Name: Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans: 1 lb, trimmed and halved Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) Whole Milk: 1/2 cup Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp Crispy Fried Onions: 1 1/2 cups (divided) Salt: to taste Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (optional)

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If ever there was a dish that could instantly bring on a wave of nostalgia and cozy vibes, it’s Green Bean Casserole. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, gathering for a Sunday dinner, or just crave a creamy, crunchy, utterly comforting vegetable side, this recipe checks every box. Every bite is a tasty contrast of tender beans, rich mushroom sauce, and those irresistible golden fried onions—nothing says “home” quite like it. Let’s get into what makes this classic such a crowd-pleaser, and how you can make it just right, every time!

Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Green Bean Casserole shines because of its simplicity and the harmony between a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—taste, color, or that uncanny crunch you can’t get enough of!

Green Beans: Fresh or canned green beans will both do the trick—fresh gives a little more snap, but canned is quick and classic.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy, savory backbone of the casserole; if you want to skip canned, homemade works too!
Whole Milk: This helps loosen the sauce, making it velvety without being too heavy.
Garlic Powder: Adds just the right touch of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Black Pepper: A pinch for a bit of gentle warmth in every bite.
Crispy Fried Onions: The true hero! These pile on tons of addictive crunch both inside and on top of the casserole.
Salt to Taste: Adjust as needed, especially if your soup or fried onions are on the salty side already.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For cheese lovers, this adds gooey richness and a pop of orange color.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Green Beans

Start by cranking your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you’ll want it ready to go as soon as everything is mixed. If you’ve chosen to use fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 to 6 minutes. This little extra step keeps the beans vibrantly green and tender yet crisp, ensuring they don’t turn mushy after baking. If you’re using canned, just drain them well to keep the casserole from getting watery.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s totally smooth and blended. Now’s the time to add a pinch of salt, tasting as you go—keep in mind those fried onions are salty too, so you won’t need much!

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Fold the prepped green beans and 1 cup of crispy fried onions right into the sauce. If you want to go cheesy (and honestly, why not?), toss in the shredded cheddar cheese here. Gently stir until everything’s evenly coated. You want every bean to be nestled in that luscious sauce and the onions to stay nice and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, or any similar size you have handy. Smooth out the top so it bakes up evenly. Then slide it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, giving everything time to bubble and meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Crunchy Onions

After 25 minutes, pull the casserole out and top it with the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions. Put it back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. This final bake ensures the onions turn a deep golden brown and stay crispy while the casserole gets piping hot all the way through.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Take it out, let it cool for a couple minutes, then dig in while it’s warm and perfectly creamy. Each spoonful is a little celebration of everything that makes Green Bean Casserole a staple at tables everywhere!

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

Give your Green Bean Casserole some flair! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives amps up the color and gives a touch of fresh flavor. For a festive look, add a dash of paprika or a few extra crispy onions just before serving. The garnish is more than decoration—it invites everyone to dive in and makes humble casserole look party-ready.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole is traditionally at home next to roast turkey or chicken, but it’s amazingly versatile. Pair it with mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, or even a buttery biscuit for the ultimate comfort meal. It also fits right in with a vegetarian holiday spread or as a reliable friend at a weeknight dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Why settle for ordinary? Try baking your casserole in individual ramekins for dinner party flair, or in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm. You could even layer it in a trifle dish—the layers of beans, sauce, cheese, and crispy onions look almost too good to eat (but you definitely should!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The onions on top might lose their crunch, but the flavor sticks around beautifully. It makes for an even easier warming side with tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Green Bean Casserole actually freezes quite well. Assemble as usual but leave off the final onion topping—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add onions and finish baking as directed. It’s a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, simply reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 15-20 minutes). Want to quickly heat up a single portion? A microwave works in a pinch, though the onions may not stay as crispy. For the best crunch, scatter a few fresh fried onions on top just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything except the final fried onion topping and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just bring it to room temperature, add the onions, and throw it in the oven as usual.

Is there a way to make this Green Bean Casserole vegan?

Definitely. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version and use your favorite non-dairy milk. Several brands offer vegan crispy onions now, or you can make your own from scratch for a completely plant-based side!

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?

Frozen green beans are a fantastic option. Thaw them and pat them dry, then proceed just as you would with fresh or canned. They give a texture similar to freshly blanched beans, which is delightful.

My casserole is too watery. How can I fix it?

If the sauce looks runny, it’s usually because of extra moisture from the beans. Make sure to drain canned or thawed frozen beans thoroughly, and if you like a thicker sauce, use a bit less milk or bake a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce some liquid.

What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries! You can whip up a homemade substitute with sautéed mushrooms, a bit of flour, veggie or chicken stock, and milk or cream. Simmer until thick and creamy, then use just like the canned version for your Green Bean Casserole.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to whip up this Green Bean Casserole for your next gathering or weeknight feast. It’s warm, classic, and every bit as delicious as you remember—maybe even better! There’s just something about that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and green that brings everyone back for seconds. Happy cooking!

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Green Bean Casserole recipe that is perfect for your holiday table. Creamy green beans combined with a savory mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Fresh Green Beans:

1 lb, trimmed and halved

Cream of Mushroom Soup:

1 can (10.5 oz)

Whole Milk:

1/2 cup

Garlic Powder:

1/2 tsp

Black Pepper:

1/4 tsp

Crispy Fried Onions:

1 1/2 cups (divided)

Salt:

to taste

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

1/2 cup (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the green beans: Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 5–6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
Combine ingredients: Fold in green beans and 1 cup of fried onions. Add cheese if desired.
Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining fried onions and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
Serve: Warm and enjoy!