Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! This classic Homestyle Green Bean Bake is the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible - a true American comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply craving a delicious vegetable side, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite that combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut into 1-2 inch pieces. If desired, blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes to ensure tenderness, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to ensure all green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture, creating a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish that complements many main courses.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh green beans for the most vibrant flavor and crisp texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain completely before mixing.
- Blanching Technique: Briefly blanching the green beans before baking helps maintain their bright color and ensures they're perfectly tender-crisp.
- Soup Selection: While cream of mushroom is traditional, experiment with cream of celery or cream of chicken for subtle flavor variations.
- Crispy Topping Trick: For extra crunch, add the fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while ensuring maximum crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the crispy onion topping right before baking.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they help enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 88kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
