Originally created in the 1950s, the old-fashioned green bean casserole is a simple yet flavorful combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. It’s a dish that brings together savory, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it an enduring favorite across generations. In this article, let’s learn how to make the Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole, a recipe that has stood the test of time and continues to be a crowd-pleaser.
1. Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut (or 2 cans of cut green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy twist)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to sauté fresh green beans)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Use fresh or canned green beans: If using fresh green beans, trim and cut them into 1 ½-inch pieces. Blanch the beans by boiling them in salted water for 4-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well before proceeding. If using canned green beans, simply drain them and set aside.
Sauté fresh green beans (optional): For added flavor, sauté the blanched green beans in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. This step isn’t necessary but adds richness to the dish.
Step 2: Make the Casserole Base
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until smooth. For a slightly more robust flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
Add in the green beans: Fold the green beans into the soup mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add half of the fried onions: Stir ½ cup of the crispy fried onions into the green bean and sauce mixture. This adds a crunchy texture throughout the casserole.
Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the casserole is heated through.
Add the final layer of onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
Return to the oven: Bake the casserole for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
2. Variations of Old-Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
Bacon Green Bean Casserole: For a smoky, savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the casserole mixture. The bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and crispy onions, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole mixture before baking for a rich, cheesy version. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top of the casserole along with the fried onions for an even more indulgent dish.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. Fresh green beans are naturally gluten-free, so the dish can easily be adapted for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole: For a plant-based version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan mushroom sauce made from almond or soy milk and flour. Replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan fried onions. This version will still have all the creamy goodness and satisfying crunch of the original.
Almond Green Bean Casserole: For a lighter, nutty variation, sprinkle slivered almonds over the casserole before baking. The almonds add a delightful crunch without the extra salt from the fried onions.
3. What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
Roast Turkey: The classic pairing for green bean casserole, especially during Thanksgiving, is roast turkey with gravy. The creamy casserole complements the savory flavors of the turkey perfectly.
Honey Glazed Ham: For Christmas or Easter, serve green bean casserole alongside honey glazed ham for a sweet and savory meal that your family will love.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole are a match made in comfort food heaven. The two dishes share similar textures but offer distinct flavors that balance each other out beautifully.
Stuffing: Another holiday staple, stuffing pairs wonderfully with green bean casserole. The combination of herbs, bread, and broth in stuffing complements the creamy, savory green beans.
Storing and Reheating Green Bean Casserole
Storing: Leftover green bean casserole can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store it in an airtight container to prevent the onions from becoming soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For extra crispiness, uncover the casserole during the last 5 minutes of reheating. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, though the onions may lose some of their crunch.
Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that has earned its place at holiday tables and family dinners for decades. By following these simple steps, you can create a perfect green bean casserole that captures the flavors of tradition while allowing room for your own personal twists. Serve it alongside your favorite main dishes, and enjoy the warm, familiar taste of this classic Southern favorite.
