Exploring Alternatives: Tasty Swaps for French Fried Onions in Your Green Bean Casserole
French’s French Fried Onions are pretty much the go-to for enhancing your green bean casserole—think of them as the side dish’s best friend, much like Heinz ketchup is to burgers and fries.
But what if these crispy, savory delights aren’t available? According to Blair Lonergan, the mastermind behind The Seasoned Mom, last-minute shoppers might find the store shelves bare of this essential holiday ingredient.
And hey, not everyone is a fan of the strong onion kick that comes with fried alliums, as Lonergan points out.
But fear not, showing up to Thanksgiving without that iconic crispy topping doesn’t have to be a disaster. There are alternative ways to whip up a delicious green bean casserole that might even convert die-hard fried onion enthusiasts. Experts have spilled the beans on some worthy substitutes to keep your side dish game strong.
Simple Substitutes: Delicious Alternatives to French Fried Onions in Green Bean Casserole
Discover a crunchy pantry solution
Straying from the original recipe might seem like a challenge, but Lonergan suggests that you might already have a perfect alternative lurking in your pantry—occupying the space that was meant for those elusive French fried onions.
“When crispy French fried onions are missing from your casserole, experiment with an alternative crunchy topping,” Lonergan advises.
“These choices deliver the same decadent, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch we all adore in traditional fried onions,” Lonergan assures.
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Or raid your fridge for alternatives
According to Lauren Allen, the brains behind the recipe haven Taste Better From Scratch and the author of an Amazon best-selling cookbook with the same name, turning the search for a French fried onion replacement into an opportunity to clear out fridge space for leftovers is a smart move.
“If you’re up for it, sautéed diced onions can give you the onion flavor without the crispy texture of fried onions,” Allen suggests. “Just cook chopped onions in butter or oil until they’re soft and lightly browned.”
For those with a penchant for meat, bacon is a winning choice.
“Sprinkle some crumbled, cooked bacon on top for added crunch, saltiness, and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the dish,” adds Allen.”
Rescuing Your Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole:
Green Beans – You can use fresh, frozen, or canned beans for this recipe.
Canned green beans are softer and require no preparation—just drain and use.
Frozen green beans have a tender-crisp texture without the need for cutting. While you can skip cooking them, boiling for about 5 minutes (with a bit more salt) enhances the texture, according to personal preference.
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Fresh green beans also provide a tender-crisp texture and a fresher flavor; simmer them for 8 minutes.
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) of any style of Del Monte® Green Beans, drained (substitution options available)
1 1/3 cups French’s® Original Crispy Fried Onions, divided
French’s French Fried Onions are pretty much the go-to for enhancing your green bean casserole—think of them as the side dish’s best friend, much like Heinz ketchup is to burgers and fries. But what if these crispy, savory delights aren’t available? According to Blair Lonergan, the mastermind behind The Seasoned Mom, last-minute shoppers might find…
