Prepare the Green Beans in Advance
Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish, often served during holidays and gatherings, that features fresh green beans mixed with a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. To make this dish even easier during busy meal prep times, you can prepare the green beans in advance. This not only saves time on the day of serving, but it also ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 ½ pounds |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 6 cups |
| Ice | 4 cups |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Cooking Steps:
- Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water.
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the green beans to the boiling water and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the green beans and pat them dry. Toss them in olive oil to coat lightly, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- The Original Pro Chopper - Our superstar veggie slicer has been creating waves on TikTok! Simple to use,...
- Easy Meal Prep with Rust-Resistant Blades - Our vegetable chopper is perfect for anyone who wants to eat...
- 5-Star Design - The soft-grip TPU handle ensures controlled chopping, while the non-skid rubber base...
Blanch and Shock Method
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved side dish that combines fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Using the blanch and shock method for the green beans ensures they retain their vibrant color and crispness, making your casserole both visually appealing and delicious.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 ½ pounds |
| Water | 6 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ice | 4 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fried onions | 1 ½ cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Trim and rinse the green beans. Boil water with salt.
- Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Shock the beans in ice water to stop the cooking, then drain and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with fried onions.
- Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged cheese! Only turn the handle for several times and get...
- Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese grater are made of food grade ABS material, no BPA. The...
- Three Option Grater : The parmesan cheese grater finishes food preparation with slicing, shredding and...
Assemble Without Baking
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that brings together the crunch of fresh green beans, the creaminess of mushroom soup, and the savory crunch of fried onions. Assembling this dish without baking it right away allows you to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings and holidays when you want to minimize stress in the kitchen.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 ½ pounds |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fried onions | 1 ½ cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the green beans by trimming and rinsing them; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper.
- Fold in the fresh green beans until they are fully coated with the soup mixture.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the fried onions on top.
- Cover your prepared casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
- 💰 REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY: Chef Preserve keeps FOOD FRESH 5 TIMES LONGER than non-vacuum storage...
- ✅ POWERFUL, QUICK & EASY TO USE: Simply press the button to start. The device vacuum seals a bag in 5...
- ♻️ REUSABLE & RESEALABLE BAGS: Chef Preserve comes with dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator, and...
Use Fresh or Frozen Beans
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved comfort dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the creamy goodness of mushroom soup and the satisfying crunch of fried onions. Whether you choose to use fresh or frozen green beans, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to assembling the casserole, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors with minimal fuss.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 ½ pounds |
| Frozen green beans | 1 ½ pounds |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fried onions | 1 ½ cups |
Cooking Steps:
- If using fresh green beans, trim and rinse them thoroughly. If using frozen, allow them to thaw and drain excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the fresh or thawed green beans until evenly coated with the soup mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with fried onions.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving...
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
Make Your Sauce Ahead of Time
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, making it perfect for any gathering or holiday feast. By preparing your sauce ahead of time, you not only save valuable time on the day of your event but also allow the flavors to meld beautifully for a richer taste.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Cooking Steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the casserole later.
- When you’re prepared to bake the casserole, simply follow the assembly steps from the previous section, incorporating your pre-made sauce.
- 100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches
- Crystal-clear Tritan Built: Stain-resistant and odor-resistant material for a clear view of contents
- Lightweight & Sturdy: Easy to carry, yet durable for everyday use
Store Ingredients Separately
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a beloved dish that combines fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions to create a comforting side that’s a staple during holiday feasts and family gatherings. To make the preparation more manageable, storing your ingredients separately is a fantastic strategy that allows you to assemble the casserole just before it’s time to bake.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans, then store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper. Store this mixture covered in the refrigerator as well.
- Gather Toppings: Keep the crispy fried onions in a separate container to maintain their crunch.
- Assemble Just Before Baking: When you’re ready to prepare the casserole, preheat your oven and then layer the green beans, sauce, and fried onions in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the casserole is bubbly and heated through, then serve and enjoy!
- 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units...
- 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g...
- 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for...
Pre-Cook the Toppings
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole with pre-cooked toppings is a delightful variation of the classic dish, allowing you to streamline your cooking process while still enjoying its rich flavors and textures. By preparing the crispy fried onions in advance, you add a crunchy layer of flavor while keeping the overall dish fresh and delicious.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool quickly. Drain and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper. Refrigerate until needed.
- Pre-Cook the Toppings: In a skillet, heat some oil and fry your onions until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside until assembly.
- Assemble Just Before Baking: Layer the green beans in a baking dish, followed by the sauce and top with pre-cooked crispy fried onions.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole until bubbly and heated through, about 25-30 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
- Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced,...
- Multi-Use | From bbq thermometer to baking thermometer, our digital food thermometer for cooking is...
- Easy-Read Digital Thermometer For Cooking | Large instant thermometer dial with bright blue backlight...
Utilize Slow Cookers
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and classic dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Utilizing a slow cooker allows you to prepare this delicious casserole in advance, freeing up your oven and stovetop for other dishes while providing a warm, creamy side dish with a delightful crunch.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool quickly. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer the blanched green beans and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low and allow to cook for about 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the green beans are tender and heated through.
- Add Toppings: Once cooked, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top and let them warm through for the last 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!
- Versatile 54-Piece Collection: Elevate your kitchen with the Home Hero 54-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set, a...
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Crafted from premium stainless steel, these kitchen utensils are designed to...
- Perfect Holiday Gift: Delight your loved ones with this kitchen utensils gift set this festive season....
Opt for Individual Portions
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that lends itself well to being prepared in individual portions. This approach allows each serving to be customized with the desired amount of creamy sauce and crispy toppings while making it easy to serve at gatherings or family dinners.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool quickly. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Assemble Individual Portions: Using individual ramekins or baking dishes, layer the blanched green beans and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to combine.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
- 24-ounce insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock
- Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to...
- Protective push-to-open lid keeps spout clean; convenient carry loop doubles as a lock
Refrigerate Before Baking
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for holiday feasts and family gatherings. By preparing it in advance and refrigerating before baking, you can save time on the day of your event while ensuring a delicious, fresh meal.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool quickly. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the blanched green beans and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Freeze for Longer Storage
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that not only adds a delightful flavor to any holiday meal or gathering, but can also be frozen for longer storage. Perfect for busy cooks, this casserole can be prepared well in advance, allowing you to enjoy it at a later date without sacrificing taste or quality.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool quickly. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, add the blanched green beans and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to combine.
- Freeze: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Bake from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the freezer and bake for about 60-75 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Once warmed, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy. Serve warm and savor the flavors!
Try Alternative Cooking Methods
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a comforting side dish that can easily be tailored to suit various cooking methods, from traditional baking to steaming or even slow cooking. This flexibility allows for a delicious, hassle-free addition to holiday meals or family gatherings, ensuring both flavor and ease of preparation.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
1. Prepare the green beans by washing, trimming, and blanching them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
3. In a greased baking dish (or slow cooker), layer the blanched green beans, pour the sauce mixture over them, and stir to combine.
4. For alternative cooking methods:
- Oven Baking: Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until heated through.
- Steaming: Transfer to a steaming basket and steam for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
5. Add crispy fried onions on top and bake in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the onions are golden and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Gather Tools and Equipment Early
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, especially during the holidays. By gathering your tools and equipment early, you ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process, allowing you to focus on creating this delicious dish without any last-minute stress.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Gather tools and equipment: large pot for blanching, mixing bowl for combining ingredients, greased baking dish or slow cooker, and cooking utensils (knife, spoon, etc.).
- Prepare and blanch the green beans before combining them with the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Assemble the casserole by layering the green beans and sauce mixture in the baking dish or slow cooker.
- Choose the cooking method (oven baking, slow cooking, or steaming) and follow the appropriate cooking time.
- Top with crispy fried onions and perform a final bake (if applicable) for a crunchy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Label Your Containers
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a holiday staple that combines fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, creating a deliciously comforting side dish that can be prepared in advance. Labeling your containers appropriately ensures that each component of the casserole is easily identifiable when it’s time to assemble and cook, making the process more efficient and stress-free.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the green beans by trimming and blanching them, then place them in a labeled container.
- In another container, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, minced garlic, and salt; label it accordingly.
- When ready to bake, pour the green beans into a greased baking dish, mix in the sauce, and layer with crispy fried onions.
- Follow the cooking method of your choice (oven, slow cooker) as instructed previously. Enjoy your easy-to-identify Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole!
Reheat With Care
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any family gathering. Combining fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this casserole can be prepared in advance and reheated with care so it retains its great flavor and texture when served.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking from refrigerated state.
- If the casserole was frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function of your microwave.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil, add an extra layer of crispy fried onions if desired, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
