If you're looking to enhance your holiday table, you might want to investigate some of the best green bean casserole recipes out there. You can start with the classic, featuring creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, or perhaps try a spicy Southwest twist that adds an unexpected kick. There's also a cheesy garlic version that's sure to please any cheese lover. But what if you're aiming for something healthier or even vegan? The options are more diverse than you might think, and each one brings something unique to the table. Let's uncover these delicious variations.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions to create a comforting side that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
This dish is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that are certain to delight your guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this classic recipe in no time, making it an easy addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir in the blanched green beans and half of the crispy fried onions, mixing well to guarantee everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you're using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and top with the remaining crispy fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or shallots to the mixture before baking.
If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup by cooking fresh mushrooms with butter and flour, then adding milk or broth to achieve a creamy consistency.
You can also substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones; just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
To make this dish a little healthier, you can use low-fat milk or a lighter version of the cream of mushroom soup.
Finally, if you're preparing the casserole in advance, you can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
Cheesy Garlic Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy Garlic Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. This version combines fresh green beans with a creamy garlic cheese sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch.
It's simple to prepare and is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, minced garlic, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
In a large casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans with the creamy mixture and mix well. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and a generous layer of crispy fried onions. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the sauce.
You can also mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick. If you're in a hurry, you can use frozen green beans instead, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Finally, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy and garlicky creation!
Healthy Mushroom Quinoa Green Bean Casserole
The Healthy Mushroom Quinoa Green Bean Casserole is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. This dish combines tender green beans, earthy mushrooms, and protein-packed quinoa, all enveloped in a creamy sauce made with wholesome ingredients. It's perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish for holiday gatherings, offering both flavor and health benefits without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
To prepare the casserole, start by cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions; set aside once done.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're tender and their moisture has evaporated.
Stir in the cooked quinoa, green beans, milk, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, then top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For a more intense flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary to the mixture before baking.
You can also substitute the green beans with other vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a different twist.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend the milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding it to the mixture.
To make it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative, and use plant-based milk.
Don't forget to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully!
Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole
Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole is a zesty twist on the classic dish, combining the crispness of green beans with the bold flavors of Southwestern spices and creamy goodness. This casserole is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The addition of pepper jack cheese and diced green chiles gives it a spicy kick, making it a standout option for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes until they're bright green but still crisp; then drain and rinse them under cold water.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Stir in the blanched green beans until well coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then top with crushed tortilla chips and jalapeños if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a milder casserole, use Monterey Jack cheese instead of pepper jack, and omit the jalapeños.
To add even more flavor, consider incorporating cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken into the mix. This dish can be prepared ahead of time; simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Enjoy your spicy twist on a classic!
Vegan Creamy Green Bean Casserole
This Vegan Creamy Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish, perfect for holidays or any family gathering. Made with fresh green beans, a savory mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy onions, this recipe keeps all the flavors you love while being entirely plant-based.
It's easy to prepare, and you won't miss the dairy or meat in this comforting, creamy casserole that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for about 3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a skillet, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are soft.
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to coat. Gradually add the plant-based milk while stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken.
Stir in soy sauce, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
Top with crispy fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Extra Tips:
For best results, use fresh green beans for a crisp texture, but frozen green beans can also work if fresh ones aren't available.
If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mushroom sauce.
You can also substitute cashew cream for the plant-based milk for an extra creamy texture.
If you want a gluten-free option, make sure to use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Finally, feel free to get creative with the toppings; adding crushed nuts or breadcrumbs can add an interesting crunch!