5 Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can warm the heart like a classic green bean casserole. Often featured at holiday dinners, this beloved dish has a rich history, starting with its creation by Campbell Soup Company in the 1950s. But why stick to the traditional recipe when you can enhance it with different flavors and techniques? In this post, we'll explore five delicious variations of the green bean casserole, ensuring that you'll find a version to suit every palate and occasion.

1. The Classic Recipe with a Modern Twist

The traditional green bean casserole is simple and delicious, but there’s always room for improvement:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (10 ¹⁄₂ ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • ³⁄₄ cup milk
  • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups cooked green beans
  • 1 ¹⁄₃ cups French’s® French Fried Onions
  • ¹⁄₄ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine soup, milk, pepper, beans, garlic, and ²⁄₃ cup onions in a casserole dish. Stir in Parmesan for an added flavor boost.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Top with remaining onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until they are golden brown.

2. Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon

This recipe adds a smoky, cheesy twist to the classic:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 10 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10 ¹⁄₂ ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Instructions:
  1. Boil green beans until tender, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy; set aside to drain.
  3. Use the bacon grease to cook mushrooms and onions until softened. Add garlic.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and soup, then add the cheese, mixing until melted.
  5. Combine beans, bacon, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with crispy onions.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

⚠️ Note: Keep an eye on the bacon while cooking to avoid burning.

3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

For those on a plant-based diet, this vegan casserole is both satisfying and delicious:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced into half-moons
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 cup gluten-free fried onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Blanch green beans and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions in oil until caramelized, then add garlic and mushrooms.
  4. Add coconut milk, cashew cream, and soy sauce, stirring until well combined.
  5. Mix with green beans, transfer to a baking dish, and top with fried onions.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden.

4. Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole

This version brings some southwestern heat to your holiday table:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • ¹⁄₂ pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 can (10 ¹⁄₂ ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup crushed tortilla chips
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook chorizo until browned; set aside. In the same skillet, cook pepper and onion until softened.
  3. Mix green beans, chorizo, peppers, onion, soup, broth, and spices. Add half of the cheese.
  4. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and crushed chips.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. French-Inspired Green Bean Almondine Casserole

With a touch of French elegance, this version is bound to impress:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup dry white wine
  • ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted
• Instructions:
  1. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water; set aside.
  2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toast almonds until golden; remove almonds.
  3. Add remaining butter to skillet, cook shallots, then deglaze with wine.
  4. Stir in cream, mustard, and seasonings.
  5. Mix with green beans, top with almonds and breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden.

To wrap up, exploring different variations of the green bean casserole can transform this holiday staple into an exciting dish that caters to all preferences, from traditional to adventurous. Whether you’re sticking to a classic or trying something new, each of these recipes provides a unique twist to enhance your dining experience. By embracing both comfort and creativity, we’ve shown that there’s a green bean casserole for everyone, making it not just a dish, but a celebration of diversity and flavor.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

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Yes, you can use frozen green beans for any of these recipes. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using to avoid excess moisture.

Are there gluten-free options for the crispy toppings?

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Absolutely! You can find gluten-free fried onions or make your own by tossing sliced onions in gluten-free flour and frying them.

How can I make these recipes dairy-free?

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Opt for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, and replace any cheese or milk with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also be used to mimic the cheesy flavor.