Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure effortless serving and easy cleanup.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until they become bright green and slightly tender. Drain and transfer the green beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This step ensures your casserole retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well-combined and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Place the green beans in the greased baking dish and pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Gently toss the green beans to coat them evenly with the sauce.
5. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole. These little golden delights provide a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that will take your green bean casserole to new heights.
6. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a beautiful golden crust when baked.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fried onions turn irresistibly golden brown.
8. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be piping hot.

Tips and Variations:

• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the French fried onions with a homemade gluten-free onion topping or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt and the French fried onions with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs.
• Add some cooked bacon or sliced mushrooms to the casserole for added depth of flavor.
• Make this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and then bake it right before serving. This is a great time-saver during the hectic holiday season!

Conclusion:

The Must-Try Green Bean Casserole is far more than a mere side dish; it is an emblem of love, tradition, and the holiday spirit. As you fork through each tender green bean, savoring the creamy mushroom sauce and the satisfying crunch of those irresistible fried onions, you’ll understand why this casserole has stood the test of time. Gather your loved ones, share in this timeless tradition, and let the Must-Try Green Bean Casserole bring warmth and joy to your holiday table.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure effortless serving and easy cleanup.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until they become bright green and slightly tender. Drain and transfer the green beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This step ensures your casserole retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well-combined and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Place the green beans in the greased baking dish and pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Gently toss the green beans to coat them evenly with the sauce.

5. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole. These little golden delights provide a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that will take your green bean casserole to new heights.

6. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a beautiful golden crust when baked.

7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fried onions turn irresistibly golden brown.

8. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be piping hot.

Tips and Variations:

• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the French fried onions with a homemade gluten-free onion topping or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt and the French fried onions with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs.
• Add some cooked bacon or sliced mushrooms to the casserole for added depth of flavor.
• Make this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and then bake it right before serving. This is a great time-saver during the hectic holiday season!

Conclusion:

The Must-Try Green Bean Casserole is far more than a mere side dish; it is an emblem of love, tradition, and the holiday spirit. As you fork through each tender green bean, savoring the creamy mushroom sauce and the satisfying crunch of those irresistible fried onions, you’ll understand why this casserole has stood the test of time. Gather your loved ones, share in this timeless tradition, and let the Must-Try Green Bean Casserole bring warmth and joy to your holiday table.