Description
Comforting Green Bean Casserole brings back cherished memories. This creamy, savory side dish is simple to make and perfect for any family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Fresh Green Beans & Creamy Base:
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Crispy Topping:
- 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans:: First things first for your Comforting Green Bean Casserole, get those green beans ready! I snap the ends off, or you can use a knife if you’re feeling precise. Then, I pop them into a pot of boiling, lightly salted water. Just a quick blanch, about 5-7 minutes, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. You don’t want them soft, hon, just a little bite still there. Drain them well; nobody wants a watery casserole, trust me on that!
- Make the Creamy Sauce:: Now for the heart of our Comforting Green Bean Casserole! In a large bowl, whisk together that condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, and soy sauce. I always give it a good pepper grind here too. Stir it until it’s smooth and creamy; you don’t want any lumps. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that rich base. I usually give it a little taste test here, just to make sure the seasoning is right for my liking.
- Combine and Mix:: Gently fold those blanched green beans into your creamy sauce mixture. Make sure every bean gets a nice coating! This step always makes me think of my kitchen smelling so good, a promise of comfort food to come. I use a spatula for this, trying not to smash the beans. You want everything distributed evenly so every bite of your Comforting Green Bean Casserole is just perfect.
- Into the Baking Dish:: Pour the green bean mixture into a 1.5-quart baking dish. I usually spray mine with a little cooking spray first, just to be safe. Smooth out the top a bit with your spatula. This is where your Comforting Green Bean Casserole really starts to look like a proper dish. Sometimes I get a little messy here, but it’s all part of the home cooking charm, right?
- First Bake:: Pop that dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and heated through. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine, I promise! This initial bake gets the sauce all warmed up and the flavors mingling beautifully for your Comforting Green Bean Casserole.
- Add the Crispy Topping:: After the first bake, pull the casserole out and sprinkle those crispy fried onions generously all over the top. Don’t be shy! This is the crowning glory of any Comforting Green Bean Casserole. Then, put it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until those onions are golden brown and extra crispy. Watch them carefully, they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Let it cool just a tad before serving, but honestly, I can never wait.