Ah, cheesy green bean casserole—a dish that has graced countless holiday tables and yet somehow manages to surprise me every time. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug from an old friend, with its gooey cheese and crispy topping—just thinking about it takes me back to last Thanksgiving when Aunt Linda accidentally used smoked cheddar, and it was a game-changer. You never really know what twist will make it legendary in your household.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all the necessary ingredients.
- In a medium-sized casserole dish, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French-fried onions.
- Place the mixture in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions on top.
- Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the onions to crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of drained cut green beans
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup of milk
- 1 can (2.8 ounces) of French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1080 | Total Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 2892mg | Total Carbohydrate: 144g | Dietary Fiber: 30g | Total Sugars: 60g | Protein: 42g | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 1038mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 2262mg
FAQ
- Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans for canned ones. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole.
- What can I use as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
- If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can experiment with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
- To enhance the taste, consider adding Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or using French onion dip instead of milk. These ingredients can provide a richer and more complex flavor profile.
- Can this dish be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding the fried onions during the last few minutes.
- Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
- This dish is already vegetarian-friendly as long as you use a suitable cream soup. To ensure it’s entirely vegetarian, check that all the ingredients, including the soup and fried onions, do not contain any animal-derived products.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix before baking.
- To enhance creaminess, try substituting the milk with 1/4 cup of sour cream or French onion dip.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, bake the casserole at 375°F for about 30 minutes before adding the fried onions, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Experiment with different types of cream soups, like cream of celery, to vary the flavor profile of your casserole.
Equipment
- Casserole Dish – A medium-sized oven-safe dish for mixing and baking the casserole.
- Oven Thermometer – Useful to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, especially if it’s older or doesn’t have a digital display.
