Perfect Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Thanksgiving Classics

Green bean casserole is my husband's favorite Thanksgiving side dish, hands down, no contest. He adores green bean casserole so much that it's not just a Thanksgiving staple, it's also on the VIP list for his birthdays too. Move over birthday cake, there's a new party in town – birthday casserole!

With so much practice, I can now safely convey the art of creating the perfect green bean casserole. Picture this: mushrooms and green beans getting a little toasty in the oven before diving into the casserole dish. Why? Because it keeps the casserole from turning into a soupy mess. And the secret ingredient that elevates it to umami heaven? Soy sauce!

For those health-conscious moments, I suggest swapping in lower sodium cream of mushroom soup – because a happy heart is a thankful heart. And for the pièce de résistance, don't skimp on the crispy onions. But hold your wild turkeys and don't just dump them in; layer those bad boys between the green beans and mushrooms. Mix them in, and they become soggy and lifeless. Layer it up and your taste buds, and those of your fellow Thanksgiving feasters, will be grateful.

Feeling inspired? Here's the lowdown on the green bean magic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed, or frozen green beans, thawed*
• 8oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (6 ounces) french-fried onions, divided

Directions:

1. Prepare green beans (fresh or *frozen, thawed overnight in fridge).
2. Preheat that air fryer to 380℉! Roast mushrooms for 8 minutes, giving them a stir halfway. Set them aside.
3. Toss green beans in a little olive oil, spread them out in the air fryer, and bake for 8 minutes (you might need to do this in two batches so it's in a single layer).
4. In a bowl, mix up the soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Gently fold in the beans.
5. Layer time! Spoon half the green bean mix into a 13x9 in. baking dish. Top with those golden mushrooms and sprinkle half the onions on top. Repeat the process with the remaining beans and onions.
6. Pop it in the oven at 350° and let the magic happen – typically 30-35 minutes until it's bubbling, and those onions on top are browned and crispy.

Now it's your turn! What are your go-to Thanksgiving sides? Spill the beans (pun intended) in the comments below! Wishing you all a belly-full and laughter-filled Thanksgiving holiday.