Tater Green Bean Twist

This tater green bean casserole is a simple yet delicious twist on the classic holiday side. It combines tender green beans, flavorful O’Brien potatoes, creamy soup, cheese, and crispy fried onions to create a comforting dish that’s both hearty and crowd pleasing. It’s perfect when you want to add something familiar but a little more special to your holiday spread or weeknight dinner table.

I first made this during a busy holiday season and found it quickly became a favorite that everyone requests year after year. The addition of diced potatoes really deepens the texture and taste without complicating the process.

Ingredients

• Cream of mushroom soup: provides a creamy base with subtle earthiness homemade works beautifully if you have time
• Milk: whole milk keeps the casserole luscious and smooth, though 2% works if you want slightly lighter
• Garlic salt: offers a boost of savory flavor garlic powder is a good alternative if you need to watch sodium
• Frozen O’Brien potatoes: finely diced potatoes with onion and peppers add texture and color no need to thaw before mixing
• Canned green beans: convenient and tender, perfect for casseroles fresh or frozen can be used but will require adjustments
• French’s Crispy Fried Onions: classic topping for that iconic crunch and flavor contrast
• Shredded cheese: I like a Colby and Monterey Jack blend for melting and flavor but cheddar, gouda, or gruyere is great too
• Black pepper: freshly ground for balanced seasoning

Instructions

Sift together the base ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Stir in the garlic salt and black pepper to bring out those savory notes.

Combine the potatoes, green beans, onions, and cheese:

Add the frozen O’Brien potatoes directly to the bowl along with the canned green beans. Mix in one and one third cups of crispy fried onions to infuse the casserole with flavor. Then fold in one cup of shredded cheese evenly.

Prepare and bake the casserole:

Pour the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish making sure it is spread out evenly for consistent cooking. Place the dish in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake uncovered for thirty minutes until the edges are bubbly and the center is hot.

Top with cheese and onions then finish baking:

Remove the casserole briefly and sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheese across the surface. Follow with the remaining one and one third cups of fried onions, distributing them evenly. Return the casserole to the oven for another five minutes or until the cheese melts and the onions turn golden brown.

Let it cool slightly then serve:

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes so it sets up nicely and is easier to dish onto plates. This step also lets the flavors meld beautifully.

I love the way the O’Brien potatoes add not just texture but visual interest with the little flecks of green and red peppers. It took this traditional dish to a new level in my family’s holiday dinners. One year my nephew declared it his favorite part and insisted on seconds before touching the turkey.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or in the microwave stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. If freezing, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil and consume within three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find O’Brien potatoes, frozen shredded hash browns are a good substitute though the texture will be slightly different. For a cream soup alternative, try cream of chicken or cream of potato to keep the casserole mushroom free but still creamy. Fresh green beans can be used if briefly blanched first to soften them without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or a simple grilled chicken breast. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. For a fuller meal, mix in cooked and crumbled ground beef or turkey at the beginning to make it a one dish entree.

This tater green bean casserole is a comforting, easy to make side that elevates any meal. Leftovers reheat well but are best enjoyed within three days.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What are O’Brien potatoes?

O’Brien potatoes are frozen, finely diced potatoes mixed with onions and green and red peppers, found near frozen hash browns in the grocery store.

→ Can I substitute O’Brien potatoes with fresh potatoes?

Yes, finely dice fresh potatoes and par-boil them to ensure even cooking along with other ingredients.

→ What alternatives can I use for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken, cream of potato, or cream of celery soups; each adds a different flavor while maintaining creaminess.

→ Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Yes, adding cooked and crumbled ground beef, chicken, or turkey at the start transforms it into a heartier meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

→ Can this dish be frozen before baking?

Yes, prepare it as directed without baking, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.