Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that finds its place at many dinner tables, especially during the holidays. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the nostalgic comfort it brings. This casserole combines the crunchy texture of fried onions with tender green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce. Whether you are hosting a family gathering, a festive holiday meal, or just a cozy dinner, this dish is perfect for sharing and satisfying everyone at the table.

One of the main reasons to make this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a delightful dish that requires minimal effort. It showcases how a few basic pantry staples can come together to create something delicious and beloved. Plus, it is adaptable; you can tweak it to suit your tastes, making it a versatile option for any dinner.

Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is also an excellent way to sneak in some veggies into your meals. Green beans are packed with nutrients, and when paired with a creamy sauce and crispy topping, they become an irresistible treat. This dish truly embodies the phrase "comfort food," making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

How to Make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Making Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is straightforward and fun. Here is all you need to know to bring this delicious dish to your table.

Ingredients

To make this tasty casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is mixed well.

3. Prepare Baking Dish: Take a baking dish and pour the mixture from the bowl into it, spreading it out evenly.

4. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

5. Stir the Casserole: After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and give it a good stir to mix everything together again.

6. Add Toppings: Top the casserole with the remaining French fried onions. If you are using cheddar cheese, sprinkle that on too.

7. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top.

8. Serve Warm: Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, making it a wonderful side dish for any meal.

How to Serve Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is perfect for serving as a side dish.

• Family Dinners: It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
• Holiday Feasts: During Thanksgiving or Christmas, it adds a lovely, festive touch to your table.
• Potlucks: This casserole is simple to prepare in large amounts, making it ideal for sharing at gatherings.

When serving, consider placing the casserole in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. You can also offer some extra fried onions on the side for those who want a little more crunch!

How to Store Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole easily.

• Refrigeration: Place any remaining casserole in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure it’s completely cool first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and it can last for up to 2-3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them. You can do this in the oven or microwave until hot. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up.

Tips to Make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

• Fresh Green Beans: If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh green beans instead of canned. Just blanch them for about 5 minutes before mixing them into the casserole.
• Make it Creamier: You can add a bit more milk to the mixture if you like a creamier casserole.
• Onion Options: If you want to change things up, try adding crispy bacon bits along with or instead of fried onions for extra flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: If you really love cheese, consider adding a mixture of different cheeses such as mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
• Herbs and Spices: To enhance the flavor even more, consider adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mix.

Variation

If you’re looking for some variations on this classic dish:

• Bacon and Cheese Casserole: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Pair it with cheese to make a delicious combination.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute green beans with cauliflower for a low-carb version. Use cream cheese instead of cream of mushroom soup for a richer texture.
• Asian-inspired: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a can of coconut milk, and add some soy sauce and sesame seeds to create an Asian twist.

FAQs

Can I make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the baking dish. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

What can I serve with Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole?

This casserole pairs excellent with many dishes. Consider serving it with roasted turkey, ham, fried chicken, or even a hearty meatloaf. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice very well.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, especially if you avoid adding bacon. The cream of mushroom soup is typically meat-free, but just check the label to be sure.

Can I use other types of vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like corn or carrots to create a mixed vegetable casserole if you prefer a different taste or texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check the label on the French fried onions as some brands may contain gluten. You can also make your own fried onions to ensure they fit within your dietary preferences.

Making Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is not only easy but also brings people together with its delicious taste. Enjoy the comfort, the memories, and the joy of sharing this delightful dish!

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