As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the kitchen fills with a special aroma. The green bean casserole, a Thanksgiving tradition, holds a special place in many families’ hearts. It’s a mix of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions.
This dish takes us back to cozy gatherings and laughter. Whether you’ve made it for years or are trying it for the first time, it brings comfort and joy. Homemade food has a way of making us feel close to our loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- The green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish with a rich history.
- This classic recipe combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.
- The dish is known for its ability to evoke nostalgic memories and bring families together.
- With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious homemade green bean casserole.
- Serving this classic dish is a surefire way to add warmth and tradition to your holiday celebration.
Understanding the Classic Green Bean Casserole
The traditional green bean casserole recipe is a holiday favorite. It was created in 1955 by the Campbell’s Soup Company. This dish has been a Thanksgiving staple in the United States for years.
Origins of the Traditional Recipe
Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s Soup Company employee, made the original recipe in 1955. It was meant to show off Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup. It quickly became a favorite among home cooks because of its simplicity and easy ingredients.
Why It Remains a Holiday Favorite
Green bean casserole is loved for many reasons. Its creamy texture and crispy topping are just a few. A 2000 survey by Campbell’s showed 44% of people love it as their favorite holiday veggie side dish.
The dish’s value was recognized by the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2002. They saw it as a key part of the American holiday meal and a piece of the nation’s culinary heritage.
“Green Bean Casserole has been described as a fixture on Thanksgiving tables, a part of the nation’s cooking heritage, and a must-have dish for holidays and family celebrations.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
To make the perfect green bean casserole, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh green beans, butter, mushrooms, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Don’t forget the French fried onions. For a homemade touch, use Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk for the onion topping. You can also use canned green beans and store-bought onions for a quick fix.
Let’s look at the key ingredients for this classic dish:
- Green Beans: The star of the show, fresh or canned green beans provide the perfect texture and flavor.
- Butter: This rich ingredient adds a velvety smoothness to the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms contribute an earthy, umami depth to the casserole.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
- Flour: This thickening agent helps to create the signature creamy texture of the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: The broth adds moisture and melds all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Half-and-Half: This dairy product lends a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
- French Fried Onions: The golden, crunchy topping is an essential component that adds both flavor and texture.
For a homemade version, you’ll also need:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs create an extra crispy topping.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the fried onions.
- Milk: The milk is used to dip the onions in before coating them in the breadcrumbs.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a green bean casserole that will impress everyone.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | 4 (14.5-ounce) cans |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Mushrooms | 1 1/2 cups, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup |
| Half-and-Half | 1/4 cup |
| French Fried Onions | 1 1/2 cups |
By using these ingredients and following the right steps, you can make a delicious green bean casserole. It will be the highlight of your next family dinner or holiday gathering.
Fresh vs Canned Green Beans: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right green beans can change your green bean casserole. Fresh green beans add a crisp texture and a rich flavor. Canned green beans are easy to use but can’t match fresh ones.
Benefits of Using Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans are a top pick for many. They have a better texture, with a nice snap. They also have less sodium and no preservatives, making them healthier. While they take more time to prepare, fresh green beans offer a flavor that canned beans can’t.
When to Use Canned Beans
Canned green beans are handy when fresh ones are hard to find. They’re already cooked and save time. But, they’re softer and taste slightly different from fresh ones.
| Fresh Green Beans | Canned Green Beans |
|---|---|
| Vibrant, crisp texture | Softer, more uniform texture |
| Richer, more robust flavor | Slightly altered taste |
| Lower in sodium, free from preservatives | Often higher in sodium and contain preservatives |
| Require more preparation time | Convenient, ready-to-use |
| Typically more expensive, especially out of season | Generally more cost-effective |
Choosing between fresh and canned green beans depends on your needs. Consider your time, taste preferences, and the dish’s overall flavor. The most important thing is to cook the green beans well, enhancing the casserole’s taste.
The Secret to Creamy Mushroom Sauce
The secret to a great green bean casserole is the creamy mushroom sauce. This homemade gravy turns simple green beans into a special holiday dish. Start by sautéing fresh mushrooms and garlic in butter. Then, whisk in flour, broth, and half-and-half for a smooth, creamy texture.
Making a roux is key. It’s a mix of melted butter and flour that thickens the sauce. Add broth slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, add half-and-half for extra richness without overpowering the flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
By making the mushroom sauce from scratch, you’ll make the dish even better. The homemade gravy’s creamy texture and rich flavors pair perfectly with the green beans. This classic casserole is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Make your holiday meal special with a homemade green bean casserole. This recipe is a bit more work, but it tastes and feels better. Let’s go through the steps to make this classic dish from scratch.
Preparing the Green Beans
Start by blanching fresh green beans in boiling salted water for 5-6 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. This keeps their color and texture bright. After blanching, drain the beans and set them aside.
Creating the Homemade Sauce
To make the creamy mushroom sauce, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re golden. Then, mix in flour to make a roux. Slowly add half-and-half and chicken broth, simmering until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. This homemade sauce adds a rich, savory taste to the dish.
Assembly Tips
- Put the blanched green beans and homemade mushroom sauce in a baking dish.
- Add crispy fried onions on top, either homemade or store-bought.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges bubbly.
The effort to make the green beans and sauce from scratch is worth it. Your homemade green bean casserole will be the highlight of your holiday meal. It has a flavor that canned versions can’t match.
French Fried Onions: Making Your Own vs Store-Bought
The crispy French fried onions on top of the classic green bean casserole are key. You can make your own or buy them. Each choice has its own benefits, depending on what you like and how much time you have.
Homemade Fried Onions
Making homemade fried onions takes some effort but is worth it. Coat thinly sliced onions in flour, egg, and Panko breadcrumbs for a light texture. The fresh flavor and golden-brown crunch are unmatched.
Store-Bought Fried Onions
For an easy option, store-bought fried onions are great. They save time but might not taste as fresh as homemade. Still, they add a nice crunch to your casserole.
| Homemade Fried Onions | Store-Bought Fried Onions |
|---|---|
| Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 3 minutesTotal Time: 13 minutesRecipe Rating: 4.78 out of 5 from 127 votesServings: 12Calories: 127 per servingIngredients: 1 ½ pounds onions, 2 cups buttermilk, 2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons Creole SeasoningStorage: Can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days | Prep Time: MinimalCook Time: NoneTotal Time: InstantRecipe Rating: 5 stars from 4 votesServings: 12Calories: 217 per servingIngredients: Onions, Wheat Flour, Vegetable Oil, SaltStorage: Shelf-stable in the pantry |
Choosing between homemade and store-bought fried onions for your green bean casserole depends on your preference and time. Homemade offers better flavor and texture, while store-bought is quicker. Either way, your dish will be delicious and perfect for the classic green bean casserole.
“French fried onions have been a staple in the grocery store since 1955 when Campbell’s first introduced the green bean casserole recipe.”
Perfect Timing and Temperature Guide
Getting the perfect green bean casserole is all about the right ingredients and timing. The baking temperature and cooking time are key. Follow these simple steps for a creamy and crispy casserole every time.
Optimal Baking Temperature
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This temperature is perfect. It bakes the casserole well and crisps the onion topping to golden brown.
How to Know When It’s Done
Bake the casserole for 10-15 minutes. It should bubble and the onion topping should be golden and crispy. For make-ahead versions, bake for 15-20 minutes to heat it through.
To check if it’s done, look for the sauce to bubble and the top to be lightly browned. The green beans should be tender but still firm. The onion topping should be crispy.
| Baking Temperature | Baking Time | Doneness Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F (204°C) | 10-15 minutes (regular) 15-20 minutes (make-ahead) | Bubbling sauce, golden brown crispy onions, tender yet firm green beans |
By following these temperature and timing guidelines, you can be sure your green bean casserole will turn out perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
The classic green bean casserole may not be the healthiest dish. But, it can be part of a balanced holiday meal. One serving has about 231 calories, 16g fat, 20g carbs, 2g fiber, and 2g protein. The green beans are the real nutritional stars.
Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals. A cup of raw green beans has 33 micrograms of folate, almost 10% of what we need daily. They also have 12.2 milligrams of vitamin C, about 25% of our daily needs. Plus, they’re full of vitamin A, vitamin K, and B vitamins.
Low in fat and calories
Green beans are also good for us because they’re low in fat and calories. They have a glycemic index of about 32, which is good for people with diabetes. The fiber in them helps control blood sugar and keeps our gut healthy.
Research shows green beans might even fight cancer. Their antioxidants could lower the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
So, while the casserole itself isn’t the healthiest, the green beans are a nutritional powerhouse. Enjoyed in moderation, this classic dish can add flavor and health to your holiday table.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
The classic green bean casserole is both versatile and convenient. You can make it a day before the holiday, saving you time. Just put it together, cover it, and refrigerate until baking time.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This is great for saving time during the holiday rush.
Reheating Guidelines
Leftover casserole can stay in the fridge for 4 days. The best way to reheat is in the oven. It keeps the casserole warm and the topping crispy. You can also microwave it, but the topping won’t be as crispy.
FAQ
What is a green bean casserole?
Green bean casserole is a holiday dish loved by many. It’s made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Where did the traditional green bean casserole recipe come from?
Campbell’s Soup Company created the traditional recipe in 1955. It became popular for its simplicity and easy ingredients.
Why is green bean casserole a holiday favorite?
It’s a holiday favorite because of its creamy texture and crispy topping. It also brings back nostalgic memories.
What are the key ingredients in a green bean casserole?
Key ingredients include fresh green beans, butter, mushrooms, garlic, flour, chicken broth, half-and-half, and fried onions.
What are the benefits of using fresh green beans versus canned?
Fresh green beans offer better texture and flavor. But, they need more prep work. Canned beans are quick and easy.
How is the creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch?
To make the sauce, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter. Then, add flour for a roux. Finally, mix in chicken broth and half-and-half for creaminess.
How do you make homemade fried onions for the topping?
To make fried onions, coat sliced onions in flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs. Bake until golden.
What is the optimal baking temperature and time for green bean casserole?
Preheat to 400°F (204°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. For make-ahead, bake for 15-20 minutes.
What are the nutritional benefits of green bean casserole?
While not low-calorie, it can be part of a balanced meal. Green beans offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How can I make and store green bean casserole in advance?
Prepare up to a day in advance and refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.