### Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole is a cherished dish that has become a mainstay at festive celebrations, especially Thanksgiving. This traditional recipe includes tender green beans mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce and crowned with crispy fried onions, producing a delightful combination of tastes and textures. Here’s all you need to learn about preparing this tasty side dish.
#### Reasons You’ll Appreciate This Recipe
1. **Quick Preparation**: With merely 5 minutes of prep time, this casserole is incredibly simple to prepare.
2. **Flexible**: You can opt for fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, making it suitable for whatever you have available.
3. **Make in Advance**: Assemble the casserole several days ahead and bake it just prior to serving.
4. **Serve Anytime**: It’s ideal for holiday feasts or as a cozy side for a Sunday dinner.
#### Ingredient Insights
– **Green Beans**:
– **Canned Green Beans**: Soft consistency, no preparation needed—just drain and mix.
– **Frozen Green Beans**: Tender-crisp consistency; boil for approximately 5 minutes and season with additional salt.
– **Fresh Green Beans**: Boil for 8 minutes for a fresh taste and tender-crisp consistency.
– **Sauce**: The foundation is condensed cream of mushroom soup, but you can substitute with other “cream of” varieties like cream of celery.
– **Crispy Fried Onions**: French’s Crispy Fried Onions contribute a crunchy topping and elevate the flavor.
#### Substitutions
– **Cheese**: Introduce shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce for a cheesy variation.
– **Homemade Sauce**: Craft your own mushroom cream sauce and substitute fried shallots for onions.
– **Garlic**: Add minced garlic or garlic powder for an enhanced flavor profile.
– **Topping**: Swap crispy onions for a blend of Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
#### Steps to Prepare Green Bean Casserole
1. **Cook Beans**: Boil fresh or frozen green beans until soft. Drain if using canned.
2. **Prepare Sauce**: In a large bowl, whisk together the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: Toss in the green beans, some crispy onions, and cheese (if applicable) to the sauce and stir thoroughly.
4. **Top & Bake**: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle on the remaining crispy onions, and bake until golden and bubbly.
#### Tips for Preparing in Advance
1. Assemble the casserole as instructed but keep the crispy onion topping separate. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
2. Take the casserole out of the fridge 30 minutes before you bake.
3. Add the onions on top and bake as directed, allowing for extra time if necessary.
#### Cooking Duration
– **Total Duration**: Roughly 50 minutes (10 minutes prep, 40 minutes cook).
– **Baking Temperature**: 350°F (175°C).
#### Common Questions
– **How Long to Bake Green Bean Casserole?**
Bake for about 40 minutes at 350°F. If chilled, add extra time.
– **Can You Prepare Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?**
Yes, it can be made up to 48 hours prior.
– **Is it Possible to Freeze Green Bean Casserole?**
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
#### Nutritional Overview (per serving)
– **Calories**: 112
– **Carbohydrates**: 11g
– **Protein**: 3g
– **Fat**: 6g
– **Sodium**: 475mg
This traditional green bean casserole is guaranteed to be popular at your next get-together, evoking nostalgia and comfort at the table. Enjoy!