Spruced-Up Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Even the most classic recipes could use a little sprucing up every now and then, and green bean casserole is no exception. The holiday staple dish is common on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table, but it isn't limited to the holiday season — just ask recipe developer Erin Johnson. "Green bean casserole is one of my favorite nostalgic holiday meal side dishes, but it doesn't have to be reserved for those," Johnson says. "Pair this with a roast chicken or beef."

That's right, we're suggesting that you expand your green bean casserole horizons, both in terms of when you serve it, but also what goes into it. This recipe does veer on the classic side, but thanks to the flavor boost of garlic and fresh mushrooms, this really is the spruced-up version of an iconic dish. No worries though, as you can still count on the same warmth, richness, and nostalgia that you'd find in any green bean casserole. 

It's no surprise that green beans are on this ingredients list, and more specifically, you'll need 2 15-ounce cans of French cut green beans. And no green bean casserole is complete without cream of mushroom soup, so grab a can of that while you're at it. You'll also need fresh mushrooms in this recipe, and there is some flexibility with which kind you can use. "I prefer to use a mix of white and cremini mushrooms, but you can use whatever you have on hand," Johnson notes.

You'll also need some garlic cloves, onion, half-and-half for extra richness, salt, pepper, and of course those crispy fried onions. 

Get your oven preheating to 375 F, then place add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to an ovenproof skillet or pan over medium heat. Sautée for a few minutes, or until they're softened and tender. Then, add in the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, which should take 1 to 2 minutes. 

With the vegetables thoroughly sautéed and aromatic, add in the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and half-and-half. Stir it all up, then add salt and pepper to taste. "The exact amount of salt and pepper you need to use will depend on if your beans are salted and the brand of soup you use," Johnson explains. "Let your taste buds be your guide, but start with ¼ teaspoon of each, and go from there."

With the casserole adequately seasoned, stir in ½ cup of the crispy onions. You want to reserve the other half for garnishing, because it simply wouldn't be green bean casserole without a layer of crispy onions on top. However, by incorporating some into the casserole itself, you're adding a crunchy texture amidst a dish that is otherwise very soft. 

Pop the casserole into the oven, and allow it to bake for 30 minutes. Then, take it out, and sprinkle on the remaining crispy onions, and place it back into the oven for another 5 minutes. The casserole itself is already cooked by this point, but this brief baking period gives the crispy onions a chance to get even crispier. 

Once the casserole is out of the oven, it's best served right away. Naturally, this dish pairs well with turkey, but you could also pair it with ham, chicken, or just about any protein. It shines alongside other comfort food side dishes like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. 

If you have leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them. Johnson explains that this casserole "keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days," and adds that it "reheats well in the microwave or oven."