Green Bean Casserole with Homemade French Fried Onions Recipe
Introduction
Green bean casserole is a classic comfort dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings. This recipe combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy French fried onions for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 16-20 oz fresh green beans (or 2-3 14.5 oz cans canned green beans)
- 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions (plus 2 cups French fried onions for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a 9×3-inch oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Step 2: If using canned green beans, drain and set aside. For fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends, then boil them in salted water for 5-6 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water, then drain again.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Step 4: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper to the soup mixture and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Stir in the green beans, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of French fried onions.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by 1 cup of French fried onions.
- Step 8: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the onions start to brown.
- Step 9: Add the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp.
- Step 10: Serve hot or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh green beans for a more vibrant flavor and texture; canned beans work well for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Make your own French fried onions by slicing onions thin, soaking in milk, coating with seasoned flour, and frying until golden brown.
- Add a pinch of hot red pepper powder to the flour mix when making homemade onions for a spicy twist.
- Try incorporating sautéed mushrooms or bacon bits into the casserole for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add the crispy onions on top just before baking to keep them crunchy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour to coat the onions if making homemade French fried onions, and check that your soup is gluten-free or use a homemade cream of mushroom soup alternative.
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Green Bean Casserole with Homemade French Fried Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic Green Bean Casserole recipe featuring tender green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce with cheddar cheese and crispy homemade French fried onions, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday dinners or a comforting weeknight side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole Ingredients
- 16–20 oz fresh green beans (or 2–3 14.5 oz cans canned green beans)
- 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup French fried onions (for casserole mix)
- 1 cup French fried onions (for topping)
Homemade French Fried Onions
- 3 large onions (sliced into thin rings)
- 2 cups milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×3-inch oven-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Drain or Prep Green Beans: If using canned green beans, drain and set aside. If using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends.
- Boil Fresh Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fresh green beans and cook for 5-6 minutes until they turn deep green and become slightly tender. Stir occasionally.
- Drain and Cool Green Beans: Drain the cooked green beans and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Add Spices and Aromatics: Add finely diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add Green Beans and Cheese: Fold the drained green beans, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of French fried onions into the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and evenly distribute 1 cup of French fried onions.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and onions begin to brown.
- Add Final Onion Layer: Remove the casserole briefly, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot or at room temperature as a comforting side dish.
- Make Homemade French Fried Onions (Optional) – Slice Onions: Separate sliced onion rings and place them in a large bowl.
- Soak Onions: Pour 2 cups of milk or buttermilk over the onion rings and let soak for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large deep skillet or deep fryer over high heat until hot. The oil should be about half full in the skillet.
- Coat and Fry Onions: Working in batches, dredge soaked onion rings in the flour mixture to coat well. Shake off excess flour and carefully add the rings to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid frying in clumps.
- Drain Onions: Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Repeat: Continue frying remaining onion rings using the same method until all are golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but canned green beans are a convenient alternative.
- Homemade French fried onions add delicious crunch but can be substituted with store-bought for ease.
- If you prefer a vegetarian casserole, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to rinse fresh green beans in cold water after boiling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, comfort food, mushroom soup casserole, cheese casserole
