving feasts, cozy holiday gatherings, and that irresistible creamy, crunchy combination that everyone secretly (or not so secretly!) loves. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the origins of this iconic dish? It might surprise you to learn that this American classic was actually invented by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s Soup Company way back in 1955!

Reilly, a home economist, was tasked with creating a quick and easy recipe using ingredients readily available in most American households. And thus, the green bean casserole was born, quickly becoming a staple on dinner tables across the nation. Its enduring popularity stems from its simplicity – a handful of ingredients, minimal prep time, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What’s not to love? The tender green beans, enveloped in a rich and savory mushroom sauce, topped with those delightfully crispy fried onions – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is practically foolproof. So, let’s dive in and create a green bean casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 ounces French-fried onions, divided

Preparing the Green Beans and Mushrooms:

1. First, let’s get those green beans ready. Wash them thoroughly under cold water. Then, trim off the ends. You can snap them in half if you prefer shorter pieces, but I like to leave them whole for a more rustic look.
2. Now, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You don’t want them to be mushy!
3. While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help the beans retain their vibrant green color. Once the green beans are cooked, drain them immediately and plunge them into the ice bath. Let them sit there for a few minutes to cool completely.
4. Once the green beans are cool, drain them well and set them aside. You can pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess water. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
5. Next, let’s move on to the mushrooms. If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. Avoid soaking them in water, as they tend to absorb it like a sponge.
6. Slice the mushrooms into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

Sautéing the Vegetables and Making the Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The mushrooms should be nicely browned.
3. Season the onion and mushroom mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later.
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to suit your taste.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans and the mushroom sauce. Stir gently to coat the green beans evenly with the sauce.
3. Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle half of the French-fried onions (about 3 ounces) evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions (about 3 ounces) over the top.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent the onions from burning.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Tips and Variations:

• Using Canned Green Beans: If you’re short on time, you can use canned green beans instead of fresh. Drain the canned green beans well and rinse them before adding them to the casserole. Reduce the baking time slightly, as the canned green beans are already cooked.
• Adding Meat: For a heartier casserole, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or bacon. Brown the meat before adding it to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms.
• Cheese Please: Add shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or Parmesan cheese to the casserole for extra flavor. Sprinkle the cheese over the green bean mixture before adding the French-fried onions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: For an even more homemade flavor, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup instead of using the milk and flour mixture. Sauté the onions and mushrooms as directed, then add 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the French-fried onions just before baking.
• Freezing: Green bean casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add the French-fried onions just before baking.

Serving Suggestions:

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s especially popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.
• Pair it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Serve it as a side dish for a potluck or holiday gathering.
• Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Green Bean Casserole!

Conclusion:

This isn’t your grandma’s same-old, same-old green bean casserole. This is a green bean casserole experience, a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). From the perfectly crisp green beans to the creamy, savory sauce and that irresistible crunchy topping, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but for any weeknight dinner where you want to add a touch of something special to the table.

But why is it a must-try? Because it elevates a classic. It takes the familiar comfort of green bean casserole and injects it with fresh, vibrant flavors and textures that you won’t find in a canned soup version. The homemade cream sauce is richer, more flavorful, and completely customizable to your liking. And that crispy topping? Forget the store-bought fried onions – we’re talking about a golden-brown, perfectly seasoned masterpiece that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. It’s a dish that’s both nostalgic and modern, familiar and surprising.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While it’s fantastic served as a classic side dish alongside your favorite holiday roast, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding some cooked mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy depth of flavor. Or, for a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider topping it with crumbled bacon or toasted pecans for an extra layer of richness and texture. For a vegetarian option, ensure your vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly. You could even stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist that kids (and adults!) will love.

Serving suggestions are endless! I love serving this green bean casserole alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple veggie burger. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks and holiday gatherings, where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Leftovers (if there are any!) are delicious reheated or even enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. You can also use leftover casserole as a filling for savory hand pies or as a topping for baked potatoes.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Don’t be intimidated by the “homemade” aspect – it’s much easier than you might think. Take your time, follow the instructions, and most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, and this recipe is a great way to get creative in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a green bean casserole that will become a family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with me! Post a picture on social media and tag me, or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. I’m always eager to see your culinary masterpieces and hear about your personal variations. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know what you think!