Description
This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole combines fresh green beans with sautéed crimini mushrooms in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. Topped with crispy fried onions and baked to golden perfection, this classic American side dish is sure to impress your guests at any dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole
- 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
For the Topping
- 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Blanch Green Beans: Boil a large pot of water and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop cooking and preserve their vibrant green color.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced crimini mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, soy sauce, and fresh thyme sprigs. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed mushrooms and blanched green beans into the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the green bean mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the cover and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Serve the casserole warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for an extra burst of aroma and presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the oven to retain crispiness of fried onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: green bean casserole, mushroom casserole, holiday side dish, creamy green beans, crispy fried onions, American dinner recipes
