Quick Answer
Yes, you can make green bean casserole ahead of time and reheat it. Green bean casserole can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. The casserole may also be reheated in the microwave, but the topping may not crisp up as nicely. Making green bean casserole ahead allows more time for prep on the big day.
Steps to Make Ahead and Reheat
Follow these steps to prepare green bean casserole in advance and reheat it later:
Make the Casserole
1. Prepare the green bean casserole as you normally would, combining the cooked green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and any seasonings or other ingredients in a casserole dish.
2. Top with fried onions and bake until bubbly. Allow to cool completely.
Store
3. Cover the casserole tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat
4. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled casserole, covered, for 30-40 minutes, until heated through and bubbling around the edges.
5. For a quicker reheat, microwave on High in 3-4 minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. The topping may not get as crispy.
6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
– Use an oven-safe casserole dish to allow reheating directly in the dish. Glass or ceramic work well.
– Be sure the casserole is completely cool before refrigerating so it chills as quickly as possible.
– Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil so it doesn’t dry out in the fridge.
– Stir lightly before reheating to evenly distribute ingredients.
– Bake a little longer than usual when reheating to ensure the center is piping hot.
– If microwaving, stir every few minutes to redistribute heat. Rotate the dish each time for even cooking.
– Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after reheating so the flavors can meld together again.
Why Make Ahead?
Preparing green bean casserole in advance takes some work off your plate on the big day. Here are some of the benefits:
– Frees up oven space and burners the day of your event for other dishes
– Allows more time for other cooking and prep
– Lets you get ahead on dish washing since the casserole is already made
– Gives you one less thing to worry about last minute
– Allows flavors to meld together for richer, more complex taste
– Can be prepped 1-2 days early so it’s ready to just reheat and serve
Storage Times for Leftovers
Got extra green bean casserole? Here’s how long you can store the leftovers:
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
– Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container to allow for quick cooling.
– Reheat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
– Frozen leftovers keep 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can You Make it Ahead and Freeze It?
Yes, green bean casserole can also be made in advance and frozen unbaked. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Allow to cool completely.
2. Cover tightly with heavy duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air.
3. Label with contents and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
5. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until heated through and the topping is crispy.
Freezing is great for making multiple casseroles ahead when expecting lots of guests. Just be sure to thaw fully before baking to prevent a soggy or undercooked dish.
Ingredients That Work Best
Certain ingredients make green bean casserole reheat better later. Prioritize these when making ahead:
Canned beans – Canned green beans hold up better to reheating than fresh or frozen. Choose quality cans without added salt.
Sliced mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms soak up flavor and get tender when reheated. Pieces also mimic fresh.
Thickened soup – Condensed cream of mushroom has a thick consistency that doesn’t separate or curdle.
Crispy onions – Look for fried onions that stay crispy and crunchy even after reheating.
Butter and flour – A butter and flour-based sauce, versus milk-only, avoids curdling or separation.
Herbs and spices – Dried herbs and spices like pepper, thyme, parsley hold up well to make-ahead cooking.
Can You Add Items Right Before Serving?
Yes, certain toppings can be added just before serving a pre-made green bean casserole to keep them fresh and crunchy:
– Fried Shallots or Onions – Sprinkle these crispy onions on top right before baking or serving.
– Crushed Potato Chips – For another crispy topping, add crumbled potato chips on top.
– Toasted Nuts – Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts on individual portions.
– Bacon – Cook some bacon until crispy and crumble over the casserole.
– Breadcrumbs – For extra crunch, add fresh breadcrumbs tossed in butter or oil.
– Cheese – Shredded cheddar, Parmesan or Swiss add flavor. Add just before baking so the cheese doesn’t get dried out after reheating.
How to Adjust for a Smaller Batch
Leftover green bean casserole is great, but what if you want to make a smaller batch to start with? Here are some tips:
– Halve the recipe, keeping the same proportions of ingredients
– Use an 8×8 inch baking dish instead of 9×13
– Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes
– For 4 servings, use:
| Ingredient | Small Batch Amount |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | 2 (14.5 oz) cans |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp |
| Fried Onions | 1 cup |
– For fewer leftovers, assemble in ramekins or au gratin dishes instead of a large casserole. Adjust bake time down.
What to Serve It With
Green bean casserole is a holiday classic for a reason – it goes great with many traditional holiday meals. Here are some delicious sides to serve it with:
– Roast Turkey or Ham – The rich casserole balances lean roasted meats.
– Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes pair nicely with the crunchy onion topping.
– Stuffing or Dressing – The combination of beans, sauce, and breadcrumbs is a winner.
– Cranberry Sauce – Tart cranberries cut the richness.
– Dinner Rolls – Great for soaking up extra sauce.
– Salad – A fresh green salad balances the heavy casserole.
– Sweet Potato Casserole – Another Thanksgiving favorite.
– Corn – The sweet flavor complements the earthy beans.
– Baked Brie – Ooey cheese is always a crowd pleaser.
Whatever you serve it with, green bean casserole is sure to please. Making it ahead of time means your Thanksgiving prep is a breeze!
Conclusion
Green bean casserole can absolutely be made 1-2 days ahead of time and reheated with delicious results. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and storing in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake in a 350°F oven until hot, about 30-40 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave in intervals, stirring between. Making this holiday favorite in advance saves you time on the big day and allows the flavors to meld together. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy creamy, crispy green bean casserole without the hassle.