Thanksgiving has always been a special time in my family, filled with laughter, love, and of course, a bounty of delicious food. One dish that always finds its way to our table is this incredible casserole for Thanksgiving. It’s not just about the turkey; it’s those warm, comforting side dishes that really bring everything together. I remember as a kid, I would help my mom prepare the green bean casserole, and the smell of the creamy sauce and crispy onions would fill the kitchen. It was a tradition that I looked forward to every year! This casserole is not only easy to make but it also offers that perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone loves. Trust me, you’ll want this on your holiday table!
Ingredients for Casserole for Thanksgiving
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this casserole a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed and ready to go
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (I usually go for whole milk for extra creaminess!)
- 1 cup fried onions (you can never have too many crispy onions, right?)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use sharp cheddar for more flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
These ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty dish that perfectly complements your holiday feast. Make sure you’ve got everything on hand before you start cooking, so the process is smooth and enjoyable!
How to Prepare Casserole for Thanksgiving
Let’s dive into making this delicious casserole! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, bubbling dish that everyone will love!
Prepping the Green Beans
First things first, let’s get those green beans ready! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the trimmed green beans and let them blanch for about 5 minutes. This step is super important because it helps keep them crisp and vibrant—nobody wants soggy beans! After they’ve blanched, drain them and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. That way, they’ll stay nice and crunchy!
Mixing the Casserole Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s nice and smooth. A little tip: if you find any clumps in the soup, just whisk it really well. It’s key to have a creamy base for that perfect texture! Once it’s all blended, gently fold in the blanched green beans along with half of the fried onions and shredded cheddar cheese. You want everything to be well-coated but be careful not to mash those beans!
Assembling the Casserole
Time to layer it up! Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, and pour the green bean mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining fried onions and cheese on top. This will create that delicious, crispy topping we all crave. Don’t be stingy with the crispy onions—they add such great flavor and crunch!
Baking and Serving
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and once it’s ready, pop that casserole in! Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly crispy, and the whole dish looks invitingly delicious. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking, and then serve it warm as a show-stopping side dish. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make this casserole truly shine, I’ve got a few tips that I’ve learned over the years! First off, using fresh green beans instead of frozen will give you that delightful crunch that everyone loves. If you’re short on time, you can always prep the casserole a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—so convenient!
Another little hack is to add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture. It adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. And remember, don’t skimp on those crispy onions—they’re the star of the show! Finally, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This way, it firms up a bit and makes for easier slicing and serving. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate information. So, while I strive to provide helpful details, keep in mind that your delicious casserole might differ slightly in calories and nutrients. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole for Thanksgiving
- Effortless Preparation: This casserole comes together quickly, allowing you to focus on other holiday dishes without the stress.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy mushroom soup, crunchy fried onions, and melty cheddar create a delightful explosion of taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect Texture: Blanching the green beans ensures they stay crisp, adding the perfect bite to each serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it a day in advance, making your Thanksgiving day smoother and more enjoyable.
- Tradition at Its Best: This casserole is a cherished holiday favorite that brings back memories and makes new ones with every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in extras like cooked chicken for a heartier dish, making it versatile for your family’s preferences.
With all these reasons, it’s no wonder this casserole is a staple at Thanksgiving tables everywhere! You’ll definitely want to include it in your holiday spread.
FAQ About Casserole for Thanksgiving
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? If you prefer a different flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just make sure it’s creamy for the best texture!
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like sliced carrots or corn for added flavor and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed this delicious casserole for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to maintain that wonderful flavor and texture. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just a little tip: if you’re using a glass dish, let it cool at room temperature for a bit before putting it in the fridge to avoid temperature shock!
When it comes to reheating, the oven is my favorite method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating—just be sure to cover it to retain moisture. Enjoy those comforting leftovers just as much as the first time around!
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Casserole for Thanksgiving: 5 Stunning Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious casserole perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil water and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add blanched green beans to the mixture and stir in half of the fried onions and cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining fried onions and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for a crispier texture.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: casserole for thanksgiving, green bean casserole, holiday side dish
