What Are the Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole?

A green bean casserole recipe typically includes a few key ingredients that give it its signature creamy texture and crispy topping. Here’s what you’ll need: Green Beans: Fresh, canned, or frozen (about 4 cups fresh or 2-3 cans drained). Cream of Mushroom Soup: A 10.5 oz can is commonly used for its rich, creamy consistency. Milk: About ½ to ¾ cup (you can substitute whole milk, almond milk, or half-and-half). Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon to enhance the umami flavor. French-Fried Onions: 1 ⅓ cups, half mixed in and half used as a topping. Seasonings: Salt and black pepper to taste. Optional Add-Ins: Shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.

How to Make Paula Deen Green Beans?

Paula Deen’s Southern-style green beans are different from a traditional green bean casserole recipe . Her version is slow-cooked, packed with smoky flavors, and typically served as a side dish. Here’s how you can make them: Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed 4 slices bacon, chopped 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon sugar (optional) Instructions: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon grease until soft and fragrant. Add the green beans, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Stir in the bacon before serving for extra crunch and flavor. This dish has a smoky, savory taste and is a great alternative to the classic green bean casserole recipe .

Is It Better to Use Canned or Fresh Green Beans for Casserole?

Both canned and fresh green beans work well in a green bean casserole recipe , but there are pros and cons to each: ✔ Canned Green Beans: Pros: Pre-cooked, convenient, and soft. Cons: Can be too soft or mushy if not drained properly. ✔ Fresh Green Beans: Pros: Crisp, fresh taste with better texture. Cons: Requires blanching before use (boil for 5 minutes, then drain). ✔ Frozen Green Beans: Pros: Middle ground between canned and fresh, retains nutrients well. Cons: Must be thawed and patted dry to avoid excess water. For the best texture , fresh green beans are ideal, but if you’re short on time, canned green beans are the easiest option.

Why Add Soy Sauce to Green Bean Casserole?

Soy sauce is a secret ingredient in many green bean casserole recipes because it enhances the overall flavor. Here’s why: ✔ Adds Umami: The deep, savory taste balances the creamy mushroom sauce. ✔ Boosts Depth: Helps prevent the casserole from tasting flat or bland. ✔ Balances Flavors: A small amount (about 1 teaspoon) makes a big difference without making the dish taste "Asian." While it’s optional, many classic green bean casserole recipes include soy sauce for that rich, well-rounded flavor . Would you like more variations or cooking tips? 😊

Green Bean Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Crispy, Irresistible Topping

Name: Green Bean Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Crispy, Irresistible Topping
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans (or 2-3 cans, drained); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ to ¾ cup milk (whole, almond, or half-and-half); 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 ⅓ cups French-fried onions (divided); Salt & black pepper (to taste); Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ tsp garlic powder, crispy bacon bits

Description

This green bean casserole recipe is a classic comfort food with a creamy, savory base and a crispy, golden topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner, this dish is easy to make and can be customized to fit different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh green beans (or 2–3 cans, drained)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ to ¾ cup milk (whole, almond, or half-and-half)
1 tsp soy sauce
1 ⅓ cups French-fried onions (divided)
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ tsp garlic powder, crispy bacon bits

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
3️⃣ Add half of the French-fried onions into the mixture.
4️⃣ Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5️⃣ Remove from oven, stir, and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
6️⃣ Bake again for 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
7️⃣ Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For fresh green beans: Blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
For extra creaminess: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
For a crunchier topping: Bake the fried onions separately and add them right before serving.
Make-ahead option: Assemble everything except the fried onions, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: green bean casserole recipe, holiday side dish, classic comfort food, Thanksgiving casserole