© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🎉 The Ultimate Mouthwatering Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Dinner 🎄
1. Introduction
Few holiday dishes evoke comfort and festive cheer quite like a delectable green bean casserole. This classic holiday vegetable dish is creamy, crispy, and bursting with flavors that complement any celebratory table. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a reliable side that everyone loves, this mouthwatering green bean bake is your answer. With its rich, savory sauce and tender beans topped with a crunchy onion topping, it’s a quintessential part of any holiday feast.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 40 minutes — perfect for busy holiday schedules
- One-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and clean up
- Flexible ingredients that suit different dietary preferences
- Festive, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd favorite
3. Ingredient Notes
This green bean casserole recipe calls for fresh or frozen green beans; I prefer fresh for their vibrant flavor and firm texture, but frozen works perfectly when in a pinch. The mushroom soup provides creamy richness, so choose a high-quality, low-sodium variety for better control over salt levels. Crispy fried onions add that signature crunch, so look for the seasoned ones for extra flavor. For the best taste, use fresh garlic and shallots, and a real butter-based roux ensures the sauce isn’t overly greasy. For a more indulgent touch, add a splash of heavy cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives if needed.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To make this holiday sensation, you’ll want reliable kitchen tools. An Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can perfectly crisp the fried onions without the oven, adding crunch and flavor. The T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set will ensure your sauce doesn’t stick and makes stirring easy. For mixing and baking, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange is ideal for preparing the creamy base with minimal effort. These tools make the process seamless and enjoyable.
5. How to Make Mouthwatering Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Dinner
Preparing the Green Beans
Start by trimming and steaming fresh green beans until they are tender but still have a slight bite — they should be bright green and crisp. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water. This step locks in flavor and ensures the casserole isn’t watery.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute until slight golden. Gradually whisk in mushroom soup and a splash of milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly for a smooth, velvety texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg if desired. The aroma of garlic and mushrooms should fill your kitchen, indicating it’s time to assemble.
Assembling and Baking
Combine the cooked green beans with the sauce, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, spreading out smoothly. Top generously with crispy fried onions and place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 20–25 minutes until bubbling and the onion topping is golden brown and crispy. The entire dish should emit a warm, savory aroma—ready to serve hot and bubbly.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Don’t skip the fried onions topping; it’s the hallmark of a truly authentic holiday vegetable dish.
- Prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during your holiday gathering.
- Use freshly grated cheese or homemade crispy onions for a more gourmet touch.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute the regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Vegans can replace mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom gravy or cashew cream for richness. For added protein, toss in cooked bacon, shrimp, or tofu cubes — all work well with the creamy base and crunchy topping.
8. Storage & Reheating
This green bean casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, topping with extra fried onions during the last 5 minutes for fresh crunch. For quicker reheating, use the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo to revive the topping’s crispiness.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake before serving. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting the flour with a gluten-free thickener or flour alternative, you can enjoy this festive casserole without gluten.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use mushroom soup made from plant-based ingredients and substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. For extra creaminess, stir in coconut cream or almond milk.
What is the best way to make the topping crispy?
Either bake fried onions separately in the oven or air fry them for a few minutes using an air fryer. Add just before serving to preserve their crunch.
10. Conclusion
This mouthwatering green bean casserole is a timeless addition to your holiday dinner table. Combining tender green beans with a creamy, savory sauce and topped with crispy onions makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Prepare this festive casserole ahead of time to free up oven space or to ensure it’s perfectly hot and bubbly when your guests gather. Celebrate the holidays with this irresistible classic that’s guaranteed to become a tradition!
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Mouthwatering Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Dinner
A creamy, savory green bean casserole with crispy onion topping, ideal for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 cup mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onion strings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix green beans, mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with fried onions, and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg