Green bean casserole is a timeless classic that graces many tables during the holiday season. It's rich, comforting, and brings together simple ingredients to create a dish everyone loves. Whether you're looking to recreate a nostalgic family favorite or want to impress guests with a delicious side dish, this green bean casserole recipe will not disappoint. Read on to discover the best way to make green bean casserole and learn tips and tricks to perfect this savory dish.

What is a Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a baked side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and sometimes cheese. Traditionally served during Thanksgiving, it's a combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that come together in a deliciously satisfying way. The dish is simple to prepare, using canned or fresh green beans and ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s the perfect side dish for a hearty dinner, and it's loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole
- 2 ½ pounds fresh French green beans (or 6 cans if using canned)
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup – this is the base of the casserole, providing creaminess and flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds a cheesy richness to the dish
- 1 ⅓ cups fried onions – for that essential crispy topping. French's fried onions are a popular store-bought choice, but you can also make homemade fried onions for a personal touch.
- Optional: Salt and pepper – to taste
Ingredients List for Homemade Fried Onions
If you're feeling ambitious and want to take your green bean casserole up a notch, making your own fried onions is an excellent way to enhance the dish. Here's what you’ll need:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup buttermilk – helps soften and flavor the onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for dredging the onions before frying
- 1 teaspoon salt – to season
- Vegetable oil – for frying
Homemade fried onions are fresher and can provide an extra layer of flavor that canned versions may lack. They do take more time to prepare, but the end result is worth the effort.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about green bean casserole is its versatility. Whether you're working with dietary restrictions or personal preferences, you can easily substitute or modify the ingredients to fit your needs.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: For a vegan version, swap the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based cream soup and use vegan cheese. Also, opt for a non-dairy milk and vegan-friendly fried onions.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making homemade fried onions. Additionally, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup you choose is certified gluten-free.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the go-to, you can experiment with different kinds of cheese. Swiss or mozzarella adds a milder flavor, while gruyère gives a deeper, more sophisticated taste.
- Protein Addition: Want to make your green bean casserole a bit heartier? Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Herb Enhancements: Add some fresh or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the soup mixture for added depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and develop a golden-brown crust on top.
- Prepare the Green Beans: If you're using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This step helps maintain their bright green color and crisp texture. If you're using canned green beans, simply drain them and set them aside.
- Make the Soup Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, add the blanched (or canned) green beans and pour the soup mixture over the top. Stir everything together so that the green beans are evenly coated.
- Top with Fried Onions: Sprinkle half of the fried onions over the top of the casserole, reserving the remaining onions for later.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Add Remaining Fried Onions: After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve Hot: Once the casserole is bubbly and the top is nicely browned, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you've seen the overview, let’s break it down further:
- Green Beans: Fresh or canned green beans both work. If using fresh, always blanch them first for the best texture.
- Mushroom Soup: You can either use the traditional canned version or make a homemade mushroom soup if you prefer more control over ingredients.
- Cheese and Fried Onions: These are the two key components that bring flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the fried onions!
- Baking Time: Stick to the timing – 25 minutes initially to allow the soup and cheese to meld into the beans, followed by a quick bake to crisp up the onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Raw Green Beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, never skip the blanching step. Raw green beans will remain too firm even after baking.
- Overcooking the Casserole: Keep a close eye during the last 5-10 minutes to avoid burning the fried onions. They should be golden and crispy, not charred.
- Not Adding Enough Salt: While cream of mushroom soup is salty, adding a bit of extra salt to the green beans enhances the overall flavor. Taste as you go!
- Skipping Cheese: The cheese adds creaminess and depth to the dish. It’s easy to think of it as optional, but it really elevates the casserole to the next level.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Green bean casserole is best served hot from the oven, but how you present it can make a difference.
- Serve in the Baking Dish: For a rustic, homey feel, serve the green bean casserole directly from the baking dish. Use a decorative baking dish to elevate the presentation.
- Use Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant touch, divide the casserole mixture into individual ramekins before baking. This way, each guest gets their own personal serving.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham. It’s a great addition to any holiday spread but also works as a side dish for a Sunday family dinner. If serving during Thanksgiving, place it alongside other traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve on a Wooden Cutting Board: Place the baking dish on a wooden cutting board for a cozy, rustic presentation.
- Use Bright Serving Utensils: Opt for colorful serving spoons or spatulas to bring some visual interest to the table.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Double the Recipe for Large Gatherings: If you're feeding a crowd, this recipe easily doubles. Use a larger baking dish or split between two smaller ones.
- Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the fried onions right before baking.
- Crispier Topping: For an extra crispy topping, toast the fried onions lightly before adding them to the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, but wait to add the fried onions until you're ready to bake. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the texture of the green beans and the fried onions can change. If you must freeze it, omit the fried onions and add them fresh when you reheat the casserole.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well. Simply thaw and drain them before using.
How long does green bean casserole last?
Stored in an airtight container, green bean casserole will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any gathering. With its creamy texture, savory green beans, and crispy fried onion topping, it's no wonder this dish has become a beloved staple at holiday dinners. Whether you're making the traditional version or trying out a variation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Be sure to follow these steps and tips, and you'll have a delicious green bean casserole that's bound to impress everyone at the table!
PrintGreen Bean Casserole Recipe
This delicious Green Bean Casserole recipe combines tender French green beans, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. Perfect for family dinners, especially during the holidays! Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, cheesy green beans, crispy onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds French green beans (or 6 cans if using canned)
- 2 cans (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ⅓ cups fried onions (use French's or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain. Skip this step for canned beans.
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
- Top with fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can mix in some garlic powder or ground black pepper with the soup mixture.
- Feel free to add bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a twist on the classic recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
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