This easy green bean casserole recipe is made with fresh green beans and is sized for just two people. Try it today and enjoy a taste of tradition without leftovers.
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This iconic Thanksgiving side dish has stood the test of time. It continues to be a family favorite, thanks to its perfect combination of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a main course, this versatile casserole never fails to impress.
When you use fresh green beans, it allows the vegetable to retain its valuable nutrients, contributing to a delicious yet wholesome meal. Additionally, the natural crunch enhances the flavor profile of the classic green bean casserole recipe compared to canned green beans or frozen green bean options.
Reasons to Love
- Easy and versatile dish. It can be enjoyed on any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weeknight dinners. Its simplicity makes it a quick and easy dish to prepare, even for those new to cooking.
- Creamy and savory. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese creates a delightful taste experience. It's comfort food at its finest!
- Satisfying crunch and contrast. You'll experience the satisfying contrast between the softness of the green beans and the crunchiness of the fried onions on top.
Ingredients
To create the best green bean casserole, the freshness and quality of the ingredients are essential. Luckily, there's only a few items you'll need.
Here are the ingredients for the recipe:
- fresh green beans
- condensed cream of mushroom soup
- butter
- onion
- mushrooms
- garlic
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To get started, you'll need to blanch the green beans in a large pot of boiling water until they are crisp and tender. Then rinse them immediately under cold water and drain well.
Next, preheat the oven to 350°F and melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then follow the simple step-by-step instructions below.
Stir onions into the butter and sauté for 2 minutes.
Stir in the mushrooms and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Add the cream cheese.
Add the garlic.
Pour in the condensed soup and stir to combine. Add green beans and stir to coat well.
Separate the mixture into two well-greased ramekins or small baking dishes, and top with the french fried onions. Bake until heated and browned on top.
Hint: Blanching the green beans before assembling in the casserole dish will ensure they maintain their vibrant color and crunchiness during baking.
Variations
There are countless ways you can customize this casserole. Here are just a few ideas you can try:
- Cheese - experiment with different types of cheese such as gruyere or smoked gouda to add a unique depth of flavor.
- Meat - incorporate crispy bacon or prosciutto to provide a delightful salty contrast.
- Nuts - add toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking for an irresistible crunch.
- Alternate toppings - try using crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead of the usual crispy fried onions.
- Homemade soup - make your own condensed mushroom soup for a richer taste. It's surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients.
- Crock pot - cook on low in a small slow cooker for 3 hours and top with onions just before serving.
You may want to try garlic butter green beans too. It's another super easy side dish.
Tips
Top tip: Don't overcook the casserole. The green beans should be tender but still have a bit of bite. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
- Reserve some crispy onions or other toppings, then throw them on top just before serving to ensure they maintain their crunch.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Make it the day before. Once your casserole is assembled, pop it into the refrigerator overnight. This step allows all those delicious flavors to meld together, creating a more flavorful dish.
Serving suggestions
Mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole are the perfect accompaniments to green bean casserole. They enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded holiday meal
Storage
You can store green bean casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge. When reheating, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
If you won't be able to finish within a few days, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.
FAQs
Yes! It is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare the individual casseroles and chill overnight before baking.
If you're not fond of cream of mushroom soup or have dietary restrictions, feel free to experiment with alternatives like cream of celery soup or homemade mushroom sauce.
Related Recipes
You may also like these other side dish recipes that are perfect for holiday dinners.
- Maple glazed carrots combine sweet and savory flavors.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy outside and tender inside.
- Smashed Potatoes with cheese can be served as an appetizer too.
- Sweet potato casserole with canned yams is another Thanksgiving favorite.
- Cabbage steaks in the oven is healthy and flavorful.
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Recipe
Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh green beans or thawed frozen green beans
- ½ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ onion chopped
- 4 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons French fried onions
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water until they are crisp tender. Rinse immediately under cold water, and drain well.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the onions, and saute for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the mushrooms, and stir until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the cream cheese and garlic until the cream cheese has melted.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, and stir to combine.
- Add the green beans, and stir to coat well in the sauce.
- Separate the mixture into two well-greased ramekins or small baking dishes, and top with the french fried onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
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