Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it becomes the star of your dinner table, making everyone forget about the main course. This Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crunchy Fried Onions is not just another vegetable dish – it's a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed sensation that transforms humble green beans into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut into roughly 2-inch pieces. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and gently fold until all beans are evenly coated.
- Transfer the green bean and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: Don't skip the blanching step! It helps maintain the green beans' vibrant color and crisp texture while ensuring they're perfectly cooked.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: After blanching, make sure to drain and pat the green beans completely dry. Excess moisture can make your casserole soggy.
- Season Generously: Taste your soup mixture before adding the beans and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Crispy Onion Coverage: Spread the fried onions evenly to ensure every bite has that perfect crunch.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some grated parmesan cheese to the soup mixture for added depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
