How to Freeze Green Bean Casserole?
To freeze green bean casserole, start by preparing the casserole without using canned soup.
This prevents the texture from becoming mushy when thawed.
Once the casserole is assembled, allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Label the package with the date and place it in the freezer.
When reheating from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole, covered, for 45-60 minutes or until heated through.
For added deliciousness, top the casserole with crunchy fried onions before serving.
Enjoy!
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. According to the Guinness World Records, the largest ever green bean casserole weighed over 1,009 kilograms (2,224 pounds) and was created by a group of chefs in Wisconsin, USA in 2018.
2. The concept of freezing food was actually invented by Clarence Birdseye in the early 1920s, who discovered that flash freezing vegetables could preserve their taste and texture.
3. Green beans, or string beans as they are sometimes called, are technically a fruit rather than a vegetable. They belong to the legume family and are classified as a fruit because they develop from the fertilized ovary of a flower.
4. The green bean casserole became an iconic Thanksgiving dish in the United States after it was created in 1955. It was developed by a woman named Dorcas Reilly, who worked as a home economist for the Campbell Soup Company.
5. The green bean casserole was initially created as a way to promote and utilize Campbell’s Mushroom Soup. Reilly’s original recipe called for just six ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and crispy fried onions.
Making A Canned Soup-Free Green Bean Casserole For Freezing
Preparing a green bean casserole without relying on canned soup is a flavorful alternative that yields delicious results when frozen and reheated later. By making your own creamy sauce from scratch, you can freeze your green bean casserole without worrying about the quality or taste being compromised during the storage process.
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim and wash the green beans, then blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and plunge the beans into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until well combined, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Place the blanched green beans in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the homemade sauce over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently toss to combine. At this point, you can proceed to freeze the casserole or proceed to the next section to add a crunchy fried onion topping.
Properly Freezing Green Bean Casserole For Future Use
To properly freeze your green bean casserole, follow these steps to maintain its taste and texture:
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Cool completely: Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before freezing to prevent condensation inside the container.
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Choose container: Use a freezer-safe container or divide the casserole into smaller, individual serving-sized containers.
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Seal tightly: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no gaps for air to enter.
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Extra protection: Wrap the entire dish with a layer of heavy-duty foil or place it inside a resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Label and date: Label the container with the date it was prepared to keep track of its freshness.
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Freeze properly: Store the casserole in the coldest part of your freezer, such as the back or bottom shelf, to ensure consistent freezing and prevent partial thawing during door openings.
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Properly cool before freezing
- Use a freezer-safe container
- Seal tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Provide extra protection with heavy-duty foil or a freezer bag
- Label and date the container
- Freeze in the coldest part of the freezer
Remember to thaw the casserole before reheating and enjoy your preserved green bean casserole whenever you crave it!
Step-By-Step Guide To Reheating Frozen Green Bean Casserole
To enjoy your frozen green bean casserole, follow these steps for proper reheating to preserve the flavors and textures:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the frozen casserole by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dish’s quality.
- After thawing, replace the plastic wrap or foil covering with fresh foil. This prevents the topping from burning while reheating.
- Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- To ensure thorough reheating, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the fried onions to regain their crispiness.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Remember, following these steps will help you achieve the best results when reheating your frozen green bean casserole.
Adding Crunchy Fried Onions As A Topping To Frozen Casserole
For an extra dose of flavor and texture, consider adding a crunchy fried onion topping to your green bean casserole before freezing it. This step will add a delightful crunch to your reheated casserole.
To prepare the topping, mix together 1 cup of French fried onions with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole before placing it in the oven for final baking.
The fried onion topping will freeze alongside the casserole, maintaining its crunchiness while adding an enjoyable contrast to the creamy green bean mixture. Follow the reheating instructions provided earlier to ensure a perfectly heated and crispy casserole.
By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen green bean casserole without sacrificing its taste or quality. Prepare a canned soup-free version, freeze it properly, and add a crunchy fried onion topping for a delicious and hassle-free meal any time you desire!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to freeze green bean casserole?
To freeze green bean casserole, transfer the leftovers into a suitable container such as an aluminum foil pan, a freezer-safe zip-top bag, or an airtight container. Ensure that the crispy topping is mixed in with the creamy casserole before freezing. This will help preserve the flavors and textures of the casserole, allowing for a delicious and convenient thawing and reheating experience whenever you desire.
How do you freeze green beans after cooking?
An alternate method for freezing cooked green beans involves using an airtight container instead of a plastic bag. After blanching the beans, allow them to cool, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. It is important to leave a little bit of headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Remember to label the container with the date and store it in the freezer. This method ensures the green beans remain fresh and delicious when thawed for later use.
Do you freeze green beans raw or cooked?
To freeze green beans, it is best to blanch them before freezing. Blanching helps preserve their quality by briefly cooking the beans before freezing. Once blanched, the green beans should be dried thoroughly before packaging and freezing. It is important to label the package or container with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. Frozen green beans can be used within 6 to 8 months for optimal quality.
Can you freeze cooked green beans and reheat?
Yes, cooked green beans can be frozen and reheated. Blanching the green beans before freezing them helps retain their flavor and texture. However, it is important to note that when you thaw and reheat the green beans, they may have a softer, more watery texture compared to when they were freshly cooked. Nonetheless, freezing cooked green beans is a convenient way to preserve them for future use.