Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that you can easily prepare ahead of time. This make-ahead version saves you stress on the big day while delivering the same comforting flavors everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (6-ounce) can crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
2. Step 2: Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour the green bean mixture into a casserole dish.
6. Step 6: Top with the crispy fried onions.
7. Step 7: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the soup mixture.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen green beans can be substituted—just thaw and drain well.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce or a low-fat cream soup alternative.
• To keep the topping crispy, add an additional layer of fried onions just before serving after reheating.

Storage

Store the assembled casserole covered tightly with foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. After baking, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven until heated through, then add a fresh layer of crispy fried onions on top for crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen green beans. Be sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess water before mixing to avoid a watery casserole.

Should I bake the casserole before refrigerating or after?

Assembling the casserole and refrigerating it before baking is ideal for make-ahead convenience. Bake it when ready to serve. You can also bake it a day early and reheat, adding fresh crispy onions on top to maintain texture.

Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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This Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is easy to prepare in advance, helping you manage multiple dishes effortlessly on the big day. Crisp-tender green beans are coated in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until baking.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (blanching), plus baking time as needed (typically 25 minutes at 350°F)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding refrigeration time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

Sauce

• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Topping

• 1 (6-ounce) can crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. This ensures the beans are partially cooked but still retain a fresh snap.
2. Shock the Beans: Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Beans and Sauce: Add the cooled green beans to the soup mixture and gently stir to coat all the beans evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
6. Refrigerate the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This make-ahead step allows the flavors to meld and frees up time on cooking day.
7. Baking and Serving Tips (for reheating): When ready to bake, uncover the casserole and bake in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly. Add an additional layer of fresh crispy onions on top before serving to maintain the iconic crunch.

Notes

• The green beans can be blanched and the casserole assembled up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
• If baking ahead of time, reheat thoroughly before serving and add extra crispy onions for freshness.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor, but frozen green beans can be used if trimmed and thawed.
• Adjust soy sauce for sodium preference or dietary restrictions.
• Storing leftovers in an airtight container helps maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

Keywords: green bean casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, make-ahead casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions