Green Bean Casserole With Ritz Crackers (Print)
Tender green beans in creamy mushroom sauce with buttery Ritz cracker topping
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (fresh alternative)
→ Sauce
03 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup sour cream
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Add-ins
10 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup French fried onions
→ Topping
12 - 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fresh green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until completely smooth and well combined.
04 - Add the blanched green beans, cheddar cheese, and French fried onions to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until all components are evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly using a spatula, ensuring the surface is level.
06 - In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
07 - Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
08 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
09 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The Ritz cracker topping creates an irresistible buttery crunch that everyone fights over
- It comes together in under an hour with minimal prep work
- This is the side dish that actually steals the show from the main course
02 -
- Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce set slightly
- The topping should be deeply golden not pale for that signature crunch
03 -
- Crush the Ritz crackers to coarse crumbs not fine dust for the best texture
- Use room temperature sour cream to prevent lumps in your sauce