French's Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish
The French's Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, loved for its creamy mushroom soup base and crispy fried onions. This recipe breaks down how to make this classic dish, ensuring your Thanksgiving table features a perfect version.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe provides the ingredients for a delicious and authentic French's Green Bean Casserole. Adjust quantities based on your guest count.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: The heart of the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin the soup for a smoother consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained: Use fresh green beans if desired, but be sure to blanch them first.
- 1 (5.5 ounce) can French's fried onions: The iconic crunchy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly comforting and delicious French's Green Bean Casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Season with black pepper.
Step 2: Combine with Green Beans
- Gently stir in the drained green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce. Make sure all the beans are coated.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Do not add the fried onions yet!
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping
- Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the French's fried onions.
- Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a side dish alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorites.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Fresh Green Beans: For an elevated flavor, use fresh green beans. Blanch them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender-crisp.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Creamy Texture: If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of milk. Conversely, add a little more if you like a thinner consistency.
- Crispy Onions: Don’t overbake the onions! They will burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. However, it is best to avoid adding the fried onions until right before baking to maintain their crispiness.
Variations on a Classic
While the original French's Green Bean Casserole recipe is a beloved classic, feel free to experiment with variations:
- Add some cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese adds a delightful savory element.
- Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for a more intense mushroom flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the casserole with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
This detailed recipe guide ensures you can create a delicious and authentic French's Green Bean Casserole that will impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving – or any time of year! Remember to share your culinary creations! Happy cooking!