Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is beloved for its savory flavor and creamy texture. But when it comes to reheating this dish, many cooks have questions about the best way to warm it up without compromising the taste or texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to reheating green bean casserole, including tips for oven and microwave reheating, how long to warm it up, and how to tell when it’s hot enough.
How to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in the Oven
The oven is the best way to evenly reheat a full 9×13 pan of green bean casserole. Here are some tips for oven reheating success:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover the cold casserole lightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, until heated through. Check occasionally and stir gently.
- Uncover and bake another 5 minutes to crisp the fried onions on top.
The relatively low and slow oven temperature will prevent the sauce from separating or curdling. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the beans slimy or mushy.
How to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in the Microwave
The microwave can be used to quickly reheat individual servings of green bean casserole:
- Portion out servings into microwave-safe bowls or plates.
- Cover with a paper towel or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, stirring between intervals.
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions just before eating.
The resting time after microwaving allows the temperature to evenly distribute. Make sure not to microwave too long, as this can cause the sauce to separate or overcook the beans.
How Long Does it Take to Reheat Green Bean Casserole?
The time it takes to properly reheat green bean casserole depends on a few factors:
- Oven: 45-60 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan baked at 350°F.
- Microwave: 2-3 minutes per individual serving, reheating in 30 second intervals.
- Quantity: Larger quantities take longer. Individual portions reheat faster.
- Density: Very thick, dense casseroles take longer than thinner recipes.
- Temperature: Colder casseroles take longer than those at room temp.
Be sure to factor in a resting time after microwaving and extra baking time to recrisp the fried onion topping as needed.
How to Tell When Green Bean Casserole is Hot Enough
Here are some tips for checking green bean casserole to see if it has been sufficiently reheated:
- Use an instant read thermometer – it should reach 165°F in the center.
- Check that the center and edges are hot – microwaves can create cold spots.
- Make sure the beans are heated through, not cold or crunchy.
- Look for bubbles around the edges of the casserole.
- Stir gently and check that the sauce is smooth, not separating.
- The top should be lightly browned and the onions crispy.
If the center still seems cold, cover and return to the oven or microwave in short intervals until the proper internal temp is reached. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Can You Reheat Green Bean Casserole in a Slow Cooker?
Reheating green bean casserole in a slow cooker is not recommended. Slow cookers do not heat foods quickly or to a high enough temperature. This can promote bacteria growth and potential food poisoning. Slow cookers are meant for long, moist cooking methods – not reheating. It’s best to use the oven or microwave to safely reheat green bean casserole to serving temperature as quickly as possible.
Tips for Serving Reheated Green Bean Casserole
Here are some serving tips for green bean casserole after reheating:
- Garnish with crispy fried onions just before serving for best texture.
- Consider adding crunchy French’s onions or chow mein noodles on top.
- If the casserole seems dry after reheating, stir in a little milk to moisten.
- Add a dash of pepper or Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor.
- Keep it hot in a warm oven or chafing dish if not serving immediately.
- Pair it with slider rolls or biscuits to round out the meal.
Be careful not to over-stir or the beans may become mushy. A little extra seasoning or texture can help liven it up after reheating. Serve immediately so that it stays hot and delicious.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole leftovers should be promptly refrigerated. Properly stored leftovers can keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them with the same oven or microwave method. Casseroles with cream or dairy ingredients like this one are not ideal for freezing unbaked. However, leftover fully cooked casserole can be frozen up to 2-3 months. Here are some freezing tips:
- Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
- Divide into portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Add fried onions just before reheating after thawing.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating may take slightly longer from frozen state.
Freezing is not recommended for egg-based or cream-based casseroles more than once, as the texture suffers with repeated thaws. For best results, stick to refrigerating fully cooked green bean casserole leftovers for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Reheating green bean casserole is easy and delicious when done properly. Allow 45-60 minutes to reheat a full 9×13 pan in a 350°F oven, or 2-3 minutes per portion in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and look for hot, bubbly edges and a smooth, creamy sauce. Crisp up the fried onion topping at the end for the perfect texture. Add seasonings to taste and serve immediately. Following these reheating tips will help you enjoy all of your leftover green bean casserole without any loss in taste or quality.