Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, sweet pies, and, of course, my favorite casserole for Thanksgiving. There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter, and indulging in hearty, comforting dishes. This casserole is a staple at my Thanksgiving dinner. It’s not just a side; it’s a warm hug on a plate! Packed with green beans, mushrooms, and topped with crispy fried onions, this dish brings together flavors and textures that everyone loves. Trust me, it’ll quickly become a must-have at your holiday table too, offering that perfect blend of nostalgia and deliciousness that makes Thanksgiving so unforgettable.
Ingredients for Casserole for Thanksgiving
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare Casserole for Thanksgiving
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheating your oven is a must! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prep your ingredients. This step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden crust on top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring all those delicious ingredients together. Start by adding the trimmed green beans, sliced mushrooms, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Then, toss in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. I love getting my hands in there to mix it all up—you want everything to be well combined and coated in that creamy goodness. Yum!
Assemble the Casserole
Now, gently pour that beautiful mixture into a greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly. The last step of assembling is to sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crispy fried onions. This combo will create a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling!
Baking Instructions
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen—so good! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your guests will be begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can focus on other holiday festivities.
- Hearty and satisfying: This casserole is packed with veggies and cheesy goodness that will fill you up.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A delicious option for everyone at the table, even those who skip the meat.
- Perfect for family gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about, making it a staple for your Thanksgiving spread.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—easy peasy!
Tips for Success with Casserole for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s talk tips! I want your casserole to shine at the Thanksgiving table, so here are some tricks I’ve learned over the years that’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Make it Ahead: One of my favorite things to do is prep this casserole a day or two in advance! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for the best results.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! If you’ve got some corn, carrots, or even sautéed bell peppers lying around, toss them in. It adds color and flavor, plus everyone loves a little variety on their plate!
- Cheese It Up: I can’t stress enough how important cheese is in this dish! If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a blend of cheeses. A bit of mozzarella or pepper jack can give it an exciting twist. Trust me, cheese lovers will thank you!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! If you like a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Taste as you go, and make this casserole your own!
- Cover It Up: During the first half of baking, you might want to loosely cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Then, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to get that gorgeous golden finish. It’s all about finding that balance!
With these tips, I’m confident your casserole for Thanksgiving will be a showstopper. Just remember to enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information for Casserole for Thanksgiving
Let’s talk numbers! Understanding the nutritional information can help you enjoy this hearty casserole while keeping an eye on your meal. Below are the typical values for one serving, which is about 1 cup of this delicious casserole. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This casserole for Thanksgiving is not only delicious but also packs a good amount of nutrients to keep you satisfied during those festive celebrations. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re indulging in a balanced dish!
FAQ About Casserole for Thanksgiving
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making this casserole ahead of time is one of my favorite tricks, especially during the busy holiday season. Just prepare it as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, pop it straight in the oven! Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. It’s a real lifesaver for those hectic Thanksgiving days!
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to cream of mushroom soup, you’ve got options! You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup if you’re feeling adventurous, or try a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cream soups available in stores or mix in some vegetable broth with a bit of flour and coconut milk to create a creamy base. These swaps will keep your casserole delicious while catering to any dietary needs!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! I love adding extra veggies to this casserole for more flavor and nutrition. Some great options are corn, diced bell peppers, or even carrots—just make sure to chop them up nicely so they cook evenly. You can also throw in some steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a pop of color and crunch. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s super versatile, so feel free to get creative with whatever veggies you have on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers of this casserole, and that’s a good thing! To keep it fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those tasty bites for a few days after the holiday. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to avoid condensation.
When it’s time to reheat, the best way to do it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want that crispy topping back, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to let it get that lovely golden color again. You’ll be amazed at how good it tastes, just like the first time! Enjoy those cozy leftovers and the memories they bring!
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Casserole for Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty casserole perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix green beans, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or carrots.
- 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: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: casserole for thanksgiving
