Every holiday I look forward to making French's Green Bean Casserole. It's one of those dishes that brings back wonderful memories - that perfect mix of creamy mushroom soup tender green beans and those irresistibly crispy onions on top. Add some melty cheddar cheese and you've got pure comfort food magic.
Simple Ingredients Amazing Results
What I love about this casserole is how it takes basic ingredients and turns them into something everyone craves. The green beans get all cozy in that rich mushroom sauce while those French fried onions add the perfect crunch. It's my go-to side dish because it's quick to make and always disappears first.
What You'll Need
- Green Beans: Two cans drained and ready to go.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: One can creates that perfect creamy sauce.
- French Fried Onions: That magical crispy topping we all love.
- Cheddar Cheese: A cup of shredded makes everything better.
Let's Make It Together
- Get Started:
- Heat your oven to 350°F nice and cozy.
- Mix It Up:
- Warm those green beans and soup together in the microwave.
- Add Some Cheese:
- Stir in half the cheddar give it another quick warm.
- Layer of Love:
- Put it all in your dish top with those crispy onions and more cheese.
- Golden Brown:
- Bake until everything's bubbly and the top is perfectly crispy.
Make It Your Own
- Bean Choices: Fresh frozen or canned all work beautifully.
- Extra Crunch: Try adding water chestnuts or crispy bacon.
- Cheese Please: Mix it all in if you want extra creamy goodness.
- Plan Ahead: Make it early just save the toppings for baking time.
Keep It Fresh
- Save Some: Keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days.
- Warm It Up: Heat until hot crisp those onions back up in the oven.
- Freeze Smart: Skip the toppings if freezing add them fresh when ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare everything except onion topping. Add onions just before baking to keep them crispy.
- → Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes, blanch them first until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes in boiling water.
- → Why is my casserole watery?
Make sure to drain green beans well. If using frozen, thaw and drain completely first.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Not recommended - the onions will lose their crunch and the sauce may separate when thawed.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in oven to keep topping crispy. Microwave works but onions will soften.