Creamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans: Fresh green beans that are trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, providing a crisp and vibrant base for the casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup: A canned soup that adds a rich, creamy texture and earthy flavor to the dish.

Milk: Used to thin out the soup and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

French fried onions: Crispy, fried onions that add a delightful crunch and savory flavor to the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

To ensure your green beans retain their vibrant color and crisp texture, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before combining them with the cream of mushroom soup mixture. Immediately transfer the blanched beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain the green beans' freshness and prevents them from becoming too soft during baking.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked to the same tenderness as green beans.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade mushroom sauce: A homemade mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk can replicate the creamy texture and rich flavor.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will provide a richer and creamier texture, though it will be more calorie-dense.

• french fried onions - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be toasted with a bit of butter to create a crunchy topping similar to french fried onions.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese melts well and has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the dish.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the french fried onions soggy.
• Transfer the green bean casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can keep it in the original baking dish, but make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures that the green beans and other ingredients remain fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to reheat, if frozen, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the green beans and cheese.
• Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes. If the french fried onions are not as crispy as you'd like, you can add a fresh layer on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating the casserole multiple times. Instead, reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the green bean casserole reheats evenly without drying out.
• Transfer the leftover casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform heating.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the french fried onions from burning.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check the casserole halfway through to ensure it’s heating evenly.
• Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the french fried onions to crisp up again. This step is crucial for maintaining that delightful crunch.
• If you prefer using a microwave, transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
• Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir the casserole to distribute the heat. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until it’s heated through.
• For an added touch, you can sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top before the final minute of microwaving. This will melt into the casserole, adding extra creaminess.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method is great for achieving a crispy top layer.
• Regardless of the method, always check the internal temperature of the casserole to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature to ensure it cooks evenly and thoroughly.

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, french fried onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole mixture is poured and baked.

• Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring the milk and other ingredients.

• Knife: Needed to trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the green beans.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl and for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Cheese grater: Used if you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

Use pre-trimmed green beans: Save time by purchasing pre-trimmed green beans from the store, eliminating the need to trim and cut them yourself.

Opt for pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it at home.

Mix directly in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce the number of dishes you need to wash.

Use microwave for initial cooking: Microwave the green beans for a few minutes before mixing to cut down on oven time.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the process.