The Homemade Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a classic green bean casserole sparks nostalgia for comfort food that warms hearts.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through crisp green beans and creamy sauce.

Crispy onion toppings create a delightful crunch that makes everyone smile.

Weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings become magical with this simple yet delicious dish.

Home cooks can easily master this timeless recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant mushroom cream sauce blends perfectly with tender green beans, promising a crowd-pleasing side that will have you coming back for seconds.

Let’s dive into making this irresistible casserole that celebrates traditional American cooking.

Keeping Classic Green Bean Casserole Fresh and Delicious

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the onion topping.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add fresh crispy onions on top after heating for extra crunch.

FAQs

• Are green beans the best vegetable for this casserole?

Green beans are traditional and work perfectly because they have a crisp texture and absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully, making them ideal for this classic dish.

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Both fresh and frozen green beans work great. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Why add soy sauce to the recipe?

Soy sauce adds a subtle umami depth and enhances the overall savory flavor of the casserole, giving it a more complex taste profile.

• How do I prevent the fried onions from burning?

Add the crispy onions during the last 5-10 minutes of baking and watch closely. This ensures they become golden brown without turning dark or burnt.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Highlights to Love

• Whip Up Comfort: A nostalgic side dish that brings warmth and memories to any family gathering with its creamy, crunchy texture.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like adding cheese or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this a stress-free cooking experience for busy home chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp vegetables that form the base of this classic casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that provides rich flavor and binding for the dish.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and golden-brown appearance to the casserole.

• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle umami taste to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Optional seasoning that provides a mild garlic flavor.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional ingredient that adds extra richness and cheesy flavor to the casserole.

Preparing Classic Green Bean Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in the green beans.

Cook them until they’re bright green and slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes.

Quickly drain and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Condensed mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Combine Green Beans and Sauce

Fold the cooked green beans into the creamy mixture.

Add a generous handful of crispy fried onions and mix until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: First Bake Session

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Add Crispy Topping

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top.

For extra indulgence, scatter some shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Final Crisp

Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the onions turn golden and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness!

Tips to Master Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Briefly cook green beans in boiling water to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring they don't become mushy during baking.
• Add a splash of soy sauce to the cream of mushroom soup mixture for a savory umami boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Distribute fried onions in two layers – mix some into the casserole and reserve extra for a crunchy, golden-brown final topping.
• Swap regular milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version.

Flavorful Twists for Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream, use dairy-free milk, swap fried onions for homemade almond-based crispy topping, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, substitute regular onions with certified gluten-free crispy onions, and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari, use no-salt-added cream of mushroom soup, and reduce added salt, focusing on herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor enhancement.

Serving Ideas for Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this classic green bean casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a traditional holiday meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Comfort Food Combo: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to create a cozy, nostalgic dinner that warms both heart and stomach.
• Veggie Lover's Delight: Top with extra crispy onions or toasted sliced almonds just before serving to add a delightful crunch and elevate the dish's texture and flavor profile.
• Quick Weeknight Twist: Transform leftovers into a hearty lunch by mixing with shredded rotisserie chicken or adding to a grain bowl for a satisfying next-day meal.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole delivers a nostalgic American side dish that balances crispy and creamy textures. Crisp onion straws and tender green beans mingle with rich mushroom sauce, creating a comforting holiday classic you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters/12 ounces) crispy fried onions
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing Touches:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a ready cooking environment.
2. Blanch green beans in rapidly boiling water for 4-5 minutes until achieving a vibrant, tender-crisp texture. Carefully drain and set aside.
3. Create a creamy sauce base by whisking condensed mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gently fold the cooked green beans and one portion of crispy fried onions into the sauce, ensuring thorough and even coating.
5. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to bubble.
7. Remove from oven and strategically distribute remaining crispy fried onions and optional shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
8. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching carefully until onions transform into a golden, crispy topping.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for a few minutes before serving, which helps stabilize the dish and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by using fresh green beans for a vibrant, crisp texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap traditional cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or dairy-free alternative to accommodate different dietary needs.
• For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake.
• Add crumbled bacon or sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more complex and exciting side dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg