This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole adds an irresistible twist to the classic side dish with its creamy texture and the savory addition of bacon and Monterey Jack cheese. The dish starts with tender green beans, enriched by the earthy notes of mushrooms and onions, and gets a satisfying crunch from French fried onions on top.
Perfect for any holiday table, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of a traditional green bean casserole with a touch of Southern flair. It’s simple yet rich, making it a show-stopping side that your family and friends will remember and request year after year.
Full Recipe:
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom condensed soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pan.
- Add the onions to the pan with bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup, crumbled bacon, milk, and cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the green beans, ensuring they’re well combined with the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with French fried onions.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 213 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Tradition Reinvented
The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole has grown to become a staple of American holiday dining, beloved for its comforting flavors, rich textures, and nostalgic connections to family meals. While the traditional green bean casserole recipe often features green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, this ultimate version goes above and beyond, adding layers of taste and texture through fresh mushrooms, savory bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating background of the green bean casserole, discuss ingredient selections, and look at why this updated recipe has captured the hearts of home cooks looking to make memorable dishes for their loved ones.
The Origins of Green Bean Casserole
Invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell Soup Company test kitchen, the original green bean casserole was created as a quick, affordable side dish with ingredients that would be readily available in almost any household. The recipe called for just six ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and crispy onions as a topping. Reilly’s simple yet delicious recipe was an instant success and became an iconic side dish served at holiday tables across America.
Campbell’s popularized the recipe by including it on cans of their cream of mushroom soup, which ensured its status as a holiday staple. Over time, however, creative cooks have sought ways to make the recipe their own, experimenting with additions and twists that transform this dish from classic to gourmet. Thus, the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole was born, evolving the dish into a richer, more complex version that still pays homage to its roots while embracing bolder flavors.
Why the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Stands Out
This ultimate version elevates the traditional dish by enhancing both flavor and texture. The addition of bacon introduces a smoky, savory element that pairs beautifully with the natural earthiness of mushrooms. Monterey Jack cheese brings a creamy, mild richness to the casserole, contrasting with the crispy fried onions topping. Fresh ingredients such as onions, garlic, and fresh mushrooms deepen the complexity of flavors, while the pre-made cream of mushroom soup helps maintain the convenience and simplicity that made the dish so popular initially.
For many families, green bean casserole is a symbol of togetherness, and this elevated version allows home cooks to infuse extra love and creativity into the dish. The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole combines the convenience of the original with the culinary enhancements that satisfy modern tastes, appealing to new generations while respecting tradition.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The ingredients chosen for this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole recipe are key to its success. While the traditional recipe relies on a few pantry staples, this version encourages the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients to amplify flavor and texture.
- Green Beans: Although canned green beans offer convenience and the tender texture preferred by some, frozen or fresh green beans are also popular choices for their firmer bite and fresher flavor. If opting for fresh or frozen, ensure they are well-cooked before adding them to the casserole to achieve the desired tenderness.
- Mushrooms: The addition of mushrooms brings a meaty, umami quality to the casserole. Button mushrooms are recommended for their mild flavor and affordability, but more flavorful varieties like cremini or baby bellas can also be used for a deeper taste.
- Bacon: Bacon infuses a smoky, savory flavor that makes the dish feel even more indulgent. Choose a good quality bacon, and avoid using bacon bits, as these lack the flavorful fat needed to cook the onions and mushrooms, which helps spread the smoky taste throughout the dish.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that melts easily and adds a luscious texture to the casserole. For those who prefer a sharper flavor, you could consider substituting with cheddar or gouda, though Monterey Jack’s creamy profile is especially complementary.
- French Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions are a quintessential topping that add a satisfying crunch to the creamy casserole. For an artisanal twist, you might consider using fried shallots or making your own crispy onions, but the traditional canned fried onions are convenient and beloved for a reason.
Popular Variations to Try
While the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is impressive on its own, there are plenty of creative twists you can apply to make the dish your own. Here are some ideas to add an extra layer of personalization to this holiday favorite:
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply omit the bacon and consider using a dash of smoked paprika to retain a bit of smoky flavor. You could also add more mushrooms or even roasted nuts for additional texture.
- Upgrade the Topping: While fried onions are classic, some cooks enjoy experimenting with different toppings. Try using breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and parmesan for a cheesy, crumbly crust. Or, for a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha on top before baking.
- Add Caramelized Onions: For a hint of sweetness, add caramelized onions to the casserole. This enhances the overall depth of the dish and brings out the natural flavors of the green beans and mushrooms.
- Swap the Cheese: While Monterey Jack is a great choice for its meltability and mildness, other cheeses can work well, too. For example, smoked gouda or sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor, while Gruyere offers a nutty, earthy quality.
- Experiment with Cream Soup Alternatives: Instead of the classic cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of celery or even a homemade béchamel sauce to give the dish a fresh twist without altering the traditional creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, making it a perfect side for holiday gatherings or family dinners. It complements roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or prime rib, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Consider serving it alongside other classic sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce, for a complete holiday feast. For a slightly less traditional but equally delicious pairing, serve it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a warm kale salad. The casserole’s rich, creamy profile balances well with lighter vegetable sides or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Tips for Making It Ahead
One of the great advantages of this casserole is its versatility in terms of preparation. You can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. To keep the fried onions crispy, add them only when you’re ready to bake. Here are some additional tips for making this casserole ahead of time:
- Refrigerate Smartly: When assembling the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to avoid drying out. Be sure to leave the fried onion topping off until you’re ready to bake.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Since a pre-made casserole will be cold when it goes into the oven, you’ll need to add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bring the casserole to room temperature before baking to keep the cooking time closer to the original.
- Consider the Freezer: If you’re really planning ahead, you can freeze the assembled casserole (without the onions on top) for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding the onions in the last few minutes for crispiness.
Conclusion: A Timeless Holiday Favorite with a Modern Twist
The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a celebration of tradition, taste, and togetherness. By taking a classic recipe and enhancing it with savory bacon, fresh mushrooms, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, this version adds both flavor and flair, making it a standout at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the casserole’s straightforward assembly and satisfying outcome make it an accessible dish that appeals to all.
This upgraded casserole allows home cooks to honor the beloved original while adding a unique twist that speaks to modern tastes. Its versatility in preparation and adaptability in flavors make it a worthy addition to any holiday table, ensuring that family and friends alike will look forward to its return year after year. So this holiday season, consider making this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole for a side dish that is sure to be as memorable as it is delicious.