The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without a creamy, comforting Green Bean Casserole. This classic side dish evokes memories of family gatherings and warm, home-cooked meals. But let’s be honest, some green bean casseroles can be a bit… bland. This recipe takes the traditional flavors you love and elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s family-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this recipe is ready in under an hour, perfect for busy Thanksgiving prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a classic, and this recipe delivers on the traditional flavors with a delicious twist. Perfect for your thanksgiving dinner.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: This casserole is warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying – the ultimate comfort food!
- Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish: No Thanksgiving menu is complete without a classic green bean casserole.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this delicious vegetable dish.
- Freezable: Make ahead and freeze for a stress-free Thanksgiving day!
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups canned fried onions, divided
- Optional: Dash of garlic powder
Substitutions: For a healthier version, use fresh green beans steamed until tender-crisp. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce or cream of chicken soup. For a vegan thanksgiving, use plant-based alternatives for milk and cream of mushroom soup, and use fried onions suitable for vegans.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and half of the fried onions (reserve the other half for topping). Add a dash of garlic powder if desired.
- Mix well: Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Ensure the green beans are evenly coated in the soup mixture.
- Pour into baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 1.5-quart baking dish. A square or oval baking dish works perfectly.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Add topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest: Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Make sure it is cooled properly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side dish! It is best served at Thanksgiving dinner.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the green beans: Overcooked green beans will result in a mushy casserole. Ensure your green beans are tender-crisp or lightly steamed if you’re using fresh ones.
- Crispy topping is key: Keep a close eye on the fried onions in the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Add a touch of spice: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup, milk alternative, and vegan fried onions. This variation ensures everyone can enjoy this thanksgiving recipe.
- Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. A great option for those following gluten free thanksgiving recipes!
Serving Suggestions
This classic green bean casserole is the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving feast! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Roasted Turkey: No Thanksgiving is complete without a perfectly roasted turkey!
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: A classic pairing that complements the casserole perfectly.
- Stuffing: Add a side of traditional or cornbread stuffing for the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the casserole.
- Thanksgiving Salad: Offer a fresh salad for a balanced meal, especially for healthy thanksgiving recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For best results, add a splash of milk to prevent drying out. This is a common issue with thanksgiving side dishes.
FAQ about Green Bean Casserole
Q: Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it and refrigerate it, unbaked. Add the fried onions just before baking for the Thanksgiving dinner.
Q: Can I freeze green bean casserole?
A: Yes, green bean casserole can be frozen. Assemble the casserole, but do not add the fried onions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the fried onions just before baking. Freezing makes it a great option for thanksgiving meals prepared in advance.
Q: What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken soup, or make your own mushroom sauce from scratch for a more gourmet version. For those wanting vegan thanksgiving recipes, opt for a plant-based cream of mushroom soup.
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Steam or blanch fresh green beans until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. Approximately 1 pound of fresh green beans will yield the same amount as two cans. Fresh ingredients are always a good option for thanksgiving food.
Q: How can I make this healthier?
A: Use fresh green beans, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of fried onions to make a healthier version. Consider adding some herbs or spices for extra flavor without the extra fat, and its great for healthy thanksgiving recipes.
Final Thoughts on Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving feast! It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with comforting flavors that bring everyone together. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for future reference, and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out! Subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and Thanksgiving entertaining ideas! Happy Thanksgiving!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- oven
- large mixing bowl,
- 1.5-quart Baking Dish
- spoon,
Ingredients
- 2 cans cut green beans 14.5 oz each, drained
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz
- 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups canned fried onions divided
- garlic powder optional dash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and half of the fried onions (reserve the other half for topping). Add a dash of garlic powder if desired.
- Mix well: Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Ensure the green beans are evenly coated in the soup mixture.
- Pour into baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 1.5-quart baking dish. A square or oval baking dish works perfectly.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Add topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest: Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side dish!
