The Most Beloved Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives with this traditional green bean casserole that whispers memories of cozy family dinners.

Crisp green beans nestled beneath a creamy blanket promise delightful textures and nostalgic flavors.

Generations have cherished this classic side dish, passing down its simple yet magical recipe.

Mushroom soup creates a rich foundation that binds tender vegetables and crispy onion toppings.

Seasonal gatherings feel incomplete without this warm, inviting dish that connects everyone around the table.

Quick preparation meets delicious results, making meal planning effortless and satisfying.

You’ll want to savor every single comforting bite of this timeless favorite.

Traditional Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Tables

• Burst with Flavor Variety: Enjoy a delightful combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet blueberries, and a buttery crust that creates a perfect balance of taste sensations.
• Customize with Ease: Switch out blueberries for other seasonal fruits or add nuts to the crumb topping, making this recipe incredibly versatile for personal preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars cut cleanly into neat squares, making them ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert parties where people can grab and enjoy.
• Simple Baking Process: Requires basic baking skills and common kitchen ingredients, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal stress.

Must-Have Ingredients for Traditional Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh, tender beans that form the base of this classic casserole and provide a nutritious green element.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that binds the ingredients and adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick and enhances overall seasoning.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Optional seasoning that introduces a mild garlic flavor.

Guide to Preparing Traditional Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious transformation.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, give them a quick bath in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain completely.

For frozen or canned beans, just make sure they’re well-drained and ready to go.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

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

Blend these ingredients until they become a smooth, inviting mixture.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Sauce

Toss the green beans into the creamy sauce, mixing in half of the crispy fried onions. Ensure every green bean gets a perfect coating of the delectable sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Slide the bean mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Add Crispy Topping

Pull the casserole out, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top, and return to the oven for a final 5-minute golden crisp.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Bring this warm, comforting side dish to the table and watch it disappear!

Little Touches That Help Traditional Green Bean Casserole

• Blanch fresh green beans to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture for the best casserole experience.
• Mix soup and seasonings thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt levels and prevent the casserole from becoming too salty.
• Add extra crunch by toasting the final layer of fried onions until they're deep golden brown for maximum texture.
• Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy consistency.

Tasty Twists on Traditional Green Bean Casserole to Explore

• Cheesy Green Bean Bake: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture and top with extra cheese before final baking.
• Bacon Lover's Casserole: Sprinkle crispy chopped bacon bits throughout the dish and mix into the green bean layers.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Include diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

Great Accompaniments for Traditional Green Bean Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast Pairing: Serve this green bean casserole alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a heartwarming family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Thanksgiving Classic Spread: Create a festive holiday meal by placing this casserole next to mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables for a traditional American feast that celebrates comfort and togetherness.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where its creamy texture and crispy onion topping will make you the star of the potluck with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Transform this casserole into a satisfying one-dish meal by adding cooked chicken or ground beef, making it a quick and filling dinner option for busy families seeking delicious simplicity.

Saving Traditional Green Bean Casserole the Right Way

• 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 absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Add fresh crispy onions on top before serving to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• Are fresh or canned green beans better for this recipe?

Both work well. Fresh green beans provide crisp texture and need blanching, while canned or frozen beans are convenient and save preparation time.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Add crispy onions just before the final baking to keep them crunchy.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a low-sodium version, use reduced-fat milk, and add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced onions for more nutrition.

Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s traditional green bean casserole recipe delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens. Creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping create a nostalgic side dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs green beans (fresh or frozen, or 3 cans, 14.5 oz each, cut green beans, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (low-sodium or reduced-fat optional)
• 0.75 cup milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 can (6 oz) crispy fried onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing for a classic comfort side dish.
2. Prepare green beans by blanching fresh ones in boiling water for 5 minutes or thoroughly draining frozen/canned varieties.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, incorporating soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder until perfectly smooth.
4. Gently fold half of the crispy fried onions into the soup mixture, ensuring green beans are completely coated.
5. Pour the seasoned green bean blend into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges become bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Retrieve the dish and generously sprinkle remaining crispy fried onions across the top for added crunch and flavor.
8. Return to the oven for a final 5-minute crisping session, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor compared to frozen or canned varieties, ensuring a crisp and vibrant side dish.
• For a healthier version, replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce using low-fat milk and Greek yogurt, reducing overall calories.
• Customize the casserole by adding crispy bacon bits, sliced almonds, or diced mushrooms for extra depth and crunch in every bite.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking that the crispy fried onions are gluten-free certified.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 65 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg