The Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe is a timeless favorite that brings unforgettable comfort and joy to any meal. This dish combines tender green beans enveloped in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and crowned with a delightful layer of crunchy, golden French fried onions. It’s the perfect blend of smooth and crispy textures, making it an all-star side that never fails to impress at family dinners or holiday feasts. Once you try this recipe, it’s certain to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture in the Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe. Each item brings something special to the table, whether it’s the smoothness of the mushroom soup or the irresistible crunch of the fried onions.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): This provides the rich, creamy base that ties everything together with a comforting mushroom flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds smoothness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency without overpowering the other flavors.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp): Just a splash to enhance the umami and deepen the savory notes in the casserole.
- Green beans (4 cups, fresh, canned, or frozen): The star vegetable that delivers freshness and that classic green hue to brighten the dish.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp): A subtle spicy kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Crispy French fried onions (1 1/3 cups, divided): Essential for that signature crunchy topping that makes this casserole truly special.
How to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your casserole is ready to bake, the oven is at the perfect temperature to create that inviting golden crust on top.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and ground black pepper. Stir these ingredients well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat every green bean beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Gently fold in your green beans, whether you chose fresh, canned, or frozen. Make sure each bean is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce, as this step is what ensures every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Spread the green bean mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the crispy French fried onions over the top. These onions are what will give the casserole that coveted crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly around the edges and the onions have turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once baked, sprinkle the remaining crispy French fried onions on top for an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal. Let the casserole cool briefly before serving to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. These small touches add a pop of color and an extra hint of freshness that complements the casserole’s richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken and is an ideal companion to mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce during festive meals. It also works well with a simple garden salad to balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or layer it in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful green beans and golden onions. It’s as lovely on the eyes as it is on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its delicious flavors but may lose some crispness, which can easily be refreshed.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this casserole freezes well. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the crispy onions just before baking for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If the topping has softened, sprinkle additional crispy onions for that fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully and add a lovely texture. Just be sure to blanch them briefly before mixing to keep them tender but firm.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream of mushroom soup and milk?
Yes, you can find dairy-free cream of mushroom soups in many stores or make your own with plant-based milk and mushrooms. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk as a milk substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few substitutions—vegan mushroom soup, plant-based milk, and vegan fried onions—you can absolutely enjoy a vegan version of this beloved casserole.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
To get the crispiest topping, add the French fried onions during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking or sprinkle some on after baking and broil briefly while watching closely.
What can I add to make this casserole more flavorful?
Consider stirring in some garlic powder, sautéed mushrooms, or even a little shredded cheddar cheese to enrich the flavor and make it extra special.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm dish like the Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe with those you love. Its perfect mix of creaminess and crunch makes it a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find your new favorite classic side dish!
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Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy French Fried Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is an easy and comforting side dish perfect for any family meal or holiday dinner. Featuring tender green beans coated in a savory mushroom soup mixture and topped with crispy fried onions, this casserole bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 4 cups cut green beans (from 2 cans, 1 lb fresh, or one 16 oz frozen package)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Soup Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and ground black pepper until well blended to create a creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Green Beans: Fold the green beans gently into the soup mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crispy French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the onion topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving to let it set slightly and ensure safe serving temperature.
Notes
- You can use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans based on preference and availability.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the soup mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free fried onions and check the soup label accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
