If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side that screams comfort food, Green Bean Casserole is always a winner. It combines hearty green beans, a creamy and savory sauce, and plenty of crunchy French fried onions on top for that irresistible finish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a casual weeknight dinner, or any festive gathering, this classic casserole brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Green Bean Casserole is its simplicity—every ingredient shines and brings something special to the dish. Familiar pantry staples and a few fresh veggies come together for a dish that’s far more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Green beans: Fresh ones give a bright, snappy texture, but canned green beans work wonderfully for a softer, nostalgic bite.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This classic base delivers creamy richness with just the right touch of earthiness—don’t skip it!
- Whole milk: A little bit of milk lightens and loosens the sauce, making sure every bean is perfectly coated.
- Garlic powder: This handy seasoning adds subtle depth without overwhelming the casserole’s gentle flavors.
- Black pepper: Just a touch to balance out the richness and add a pinch of warmth.
- French fried onions: Arguably the best part! These provide essential crunch and that golden, savory finish everybody craves.
- Salt: Season to your taste, especially if your soup isn’t too salty already.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Grease your baking dish so nothing sticks and clean-up stays easy.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. If you’re using fresh green beans, give them a quick boil in salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, just until they’re bright and crisp-tender. Drain them well and let them cool slightly. If you’re shortcutting with canned green beans, simply drain them and move on!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to taste. Whisk together until the sauce is smooth and every bit of seasoning is evenly blended. This is the creamy magic that blankets every bite of Green Bean Casserole.
Step 3: Combine and Layer
Fold your green beans into the sauce, then add in 1 cup of those glorious French fried onions. Gently stir everything together so the beans get coated, and the onions add flavor throughout. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly—don’t worry if it looks a little rustic, that’s part of the charm.
Step 4: Bake It Up
Slide the dish into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld together and the sauce gets bubbly around the edges, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas.
Step 5: Top and Finish
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup French fried onions on top, and pop it back in for another 5 to 10 minutes. Those onions will become perfectly golden and crisp—so be sure to keep an eye out to prevent burning! Serve your Green Bean Casserole piping hot.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or even freshly cracked black pepper over the casserole just before serving. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a few shreds of melty cheddar on top right before the final bake step makes the whole dish richer and even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Green Bean Casserole pairs famously with roast turkey, ham, or chicken, but it also cozies up nicely next to mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For weeknight dinners, consider serving it alongside grilled meats, a crisp salad, or even a roasted sweet potato.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of the usual large casserole, try baking individual portions in ramekins for charming, single-serve Green Bean Casseroles—perfect for a dinner party! Or, spoon the casserole into a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for a rustic, bread bowl presentation that doubles as a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container so it stays moist and the flavors continue to develop—you might even find you love it even more the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze Green Bean Casserole (before adding the top layer of fried onions) for up to one month. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add that final layer of onions right before reheating so they stay crispy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual servings, but for that satisfying crunchy topping, finish it under the broiler for a minute or two. Add more fried onions if you want to restore the crisp factor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen green beans before using. They’ll hold their shape and color well, making them a fantastic option for Green Bean Casserole.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Green Bean Casserole is naturally vegetarian if you use mushroom soup, but for a vegan version, choose a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and swap in non-dairy milk. Don’t forget to check that your French fried onions are vegan-friendly, too!
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for richness, or toss in sautéed mushrooms for even more depth. Some folks love a sprinkle of crispy cooked bacon on top (if you don’t need a vegetarian dish), or a handful of toasted almonds for a nutty crunch.
Can I prepare Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the final layer of onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the remaining onions before baking so they stay crisp and golden.
Is there a way to make it gluten free?
Definitely—just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free French fried onions, both of which are widely available in most grocery stores. The rest of the recipe remains just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Green Bean Casserole from scratch, this is your moment to shine. It’s the kind of timeless recipe that brings warmth and togetherness to any meal. So gather up your ingredients, invite someone to join you in the kitchen, and let those delicious aromas fill your home!
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole is a must-have holiday side dish. Creamy and flavorful, it’s topped with crispy French fried onions for that perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Creamy Mixture:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions (divided)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil fresh green beans until tender, then drain.
- Mix: Combine soup, milk, seasonings, and 1 cup of onions. Add green beans and mix.
- Bake: Transfer to dish, bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining onions, bake 5–10 minutes more.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup if desired.
- Can be made ahead and baked when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
