Looking for a classic comfort dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the Green Bean Casserole. This timeless recipe is a favorite at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy onion topping makes this casserole a flavorful, savory side dish that everyone loves. Follow along as we walk through the ingredients, cooking tips, and variations to help you create the perfect green bean casserole.

What Is Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Traditionally, this dish is baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, making it a go-to comfort food that’s both simple and flavorful. While often served during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, it’s an easy and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. The creamy sauce binds the beans together, while the crunchy onions add a delightful contrast in texture.
Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole
Here’s a basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious green bean casserole. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed and blanched, or thawed if frozen)
- 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 umami)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy version)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for subtle warmth)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for a bit of color and flavor)
Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole (Expanded)
If you want to take your green bean casserole to the next level, consider incorporating some additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to give the casserole an earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Bacon Crumbles: For a smoky and savory addition, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon into the casserole mix.
- Heavy Cream: For a richer, creamier texture, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese for a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Shallots or Onions: Sauté finely chopped onions or shallots and add them to the mushroom soup mixture for extra flavor depth.
Substitutions and Variations
This classic dish is highly customizable, so you can easily modify it based on your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or ingredient availability.
- Frozen vs. Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans give a more vibrant flavor and crisp texture, but frozen green beans are convenient and work just as well. If using fresh, blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes before assembling the casserole.
- Cream of Chicken or Celery Soup: If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) to make this recipe dairy-free. You can also use crispy onions that are dairy-free.
- Cheesy Version: Mix ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy casserole.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cream of mushroom soup, plant-based milk, and vegan crispy onions. You can also add nutritional yeast to give the dish a cheesy flavor without using dairy.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. Be sure to check labels to confirm all ingredients are gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and crispy green bean casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them by boiling for 3-4 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. If using frozen beans, make sure they are thawed and drained.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the green beans to the sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly. Stir in ⅔ cup of the crispy fried onions. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Add the Crispy Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite main courses.
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Blanch the Green Beans (If Fresh): Blanching is key to keeping fresh green beans vibrant and tender-crisp. Be sure to immediately place them in ice water after boiling to stop the cooking process.
- Mix the Sauce Thoroughly: Ensure the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings are fully combined to create a smooth sauce. This will help evenly coat the green beans.
- Layer with Fried Onions: Stirring some of the crispy onions into the casserole ensures every bite has a bit of crunch. Save some for the final topping for that golden, crispy texture.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the casserole so it doesn’t dry out. Once the edges are bubbly, it’s ready for the final onion topping and a few more minutes in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their bright color. If you’re using fresh beans, be careful not to over-blanch them. If using canned green beans, there’s no need to cook them further.
- Not Using Enough Seasoning: Be sure to season the casserole well. A little soy sauce, pepper, and even garlic powder or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Adding the Fried Onions Too Early: Adding the crispy fried onions too early in the baking process can cause them to burn. Add them in the last 5-10 minutes for a perfect golden-brown topping.
- Skipping the Blanching Step: If using fresh green beans, don’t skip blanching. This step preserves their color and crispness, ensuring they won’t overcook in the casserole.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Even though green bean casserole is a homey, comfort dish, you can make it look beautiful with a few presentation tips.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-friendly meal.
- Individual Portions: For a more formal dinner, serve individual portions of the casserole on plates next to the main dish.
- Buffet Style: For larger gatherings like Thanksgiving or holiday meals, present the casserole in a decorative serving dish with a serving spoon for guests to help themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to the casserole.
- Use a Decorative Casserole Dish: For special occasions, serve the casserole in a colorful or elegant baking dish. You can even transfer the mixture to a ceramic or glass dish after baking for a polished presentation.
- Add a Touch of Cheese: Melted shredded cheese on top of the casserole before the final bake can add both flavor and a visually appealing golden finish.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add the crispy onions right before baking.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker, creamier casserole, reduce the amount of milk slightly or stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese.
- Make It Crunchier: For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs along with the fried onions on top of the casserole before the final bake.
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 casserole, but leave off the fried onions until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw and drain them before using, so they don’t add
excess moisture to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes! You can easily make a vegan green bean casserole by using a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk), and vegan crispy onions.
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, but note that the texture of the green beans may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the crispy onions. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding the crispy onions just before baking.
Conclusion
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food and a must-have at any family gathering, especially during the holidays. With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you're preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
PrintGreen Bean Casserole Recipe
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe is a holiday favorite, combining tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. Whether for Thanksgiving or a comforting family meal, this easy-to-make casserole is packed with flavor and sure to please. A perfect side dish that pairs well with any main course!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Stir in green beans and 1 cup of fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and top with the remaining ½ cup of fried onions.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans for a firmer texture; canned beans can be used for a softer version.
- Add shredded cheese for a richer casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
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