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Green Bean Casserole with Homemade French Fried Onions Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×3-inch oven-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  3. Drain or Prep Green Beans: If using canned green beans, drain and set aside. If using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Mix Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
  7. Add Spices and Aromatics: Add finely diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine.
  8. 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.
  9. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
  10. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and evenly distribute 1 cup of French fried onions.
  11. Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and onions begin to brown.
  12. 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.
  13. Serve: Serve the casserole hot or at room temperature as a comforting side dish.
  14. Make Homemade French Fried Onions (Optional) – Slice Onions: Separate sliced onion rings and place them in a large bowl.
  15. Soak Onions: Pour 2 cups of milk or buttermilk over the onion rings and let soak for 20 minutes.
  16. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Drain Onions: Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  20. 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

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/green-bean-casserole-with-homemade-french-fried-onions-recipe/