The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Family Gatherings

Green bean casserole has been a beloved comfort dish in many households for generations.

Crispy, golden breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to this classic side.

Mushroom cream sauce binds the tender green beans together with rich, savory flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

Fresh green beans provide a vibrant foundation for this hearty dish.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings make this recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Wondering how to make this nostalgic side?

You’ll want to bookmark this mouthwatering recipe right now.

Keeping Green Bean Casserole Fresh After Dinner

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating to restore crunch.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Both work perfectly! Fresh green beans need a quick 5-minute blanch, while frozen green beans just need thawing and draining.

• Is soy sauce necessary for the recipe?

Soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer or have dietary restrictions. The dish will still taste delicious.

• How do I prevent soggy fried onions?

Add half the onions inside the casserole and sprinkle the remaining half during the last 5 minutes of baking. This ensures crispy, golden topping.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the final layer of onions just before baking.

What Makes Green Bean Casserole a Classic Favorite

• Craft Comfort Dessert: This cheesecake transforms classic apple pie flavors into a luxurious, creamy dessert that feels like a warm hug.
• Master Gourmet Skills: Create restaurant-quality caramel and perfectly caramelized apples with simple techniques that boost your cooking confidence.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Stunning layered presentation with golden caramel drizzle and tender spiced apples makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customize with Ease: Swap nuts, adjust spices, or add extra toppings to personalize this versatile dessert for any gathering or sweet craving.

The Key Ingredients Needed for Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen vegetables that provide the base and main texture of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Liquid that thins the soup and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild spicy kick and enhances overall taste.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the casserole.

How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Prep the Green Beans

• If fresh, give them a quick bath in boiling water for 5 minutes
• If frozen, let them thaw completely
• Drain thoroughly to keep things crisp

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir everything until silky smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Marry the Beans and Sauce

Toss the green beans into the creamy mixture, making sure every bean gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the saucy green bean goodness into a casserole dish, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Add First Layer of Crunch

Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions into the mixture for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Send the casserole into the oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 8: Final Crispy Topping

Pull out the casserole and crown it with the remaining fried onions. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the top turns golden and irresistibly crunchy.

Secrets for Success with Green Bean Casserole

• Opt for fresh green beans when possible for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Drain green beans thoroughly to prevent a watery dish and ensure crispy onion topping.
• Experiment with low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to reduce salt content for health-conscious diners.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking fried onion ingredients.
• Add extra crunch by mixing crushed almonds or breadcrumbs with the fried onion topping for more texture variation.

Fun Ways to Change Up Green Bean Casserole

• Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the dish and add shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix diced jalapeños into the soup base and top with pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Green Bean Casserole: Replace soy sauce with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Mushroom Medley Upgrade: Mix in different fresh mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms to enhance the earthy flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Green Bean Casserole On the Table

• Festive Family Feast Companion: Serve this classic green bean casserole alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a traditional holiday meal that brings comfort and warmth to the table.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, transferring it to a portable ceramic dish with a lid for easy transport and keeping it hot and delicious.
• Weeknight Dinner Upgrade: Transform this casserole into a complete meal by adding cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits before baking, creating a hearty one-dish wonder that satisfies hungry families.
• Gourmet Side Dish Twist: Elevate the recipe by sprinkling toasted sliced almonds or crumbled blue cheese on top during the final baking minutes, adding unexpected texture and rich flavor complexity.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic green bean casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia from American kitchens. Crispy fried onions and creamy mushroom sauce create a perfect holiday side dish you’ll savor with joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) green beans, fresh or frozen
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium or reduced-fat optional
• 0.75 cups (180 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (6 oz or 170 g) crispy fried onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. For fresh green beans, plunge into boiling water for 5 minutes and drain thoroughly. If using frozen beans, ensure complete thawing and drainage.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, incorporating soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder until uniformly blended.
4. Gently fold green beans into the soup mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
5. Carefully distribute the bean and soup blend into a casserole dish, creating an even layer.
6. Fold half of the crispy fried onions directly into the casserole mixture, reserving the remaining onions for the final topping.
7. Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges become bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Delicately sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions across the casserole’s surface.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the top layer to transform into a crisp, golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Use fresh green beans when possible for a crisp, vibrant texture and enhanced nutritional value.
• Create a lighter version by substituting low-fat cream of mushroom soup and using almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Prep green beans ahead of time by blanching and shocking in ice water to maintain their bright green color and prevent overcooking.
• Try additional seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the classic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 6.2 g
• Sodium: 694 mg
• Fat: 10.0 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
• Carbohydrates: 20.6 g
• Fiber: 2.4 g
• Protein: 5.2 g
• Cholesterol: 7.8 mg