Classic Green Bean Casserole 🥫🌱

This beloved dish is a holiday staple that combines tender green beans, savory cream of mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions. It's warmly comforting and sure to impress your family and friends every time it's served! Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt to seasonal variations. Pair it with roasted turkey or your favorite meat dish for a festive meal that everyone will love! 🎉🥧

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb fresh green beans (or 2 cans of green beans if you're short on time)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy twist)

For the Topping

• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. If using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends. Blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they turn bright green; then, drain and place them in ice water to stop cooking.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well blended.

🥄 For extra flavor, you can use homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of canned. Just sauté some fresh mushrooms with garlic and blend it with cream for a richer sauce!

4. Add the green beans to the soup mixture and fold gently to coat them evenly. If you like a cheesy casserole, mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.

5. Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased 1.5 quart baking dish and spread it out evenly.

6. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

7. After 25 minutes, remove the casserole and sprinkle the crispy fried onions (and remaining cheese, if using) evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

🧊 For an added touch of freshness, consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or diced red bell peppers into the casserole just before baking.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade vegan cream sauce (made from blended cashews) and use dairy-free fried onions.
• Gluten-free: Ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make your own. Check your fried onions packaging as well!
• Herb Lover: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Top with your favorite melty cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.

This Classic Green Bean Casserole is not just a side dish; it's a tradition that brings a sense of comfort to any meal. Enjoy! 🍽️🌟