Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help the beans retain their vibrant green color.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If you want to include mushrooms and almonds in your casserole, sauté them in a small amount of butter or oil until they are tender and slightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and texture.
Drain the green beans from the ice water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, condensed soup mixture, and half of the French-fried onions. If you're using shredded cheddar cheese, add it at this stage as well. Gently fold everything together until the green beans are evenly coated.
Transfer the green bean mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions (and sliced almonds if desired) evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the green bean casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your classic green bean casserole as a comforting side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any occasion.
Enjoy the creamy and crispy goodness of this classic Green Bean Casserole!