If you are planning on making Green Bean Casserole this holiday season, and I bet you are, here is everything you need to know to make it great! And a few recipe variations to try if you are wanting to switch things up!
All the tips and tricks you need to make the best casserole, how to store it, reheat it, and all the other questions you might have! First off…
Who invented Green Bean Casserole?
Originally called “Green Bean Bake,” Dorcas Reilly invented the recipe in 1955 for an article while working for the Campbell’s Soup Company.
Can you believe that very few people liked it, but eventually it caught on and now is served in over 20 million homes every year during the holidays. WOW! Thank you Ms. Reilly!
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Can you make it ahead of time?
This is always one that tastes better the longer it sits, but does that apply to making it beforehand?
You can certainly mix everything together up to 2 days in advance, pour it into the casserole dish for baking, and stop right there.
Leave off the crispy fried onions until you are ready to pop it in the oven. Read here for more tips for prepping Green Bean Casserole ahead of time.
Can you freeze Green Bean Casserole?
The beauty of this holiday classic is that you can prep it ahead of time and freeze it. Doesn’t that sound nice when you are already stressed about cooking all the traditional holiday side dishes?
You can freeze it before or after baking and it will be just as tasty as if you made it the same day.
There are a few tricks to make it the best, so read here for all the tips to freezing green bean casserole and save some stress!
How to reheat Green Bean Casserole
Reheating green bean casserole is super easy. Follow these few tips to make sure that it stays moist and juicy.
If it’s a whole casserole, keep it tightly covered and bake in the oven at 350F for 30 minutes or until it reaches 165F internally. Uncover and top with those tasty crispy onions. Bake uncovered for another 5 minutes to crisp them up even more.
If it’s a portion, I like to microwave mine at 30 second intervals until warmed through.
The best tip is to leave off the French Fried Onions if making ahead of time. If reheating it after it’s fully assembled, I like to remove the old onions and replace with new ones.
Either keep some in reserve or go ahead and buy a second container to have on hand! They are great in so many other dishes!
How long does it last?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, green bean casserole will last up to 3 days. You might want to add fresh fried onions on top when reheating.
Can you make it with cream of chicken soup?
You can make it with whatever soup you like! Cream of mushroom tends to be the overall favorite but you can use cream of chicken as well. I love using cream of onion for a pop of flavor.
Also, opt out of condensed soup and make a roux with flour and butter and use fresh mushrooms. Making it with condensed soup is not a requirement!
So yes, you can make it with cream of chicken soup and it will turn out great.
Green Bean Casserole Tips
- Make it with fresh green beans by steaming or blanching the beans ahead of time.
- Bake uncovered for most of the bake time and then uncover at the end to crisp up the fried onions and turn them a golden brown.
- Try using Cream of Chicken and fresh mushrooms instead of Cream of Mushroom soup.
- Use canned or frozen green beans for easier prep time.
- Be sure to drain and rinse the canned green beans for the best flavor.
- Double the recipe with no problems and freeze a batch for later!
- Green Bean Casserole is best served with roasted meats and a fresh salad. It also pairs well with my Ultimate Chicken Casserole!
- Tips on what to do with leftovers.
My Favorite Green Bean Casserole Recipes
- Crack Green Bean Casserole
- Green Bean Bundle Casserole
- Joanna Gaines Green Bean Casserole
- Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole
I hope this guide answers all your questions with regards to everyone’s favorite holiday side dish: Green Bean Casserole! If you can think of anything else you need answered, drop me your questions in the comment section and I will get back to you!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
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