When you think of comfort food, green bean casserole often comes to mind, but there's more to this dish than the classic version you might remember. You can enhance your meal with a cheesy bacon twist, or perhaps investigate a vegan alternative that still packs flavor. If you're in the mood for something with a bit of heat, a spicy Southwest take might be just what you need. Curious about how these variations stand out? Let's examine the five best green bean casserole recipes that could change your holiday table forever.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole is a beloved dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table, especially during the holidays. Its creamy, savory base, combined with tender green beans and topped with crispy onions, creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while satisfying everyone's taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Stir in half of the crispy fried onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove it from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese and crispy fried onions on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Extra Tips:
For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
You can also use fresh green beans if you prefer; just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding to the casserole.
To make it a little healthier, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a low-fat alternative.
Additionally, if you're preparing this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, then bake it right before serving for a fresh, warm dish.
Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender green beans. This comforting casserole is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners and is certain to please everyone at the table.
The rich, cheesy sauce envelops the green beans while crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, making this recipe a standout side dish or even a main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup French fried onions (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; then drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and leave about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan. Sauté the diced onion in the skillet until translucent, about 3 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove and add the French fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
Make sure not to overcook the green beans during blanching, as they'll continue to cook in the oven. Feel free to customize your casserole by adding mushrooms or other vegetables you enjoy.
If you're looking to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Vegan Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. This plant-based version maintains the creamy texture and savory flavor of traditional casseroles while using wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. With fresh green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and crispy onion topping, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and sliced mushrooms over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, almond milk, nutritional yeast, flour, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms and onions, stirring to combine and cook until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the cooked green beans with the mushroom sauce, and pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with crispy fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of different mushrooms such as shiitake or cremini.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and can easily be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole
Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining the familiar flavors of green beans and creamy sauce with zesty spices and a hint of heat. This casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your guests.
The addition of ingredients like jalapeños and pepper jack cheese gives it a kick, while crunchy toppings add texture. Follow this recipe for a dish that's sure to be a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender, then drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, diced green chilies, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the blanched green beans until they're evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips and, if desired, sliced black olives. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled chorizo or ground beef to the casserole.
If you prefer a milder version, you can substitute regular cheese instead of pepper jack and omit the jalapeños. Feel free to make this dish ahead of time; simply assemble it and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving for a vibrant touch.
Mushroom and Herb Green Bean Casserole
Mushroom and Herb Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic dish that combines tender green beans with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, improved by fragrant herbs.
This comforting casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, it's sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Add the mushrooms, thyme, and parsley, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Combine the green beans with the mushroom mixture, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of different mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake.
You can also substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Enjoy the dish fresh from the oven, but it also reheats well for leftovers, making it a great make-ahead option!