There’s something special about bringing a little smoke to the kitchen, and whenever I think of gatherings, my mind drifts to this Smoked Green Bean Casserole. This dish is a warm embrace of nostalgia, reminding me of family holidays spent laughing over the dinner table, where the rich aroma of comforting food mingles with lively conversation. Not just your average casserole, this one packs a punch of flavor, thanks to its smoky twist. Trust me, once you’ve had this, you’ll never go back to the traditional version!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Now, let’s talk about why this Smoked Green Bean Casserole is truly a standout dish. Imagine the familiar creamy goodness of traditional green bean casserole, but with a delectable smoky undertone that dances across your palate. The layers of flavor from simple ingredients evolve into something extra special when they meet the smoke. It’s a perfect blend of ease and impressive flair, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts.
Do you ever have those days when you want something comforting yet easy to throw together? This dish checks both boxes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens! Packed with green beans and elevated with savory cream of mushroom soup, you get the satisfaction of a beloved classic but with a surprisingly bold twist. And can we talk about the crunch of those fried onions? They add that delightful texture that makes every bite memorable.
Gather these ingredients
To whip up this delicious casserole, here’s what you’ll need—think of it as providing the backbone of your dish, each ingredient bringing its own charm to the party:
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Green Beans: Get 4 cans (14.5 oz each) of canned green beans—make sure you drain them! If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh or frozen green beans could add a delightful crunch, but you’ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: You’ll need 2 cans (10.5 oz each). It’s the creamy base that ties everything together. If you want to make it from scratch to take things up a notch, I encourage you to check out some homemade variations for an extra kick.
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Whole Milk: One cup of this liquid gold adds richness to your sauce. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, feel free to swap it out for unsweetened almond or oat milk.
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Soy Sauce: Just a tablespoon and a half for that perfect umami punch—don’t skip this! It’s a little secret weapon that amplifies the flavor.
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Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget your garlic and onion powders (3/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp, respectively). These spices are the little elves that work silently in the background to enhance every bite.
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French Fried Onions: The pièce de résistance! You’ll need 2 2/3 cups. These add crunch and a golden layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using homemade crispy onions for a fresher taste.
Preparing Smoked Green Bean Casserole
Now for the fun part! Let’s dive into how you’ll create this masterpiece.
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Preheat the Smoker: Start by preheating your smoker to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a smoker, an oven with a smoke box or a stovetop smoker can work too.
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Combine Ingredients: In a disposable 9×13" aluminum baking dish, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle in that garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add Onions: Toss in 1 1/3 cups of the fried onions. Give everything a good stir until it’s all evenly mixed. Spread the mixture out in an even layer.
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Smoke Time: Place your dish in the smoker, uncovered. Let it smoke for 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens as those flavors meld together and get infused with that glorious smoke.
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Top it Off: After thirty minutes, carefully spread the remaining 1 1/3 cups of fried onions over the casserole. Pop it back in the smoker for another 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling and the onions on top are crispy and golden.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly, then serve warm. Your taste buds will thank you!
What to serve it with
Ah, the art of pairing! This smoked casserole deserves some love on the side. It goes beautifully with roasted meats like herb-crusted chicken or smoked ribs, complementing their flavors while adding a fresh crunch.
You could also serve it next to a light salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget some soft, warm bread—a crusty baguette or soft rolls are perfect for mopping up those creamy remnants left behind on your plate.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I bet they’ll disappear quickly!), here’s how to keep that next-day goodness:
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Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
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Reheating: You can reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If you reheat it in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning.
Pro chef tips
Here are some insider tips to elevate your casserole game:
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Fresh vs. Canned: If you have fresh green beans, feel free to use them! Just blanch them first to ensure they’re tender when baked.
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Toasting Spices: If you’re feeling fancy or adventurous, try lightly toasting the garlic and onion powders in a dry pan before adding them. This little step will deepen their flavor profile. Just remember to watch them closely—they can burn quickly!
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Spice it Up: Want a kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the mix. It gives that rustic flavor a nice kick, appealing to those who love a bit of heat.
Different ways to try
Feeling creative? Here are some fun variations to try:
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Cheesy Spin: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese before piling on those crispy onions. You could even create a cheesy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with some cheese and butter for that extra crunch.
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Meat It Up: If you love a heartier dish, add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham into the mix before smoking. This adds some savory depth and makes it a complete meal.
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Alternative Soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom for cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor twist.
Ingredients list
- 4 cans (14.5 oz) green beans (drained)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 2/3 cups French fried onions
Directions to follow
- Preheat your smoker to 350°F.
- In a disposable 9×13" aluminum baking dish, combine green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 1/3 cups of fried onions.
- Stir until evenly mixed and spread in an even layer.
- Smoke uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Spread the remaining fried onions on top and smoke for an additional 15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Your questions answered
- Can I use fresh green beans? Absolutely! Blanch them first for even tenderness.
- How long does this casserole last? In the fridge, it’ll last about 3-4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep it a day early and just pop it in the smoker when you’re ready.
- What’s a good side dish with it? It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a bright salad.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Just check for vegetarian cream soup options and you’re good to go!
Making this Smoked Green Bean Casserole is like welcoming an old friend back into your kitchen—it’s warm, inviting, and delightfully nostalgic. With each bite, you’ll savor a burst of flavor that feels like a big hug. I encourage you to give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your twists! Your feedback makes this cooking journey even richer, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. So roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and feel the joy of creating something special!
Smoked Green Bean Casserole
Description
This Smoked Green Bean Casserole is a delicious blend of creamy goodness with a smoky flavor that elevates the traditional dish. Perfect for gatherings, it offers a comforting and flavorful experience.Ingredients
Casserole
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Preheat Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 350°F. -
Combine Ingredients
In a disposable 9x13" aluminum baking dish, combine drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 1/3 cups of fried onions. Stir until evenly mixed and spread in an even layer. -
Smoke Uncovered
Place the dish in the smoker, uncovered. Smoke for 30 minutes.Flavors will meld and infuse with smoke. -
Add Onions
Spread the remaining 1 1/3 cups of fried onions over the casserole. Smoke for an additional 15 minutes until crispy.Casserole is done when bubbling and onions are golden. -
Serve
Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.Enjoy the smoky flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 450mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 15 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 25 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 100 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
