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Crowd-Pleasing Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

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This creamy, savory green bean casserole with a crunchy onion-panko topping is the ultimate make-ahead dish for holidays and potlucks. It started as a happy accident and has become a beloved recipe that gets better when prepared in advance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water. Let drain completely.
  3. Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
  4. Combine everything: Add the drained green beans to the sauce and stir gently with a spatula until every bean is coated.
  5. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Fold in any optional mix-ins (sautéed mushrooms, etc.) if using.
  6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crispy fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  7. Top the casserole: Sprinkle the onion-panko mixture evenly over the green beans. Do not press down.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the topping is deep golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For make-ahead: Assemble casserole (without topping) up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking and increase baking time to 35-40 minutes. To keep topping crispy, toast panko in a dry skillet before mixing with butter. If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat dry; skip blanching.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, make-ahead, crispy onions, Thanksgiving, potluck, comfort food

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/crowd-pleasing-make-ahead-green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-onions/