Bushra Griffith
Green bean casserole is a classic dish often served during the holidays or at large family gatherings. While there are many variations of the recipe, the traditional version includes three essential ingredients: cream of mushroom soup, canned or fresh green beans, and fried onions. However, some home cooks have taken creative liberties with the recipe, adding ingredients such as cheese, bacon, and mushrooms to elevate the dish. This twist on the classic recipe has gained popularity, with many praising the added cheese for giving the casserole a richer texture and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan |
| Green bean type | Canned, fresh, frozen |
| Other ingredients | Mushrooms, French-fried onions, bacon, milk, chicken |
| Preparation method | Microwave, oven-baked |
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What You'll Learn
Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice
When making a green bean casserole with cheese, the beans are typically mixed with condensed mushroom soup and other optional ingredients such as crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, or black pepper. This mixture is then combined with the shredded cheddar cheese and baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
One popular recipe variation includes layering the green beans, soup mixture, and shredded cheese in a baking dish, repeating the layers, and then topping with fried onions. This creates a rich and creamy casserole with a crunchy texture from the fried onions.
Another option is to cook the green beans and soup on a stovetop, adding milk to create a creamier base, and then mixing in the shredded cheddar cheese. This method allows for greater control over the cooking process and can result in a smoother, more blended casserole.
Some people prefer to use canned green beans for convenience, while others opt for fresh or frozen beans for a more elevated flavour. Regardless of the bean type, shredded cheddar cheese is a versatile and well-loved addition that can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
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Fried onions are a must for some
While the ingredients of a green bean casserole can be a contentious topic, with some arguing for a classic recipe and others for a twist, fried onions are a must for some. This is because they add a crunchy texture to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
One recipe suggests topping the casserole with French-fried onions and baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the onions are brown. Another recipe recommends baking the casserole first and then sprinkling French-fried onions on top before baking for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the onions are golden brown.
Some recipes also include other ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, and different types of cheese to add extra flavor and texture. For example, Pepper Jack cheese can add a spicy kick, while cream cheese can make the casserole richer and more comforting.
Ultimately, the decision to include fried onions in a green bean casserole is a matter of personal preference, but for those who enjoy the crunch and flavor they provide, they are a must-have ingredient.
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Canned vs fresh green beans
Green bean casserole is a popular dish, often served during the holidays. While there are many ways to make it, a common recipe includes green beans, condensed mushroom soup, French-fried onions, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
When it comes to choosing between canned and fresh green beans, it's important to consider the nutritional differences, taste, texture, and convenience. Nutritionally, both canned and fresh green beans offer health benefits. Canned green beans are typically processed soon after being picked, which helps retain nutrients. They are also convenient, quick to cook, and often more affordable. However, they may have lower levels of certain nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and folate, and they contain more sodium than fresh green beans.
On the other hand, fresh green beans are preferred by those who enjoy their texture and flavour. They are high in fibre, with over three grams per serving, compared to less than two grams in canned green beans. Fresh green beans also offer more variety in terms of preparation methods, such as stir-frying or boiling, allowing for customization to suit different tastes and textures.
Some people prefer canned green beans for their convenience and softer texture, especially when slow-cooked with other ingredients. Others find the flavour and texture of fresh green beans more appealing, enjoying the ability to cook them to their desired level of tenderness. Ultimately, both options have their advantages, and personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between canned and fresh green beans for your casserole.
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Mushrooms and bacon add flavour
Green bean casserole is a classic dish, often served during Thanksgiving. While there are many variations, most recipes include green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions.
Some home cooks like to add cheese to their green bean casserole, with cheddar, parmesan, and shredded cheese being popular choices. However, others prefer to omit the cheese and focus on other ingredients to enhance the flavour.
One way to add depth and flavour to a green bean casserole is to include mushrooms and bacon. The mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavour, while the bacon adds a smoky, salty taste. The combination of these two ingredients creates a savoury and indulgent dish.
When making a green bean casserole with mushrooms and bacon, it is essential to prepare the ingredients properly. For the mushrooms, it is best to use fresh mushrooms, such as button, baby bella, or shitake, and to wash and slice them thinly. As for the bacon, it can be diced and cooked in a pan, or cooked in the oven and then chopped. Cooking the bacon first and using the leftover grease to cook the mushrooms adds even more flavour to the dish.
To assemble the casserole, the cooked green beans, mushrooms, and bacon are combined with the cream of mushroom soup, half and half or milk, and French-fried onions. This mixture is then baked in the oven until hot and bubbly. Some recipes also include cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, which can be stirred into the mixture or sprinkled on top before baking.
By including mushrooms and bacon, and taking care to prepare the ingredients properly, you can create a flavourful and indulgent green bean casserole that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Chicken turns it into a main dish
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish, often served during the holidays. It typically includes green beans, condensed soup, French-fried onions, and cheese. While it is traditionally a side dish, adding chicken to a green bean casserole can easily turn it into a hearty and satisfying main course.
Chicken green bean casserole is a delicious and simple dish that combines chicken, green beans, and a creamy soup mixture. It can be made with various types of chicken, such as cubed chicken breasts, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken thighs. The chicken is typically browned or cooked before being added to the casserole dish.
The addition of chicken provides a good source of protein, making the casserole more substantial and filling. It transforms the dish from a side to a complete meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. The chicken and green beans are complemented by a creamy soup mixture, which can be made with cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and mayonnaise or cream cheese.
To make it even more of a one-dish meal, rice or mashed potatoes can be added to the casserole. Wild rice, in particular, adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor. The casserole is then baked in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the ingredients are heated evenly.
Chicken green bean casserole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to personal preferences. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and soup mix. It can be topped with French-fried onions, stuffing, or even bacon for extra flavor and crunch. The cheese is typically sprinkled on top of the casserole before baking, adding a melted, gooey element to the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic ingredients are green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Some recipes also include cheese, bacon, milk, and pepper.
Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also use Parmesan or Pepper Jack cheese.
Yes, you can use canned or frozen green beans. If using canned, you will need about two to three cans.
It typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes to bake the casserole in the oven. If you are using a microwave, the preparation time can be reduced to about 10 minutes.
Yes, casseroles are great because they can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. They are perfect for feeding a crowd and the leftovers reheat well.
