Name: Ultimate Green Bean Casserole That’ll Wow Your Guests Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh green beans; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing mushrooms); 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup half and half; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions

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Introduction

Discover the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole, a comforting blend of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy fried onions. This classic American dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings and is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors.

The image shows a white oval casserole dish filled with a baked green bean casserole. The bottom layer consists of bright green beans, topped with a creamy, light beige sauce that partially covers the beans. On top, there is a crunchy golden-brown fried onion topping scattered unevenly, adding texture and contrast. The edges of the casserole dish show slight browning from baking. The dish sits on a crumpled beige cloth with a blue textured cloth partially underneath it, all placed on a white marbled surface. A gold fork is placed to the left of the casserole, and there are green beans seen on a white plate and loose on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh green beans
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
1 cup half and half
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup French’s crispy fried onions (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, soy sauce, and fresh thyme leaves.
Step 5: Add the sautéed mushrooms and the blanched green beans to the soup mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crisp.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauté before combining with the soup mixture.
Use frozen green beans if fresh are unavailable; just adjust blanching time accordingly.
Try different crispy toppings like toasted breadcrumbs or crushed fried shallots for a twist.
Make it gluten-free by selecting a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with green bean casserole. The base layer has bright green beans, coated with a creamy white sauce. On top, there is a generous layer of golden-brown crispy fried onions scattered unevenly, adding texture and crunch. The edges of the casserole dish show slight browning from baking. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth and blue fabric underneath, and a gold fork is placed nearby. A plate of green beans is partially visible at the top left, and fresh green beans lie at the right side of the setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the fried onions just before baking.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, you can use equal parts milk and heavy cream or just whole milk for a lighter version.