Name: Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed; 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups fried onions, divided

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the comforting and delicious Green Bean Casserole. This classic side dish, known for its creamy, savory base and crispy onion topping, is a must-have at holiday dinners. The great news is, it's incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a traditional green bean casserole that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or any special gathering.

What Is Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole?

Thanksgiving green bean casserole is a simple and flavorful side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Originally created in the 1950s, this casserole has become a Thanksgiving staple in many households because of its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste. The creamy sauce binds the green beans together, while the crispy onions add texture and a delicious, savory crunch. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can have this classic casserole ready to serve alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

Ingredients List for Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Here’s a basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make this quick and easy Thanksgiving green bean casserole:

Main Ingredients:

4 cups fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed and blanched if fresh)
2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
1 ⅓ cups French’s crispy fried onions
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy twist)
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (for added depth)
1 tablespoon sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole (Expanded)

If you want to put a spin on the classic recipe, here are some optional ingredients to add more depth of flavor and texture:

Fresh Mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms to enhance the mushroom flavor in the dish.
Bacon: Crumble in cooked bacon for a smoky, savory addition.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy finish.
Shallots or Onions: Finely chop and sauté 1 small onion or shallot for a more homemade flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of green bean casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe based on what you have available or to meet dietary needs.

Frozen vs. Fresh Green Beans: Both fresh and frozen green beans work well. If using fresh, be sure to blanch them for 3-4 minutes. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess water.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, feel free to substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free milk (such as almond or soy milk), and vegan crispy onions to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the crispy fried onions for gluten-free fried onions and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy version of the classic casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make the easiest green bean casserole for your Thanksgiving dinner:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in a pot of salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside. If using frozen green beans, make sure they are thawed and drained.
Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: Add the green beans to the soup mixture and stir until they are fully coated. Stir in ⅔ cup of the crispy fried onions for extra crunch throughout the casserole.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Add Crispy Onion Topping: After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Cook Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blanch the Green Beans (If Fresh): Fresh green beans need to be quickly blanched to maintain their crisp-tender texture and vibrant color. Be sure to immediately plunge them into ice water after boiling to stop the cooking process.
Mix the Creamy Sauce Thoroughly: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and milk together well to ensure the sauce is smooth and coats the green beans evenly.
Layer in the Crispy Onions: Mixing some of the crispy fried onions into the casserole before baking guarantees extra crunch throughout the dish. Save some for the top so they stay crispy during baking.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges, and the crispy onion topping is golden brown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Green Beans: Be careful not to overcook the green beans. Whether fresh or frozen, they should remain crisp-tender. Blanching fresh beans for 3-4 minutes and using thawed, drained frozen beans will give you the best texture.
Adding the Crispy Onions Too Early: If you add the crispy fried onions too early in the baking process, they may burn. Add them in the last 5-10 minutes for the perfect golden-brown topping.
Skipping the Ice Bath: After blanching fresh green beans, always transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and retain their bright green color.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food, but with a little effort, you can present it beautifully at your Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Family-Style: Place the casserole dish directly on the table, allowing guests to serve themselves. This is perfect for a casual family-style Thanksgiving dinner.
Individual Plates: For a more formal setting, plate individual portions of the casserole alongside the main course, such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Potluck Presentation: If you’re bringing this casserole to a potluck, transport it in a sturdy, disposable foil dish. This way, it’s easy to reheat and serve without worrying about losing a dish.

Presentation Ideas for Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme over the casserole just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve in a Beautiful Casserole Dish: Use a decorative baking dish for a polished presentation. A ceramic or glass dish adds a rustic yet elegant touch to the Thanksgiving table.
Add a Cheese Topping: A light layer of melted cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before adding the crispy onions can add both flavor and a golden, cheesy finish.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the crispy onions) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just before baking, add the onions and proceed with the recipe.
Double the Recipe for Large Gatherings: If you’re serving a large crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a larger casserole dish. You may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Customize to Taste: Add extra spices like paprika, cayenne, or herbs like thyme for more flavor. You can also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon for a heartier dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the dish (without the fried onions), cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, top with the onions and bake as directed.

Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, you can use canned green beans for convenience. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the casserole. Canned beans will give you a softer texture compared to fresh or frozen.

Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a vegan cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free milk, and vegan crispy onions to make a delicious vegan version of green bean casserole.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, green bean casserole can be

frozen, but the texture of the green beans may change slightly. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the crispy onions, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the onions and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole recipe is a holiday classic that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a creamy, savory dish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings. Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or keeping it small, this comforting side dish is sure to be a hit. Follow the tips for make-ahead preparation and variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy the perfect green bean casserole this Thanksgiving!