Southern Green Bean Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. It’s a great way to bring fresh green beans to the table, combined with creamy soup and topped with crispy onions. This casserole is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s simple to make and can be a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

How to Make Southern Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 1 pound frozen green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: If you are using fresh green beans, trim and cut them into 1-inch pieces. You can also use frozen green beans for convenience.

2. Make the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole: Add the green beans to the mixture and stir well. If you like, you can mix in cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with crispy fried onions.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly. The top should be golden brown and crispy.

How to Serve Southern Green Bean Casserole

Serve the casserole warm as a side dish, pairing it with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or your favorite holiday meal. It also works well as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. You can garnish it with fresh herbs for added color.

How to Store Southern Green Bean Casserole

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Tips to Make Southern Green Bean Casserole

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings like breadcrumbs or different types of cheese.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the casserole base.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for a twist. You can also try using different types of cream soup, such as cream of chicken, for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

2. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before mixing them into the casserole.

3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. However, you can find gluten-free versions of these products or make your own to make it gluten-free.