The Best Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My grandma’s classic green bean casserole recipe brings comfort and nostalgia to every holiday table.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs and tender vegetables create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this hearty side dish for its simple yet irresistible flavors.

Fresh green beans snap with vibrant texture beneath a creamy mushroom sauce.

Crunchy onion toppings add a delightful contrast that makes this dish truly special.

Rich, savory notes will transport you back to childhood memories of family gatherings.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new favorite comfort food.

Green Bean Casserole: What You Should Know

• Quick Comfort Cooking: Whip up this classic green bean casserole with minimal prep and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions, and tender green beans for a mouthwatering combination that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Versatile Holiday Hero: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and brings instant warmth to the table.
• Customize with Ease: Sprinkle extra cheese, add bacon bits, or swap ingredients to make this classic recipe uniquely yours while keeping the comforting core intact.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that provide a crisp texture and nutritious base for the casserole.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that serves as the binding element and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful texture and golden brown appearance.

• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds extra richness and a melty, savory layer to the casserole.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a mouthwatering side dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Step 2: Prep the Green Beans

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

Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a delightful crunch.

Carefully drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

• Half of the crispy fried onions
• Prepared green beans

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the luscious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

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

For extra indulgence, add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Final Golden Crisp

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching for those onions to turn a beautiful golden brown and become irresistibly crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle.

Serve warm and watch it disappear from the table in no time!

Tips for Green Bean Casserole

• Briefly cook green beans in boiling water to maintain their bright color and crisp texture, ensuring they don't become mushy or lose nutrients.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce or low-sodium alternatives for a healthier, more personalized version of the casserole.
• Add half the crispy onions inside the casserole and reserve the rest for a crunchy, golden-brown topping to create multiple texture levels.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, parmesan, or sharp cheddar to enhance the dish's flavor profile and add richness.

Variations on Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Swap crispy fried onions for dairy-free alternative or toasted breadcrumbs.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream sauce. Use plant-based milk and vegan crispy onions or make your own from thinly sliced onions.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace traditional crispy onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour coating. Use cauliflower cream sauce instead of condensed soup and add extra herbs for flavor.

Serving Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

• Party-Perfect Side Dish: Serve this green bean casserole alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a festive holiday meal that'll wow your guests.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted chicken for a classic, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events where everyone craves a delicious, nostalgic side that disappears quickly.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Transform leftovers into a hearty midday meal by adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon on top for extra protein and flavor.

Storage Advice for Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the onion topping.

FAQs

• Are green beans the best vegetable for this casserole?

Green beans are perfect because they hold their texture well, provide a fresh crunch, and absorb the creamy mushroom sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Both work great! Fresh green beans offer the best texture and flavor, while frozen green beans are convenient and still deliver excellent results. Just ensure they’re well-drained before using.

• What makes the crispy onion topping so delicious?

The crispy fried onions add a perfect golden-brown crunch and a savory, slightly caramelized flavor that complements the creamy green bean mixture, creating an irresistible texture contrast.

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade green bean casserole blends classic comfort with modern culinary flair, elevating a traditional side dish. Crispy fried onions and creamy mushroom sauce create a delightful harmony you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans by blanching in rapidly boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they reach a vibrant green and maintain a slight crunch. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve texture.
2. Whisk together creamy mushroom soup, dairy milk, umami-rich soy sauce, and seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth, velvety base.
3. Gently fold half of the crispy golden onion topping and blanched green beans into the sauce, ensuring even distribution and complete coating.
4. Transfer the verdant mixture to a thoroughly greased rectangular baking vessel, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to bubble gently.
6. Carefully extract the dish and generously crown with remaining crisp onions and optional shredded cheddar for additional richness.
7. Return to the oven for a final 5-10 minute transformation, watching for a golden-brown, perfectly crisped topping that signals culinary perfection.
8. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the molten interior settle before serving this comforting side dish.

Notes

• Blanch green beans quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Customize the casserole by adding crumbled bacon, sliced mushrooms, or diced garlic for extra depth of flavor and personal touch.
• Use fresh green beans when possible, but frozen can work well if thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and using certified gluten-free crispy fried onions for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 178 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg