My Favorite Thanksgiving Dish

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a green bean casserole on the table! It is the one thing that I look forward to all year. My mom makes it and when I started dating KB I told him he had to try it! He, of course, loved it and helped me with this recipe. If you want to make the version I grew up with then buy two cans of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, a can of french cut green beans and a container of French's Fried Onions (the recipe is on the onions!). However, I was outside a Trader Joe's when I decided to make this for the blog so that recipe turned into a slightly modified and super tasty version! 

What you'll need: 

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 can of French Fried Onions
• 2 boxes of cream of mushroom soup
• 2 medium or 1 large leek(s)
• 3 cloves Garlic (not pictured)
• Cheese (optional) 
• Garlic Salt
• Black Pepper
• Crushed Red Pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the leeks into medium size pieces and toss them into an 8" X 8" casserole dish. 

Mince the garlic and set aside. 

Put one pound of green beans into a Ziploc Steamer bag. These bags are the most amazing thing in the world and I cannot recommend them enough. However, if you can't find them, you can simply blanch the green beans in a pot of boiling water. Make sure they are well-drained before putting them in the casserole. Follow the directions on the bag to steam the green beans, it took about 4 minutes in my microwave. 

Once the green beans are a bright green color and slightly cooled pour them into the casserole dish on top of the leeks. Spread them around with a wooden spoon or spatula until they make an even layer. Use a spoon because they will still be pretty hot!

Pour both boxes of the Cream of Mushroom soup into the casserole dish. Then sprinkle the garlic on top. 

Using a spatula or wooden spoon fold all of the ingredients in the casserole dish until well-combined. 

Sprinkle your spices (garlic salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper) over the top of the combined casserole. Then take about half of the french fried onions and sprinkle them over the top. Fold the entire mixture again until the seasonings and onions are distributed. 

Now that it is all mixed up, use the spatula to pat your mixture down until it is flat and level all the way across the casserole dish. This will ensure even cooking! 

Sprinkle the top with an even layer of the remaining fried onion pieces. If you choose to add cheese grate a layer over the top! (I don't add cheese, but KB loves it.)

Place your casserole in the oven for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when it's a little bubbly, the cheese it melted and the onions are a darker color. 

Enjoy!!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Love you lots,