How to Make Paula Deen’s Classic Southern Green Bean Casserole

Paula Deen’s Southern Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday staple. This classic recipe combines tender green beans mushrooms creamy soup and crispy fried onions for an irresistible side dish. Making this comforting casserole at home is easy with Paula’s step-by-step instructions. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this green bean casserole can be on your holiday table in no time.

Overview of Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

This classic Southern green bean casserole recipe comes straight from Paula Deen. It delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone loves. Here’s what makes this casserole so special:

• Tender green beans – Fresh green beans are briefly boiled to retain their snap,

• Sauteed mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms lend savory umami flavor as they caramelize.

• Creamy mushroom soup – The creamy base binds everything together when baked.

• Crunchy fried onions – These onion rings add crispy texture and salty flavor on top

• Melted cheddar cheese – Goopey, melted cheese gives it more richness.

• Savory seasonings – House seasoning adds the finishing touch of flavor.

With just a few simple ingredients, this comforting casserole comes together quickly. The prep work is minimal and most of the cooking time is hands-off in the oven. Let’s go over how to make Paula’s green bean casserole at home.

Ingredients Needed

Paula’s Southern green bean casserole serves 6 people. Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 can French-fried onion rings

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups fresh green beans, sliced

• 1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1⁄2 cup diced onion

• 1⁄3 stick butter

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• House seasoning

That’s all you need for the classic recipe. The ingredients are easy to find at any major grocery store. Now let’s go over the simple preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Paula’s green bean casserole:

Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Wash and trim green beans. Slice into 1-2 inch pieces.

3. Thinly slice mushrooms. Finely dice the onion. Open canned soup and onion rings.

4. Grate cheddar cheese. Measure out chicken broth.

Cook the Green Beans

1. In a saucepan, boil green beans in chicken broth for 10 minutes.

2. Drain green beans well and set aside.

Saute the Veggies

1. In a skillet, melt 1⁄3 stick of butter over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced onion and mushrooms to pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Make the Casserole

1. In a greased baking dish, mix green beans, sauteed veggies, cream of mushroom soup and onion rings.

2. Season with house seasoning to taste.

3. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

4. Remove casserole and top with grated cheddar cheese.

5. Bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted.

6. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

And that’s it! In just 10 minutes of prep time you can have this hearty casserole side ready for the oven. After 30 minutes of baking, it’s ready to serve and enjoy.

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole

Here are some extra tips for making the tastiest green bean casserole:

• Use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen for the best texture.

• Sprinkle the casserole with extra fried onions before serving for extra crunch.

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mushroom soup for more savory flavor.

• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat soup and low-fat milk instead of cream.

• For convenience, prep ingredients the night before and store in the fridge.

• To make ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it until ready to serve.

• For spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the mix.

• Swap out the cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss for a more decadent dish.

• Add diced ham or cooked bacon crumbles for extra savory flavor.

The basic recipe is easy to double for a larger crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust cook times as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This classic green bean casserole makes the perfect holiday side dish. Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair it with roasted turkey or baked ham for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Serve alongside pot roasts, pork roasts or meatloaf dinners.

• Bring it to holiday potlucks – it travels well.

• Make it ahead for no-fuss entertaining and reheat gently.

• Add it to your menu for Friendsgiving or other fall gatherings.

• Let it shine at Easter dinner alongside glazed ham.

• Serve it alongside fried chicken or chicken and dumplings for a Southern feast.

However you serve it, this green bean casserole is sure to be a hit! The crispy onion topping is everyone’s favorite part.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like many casseroles, Paula’s green bean casserole tastes just as good the next day. Here are some tips for leftovers:

• Allow casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Cover tightly and store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days.

• The crispiness of the onions will soften, but flavors remain.

• Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth.

• For the best texture, reheat uncovered at 325°F in the oven.

• Add extra fried onions on top before serving leftovers.

• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

With its classic flavors and easy preparation, Paula Deen’s Southern green bean casserole deserves a spot on your holiday table. Follow Paula’s simple recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.