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Classic Green Bean Casserole

There's something magical about the way a perfectly prepared bowl of green beans brings people together around a festive table.
Yield: One 9x13 inch casserole
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

  • 2 (6 oz) containers French-fried onions
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. This is where our green beans will get their first taste of seasoning.
  • Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for exactly 5 minutes. They should emerge bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately plunge them into an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This crucial step ensures your beans maintain their vibrant color and perfect texture.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together. the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire. sauce until smooth. The Worcestershire adds a subtle umami depth that elevates the entire dish.
  • Drain the green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Any excess water will dilute our carefully crafted sauce. Fold the beans into the mushroom mixture, ensuring each bean is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Take a moment to spread everything. evenly—this ensures consistent cooking and serving portions.
  •  Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. The covered baking allows. the flavors to meld while protecting our sauce from reducing too much.
  •  Remove the foil and top with French-fried onions and Parmesan cheese if using. Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional. 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Don't skip the ice bath—it's essential for maintaining that perfect texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Iron: 2 mg
- Potassium: 230 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans instead of fresh.
A: Yes! Thaw them completely and skip the blanching step. Pat them very dry before using.
A: How do I prevent my casserole from becoming soggy?
A: The key is properly draining and drying your green beans and not adding the fried onions. until the final 10 minutes of baking.
A: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. Many major brands now offer these options.
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
A: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the fried onions will lose their crunch. So consider adding fresh ones when reheating.
A: Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup.
A: While possible, it would require creating a homemade cream sauce. The condensed soup provides both thickness and seasoning that's challenging to replicate exactly.
Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting a new one. This green bean casserole delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and comforting. That makes it a perpetual holiday favorite. The simple techniques and careful attention to detail. ensure this classic dish will shine on your table. garnering compliments and creating memories with every serving.
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Calories: 290kcal
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: Kid Friendly