Green bean casserole is a beloved dish, especially during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving. This dish, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, can be customized in numerous ways to fit any palate or dietary preference. Whether you're looking to stick to tradition or try something new, here are seven delicious green bean casserole recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends:
1. Classic Green Bean Casserole
If you're a fan of the timeless taste that has graced many holiday tables, this is for you:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked green beans (drained)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions
Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans, and 2/3 cup of onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Stir, sprinkle remaining onions, and bake another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
🍲 Note: For a homemade touch, make your cream of mushroom soup from scratch to elevate the taste!
2. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Here’s a plant-based version to ensure no one misses out:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cashew cream
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup fried shallots or onions (gluten-free if necessary)
Blanch green beans until tender-crisp. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, add mushrooms, and cook until soft. Stir in cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and thyme. Combine with beans, top with shallots, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
3. Spicy Green Bean Casserole
For those who love a kick, add some heat:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 cup fried onions
Combine beans, soup, sour cream, milk, sriracha, jalapeños, and half of the cheese. Pour into casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese and onions. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
🔥 Note: Adjust the amount of sriracha or jalapeños for desired heat level!
4. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Up the ante with extra cheese:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Blanch beans, melt butter in pan, sauté onions, add flour, milk, cheese, and seasonings. Pour over beans, top with cracker mix, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden.
5. Bacon and Almond Green Bean Casserole
This one’s for the bacon lovers:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fried onions for topping
Mix beans with soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and half the bacon. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle almonds, remaining bacon, and onions. Bake at 350°F until bubbly and the onions are crisp.
6. Herbed Green Bean Casserole
Perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavors:
- 4 cups green beans, cleaned and trimmed
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme)
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Freshly grated Parmesan for topping
Combine beans with soup, cream, herbs, and lemon zest. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, bake at 375°F until the topping is golden.
🧄 Note: Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, reducing the quantity by about a third.
7. Sweet and Savory Green Bean Casserole
For a twist on the traditional with a touch of sweetness:
- 4 cups green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup honey mustard
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup fried onions
Blend beans with soup, mustard, milk, and sugar. Spread in a casserole dish, top with bacon and onions. Bake until the dish is warm and bubbly at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
In wrapping up, these seven variations of green bean casserole cater to all sorts of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re sticking with the classic, indulging in extra cheese, enjoying vegan options, or looking for a touch of spice, there’s a casserole here for everyone. Each recipe offers a unique spin on the traditional dish, ensuring that your holiday meal can be as traditional or as inventive as you wish.
Can I prepare green bean casserole in advance?
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Yes, you can assemble most green bean casseroles the day before. Just refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready, adding the topping last for crispiness.
What are some healthier alternatives for the traditional casserole ingredients?
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Consider using low-fat cream soups, almond milk, and a mix of Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and fat.
How can I make my green bean casserole dairy-free?
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Use a dairy-free cream soup, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative for those recipes requiring cheese.
