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Cozy Green Bean Casserole: Best Easy Crispy Onion Recipe

cozy green bean casserole - featured image

This cozy green bean casserole is a creamy, crunchy, and savory side dish that turns a simple meal into something special. Born from a happy kitchen accident, it’s the perfect comfort food for holidays or weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the green beans in a colander. If using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. If using cheddar cheese, stir it in now.
  3. Add the drained green beans to the bowl and gently fold them into the sauce until every bean is coated. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the bean mixture into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  5. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the crispy fried onions and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted onions evenly over the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the onions are deeply golden.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toasting the fried onions in butter before adding them to the casserole is the key to keeping them crunchy. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk and vegan cream of mushroom soup. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, crispy onion, comfort food, holiday side dish, easy recipe, creamy casserole