Why You Need Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole in Your Life
Southern-style Green Bean Casserole is that cozy dish you didn’t know you needed at every family gathering or weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Seriously, what’s not to love about a warm, cheesy hug of green beans topped with crispy onions?
This casserole is the epitome of Southern comfort food. It blends the classic creaminess of mushroom soup with a glorious crunch that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. So why not make a dish that can both impress your guests and satisfy your inner comfort food craving? 🙌
How to Make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
Time to roll up those sleeves and bring this icon to your kitchen! Let’s not get overwhelmed; it’s easier than you think. Here’s a quick rundown on what you need to create this creamy dream of a casserole.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups green beans (fresh or canned)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended!)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If you’re fancying fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then cool them in ice water.
- In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the green beans and half of the French fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in that preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions (and cheese if you’re feeling cheeky) on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until those onions turn a delicious golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy the compliments! 😋
How to Serve Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
Serving this casserole is a no-brainer! It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, like chicken or turkey, and can even stand alone as the star of a vegetarian meal. Scoop out generous portions and get ready for your friends and family to rave about it! For an extra touch, you might want to garnish it with some extra French fried onions on top. Because who doesn’t love a little more crunch?
How to Store Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let the casserole cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for about 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
- Fresh or Canned: If you opt for fresh green beans, make sure to trim and blanch them first. Canned green beans can save time but may lack the crispiness.
- Cheese, Please: Adding shredded cheddar cheese not only boosts flavor but adds a lovely melty texture. Trust me; it’s worth it! 🧀
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the green beans for asparagus or broccoli! You could also throw in some cooked bacon bits for a delightful crunch that gives the casserole a smoky flavor. Experiment and find your favorite version that makes you do a little happy dance! 💃
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work wonderfully and save you the blanching step. Just remember to thaw them out a bit first.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything a day ahead, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it, but the oven will keep that delicious crunch.
Grab those ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with your new favorite comfort food! It’s Southern-style Green Bean Casserole time! 🎉
Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then cool in ice water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the green beans and half of the French fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions (and cheese, if using) on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.