If you’re on the hunt for a classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug at every holiday table, the Green Bean Casserole Recipe is your answer. It’s creamy, savory, and crowned with the most irresistible layer of crispy fried onions. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or looking for a nostalgic weeknight side, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in the most magical way. Every bite is a perfect blend of tender green beans, a luscious mushroom sauce, and that signature crunch—no wonder this dish is a family favorite across generations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is all about tried-and-true ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. With just a handful of essentials, you’ll create a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and absolutely unforgettable.
- Fresh green beans (1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and cut in half, or 2 cans, drained): Fresh beans give amazing color and snap, while canned beans are a super-convenient shortcut.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash of oil helps soften the onions and brings out their sweetness.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds a savory, aromatic base that infuses every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a hint of garlic deepens the flavor without overpowering the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The classic creamy element that ties the whole dish together; feel free to swap for homemade if you love from-scratch cooking.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the soup for a perfectly creamy consistency.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A pinch brings a subtle warmth that elevates the whole dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For those who love a gooey, cheesy finish, this is a delicious add-in.
- Crispy fried onions (1 1/3 cups, divided): The star topping—some mixed in for texture, the rest sprinkled on top for that irresistible crunch.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the green beans and blanch them for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside. If you’re going the canned route, simply drain them and move on to the next step—so easy!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it get soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute more, just until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Give everything a good mix, making sure it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re a cheese fan, now’s the time to stir in that shredded cheddar for an extra layer of richness.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Fold in the blanched (or canned) green beans and 2/3 cup of those irresistible crispy fried onions. Mix until every bean is coated in the creamy sauce and onions are evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top and pop the dish back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the onions are golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can resist diving right in!
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is already a show-stopper, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of black pepper adds just the right finishing touch. For extra color, a few thinly sliced scallions or a pinch of paprika can also be beautiful and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted turkey or chicken. For everyday meals, pair it with meatloaf, baked ham, or even a simple roasted veggie medley. Its creamy, savory profile complements almost any main course!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Green Bean Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or spoon it into a rustic cast-iron skillet for a farmhouse vibe. It also makes a stunning addition to a potluck table—just bake and travel right in the dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or second helpings the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, assemble the casserole (without the final layer of crispy onions) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the casserole back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well too—just be sure to cover so the onions don’t get too crispy!
FAQs
Can I make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything except the final layer of crispy onions a day in advance, refrigerate, and then add the topping just before baking. This makes holiday prep much less stressful!
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a from-scratch approach, replace the canned soup with a homemade mushroom sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, flour, broth, and cream. It adds a lovely homemade touch and lets you control the flavors.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Green Bean Casserole Recipe is vegetarian as written, especially if you use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup. Just double-check your soup label to be sure!
Can I add other vegetables or mix-ins?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon, or even diced red bell pepper can be added for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in with the green beans before baking.
How can I keep the fried onions crispy?
For the crispiest topping, add the final layer of fried onions during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them golden and crunchy, just the way everyone loves!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Green Bean Casserole Recipe enough—it’s a timeless favorite that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to win hearts and requests for seconds. Give it a try and let this classic become a new tradition in your home!
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic American green bean casserole perfect for holiday dinners, featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half (or 2 cans green beans, drained)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare green beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Mix well to combine.
- Combine beans and sauce: Stir in the blanched green beans, 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Mix until everything is well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly on top and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Notes
- For a homemade sauce, replace canned cream of mushroom soup with a roux-based mushroom sauce made from scratch.
- You can add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh green beans for a more vibrant texture or canned for convenience.
- Optional cheddar cheese adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
