Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that has graced countless dinner tables, particularly during the holiday season. Its savory, creamy nature, combined with the delightful crunch of fried onions, makes it a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and flavor to any meal. Read on to discover everything you need to know about crafting the perfect green bean casserole, from the ingredients list to expert tips and creative variations!

What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole is a classic American dish that dates back to the 1950s when it was first created by Campbell’s Soup. The original recipe combined canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions to create a simple, flavorful side dish. Over the years, this casserole has evolved, with many variations popping up, allowing for fresher ingredients and a more personalized touch.
Why Read This Recipe?
If you're looking to perfect this beloved dish or try your hand at a new take on the classic recipe, you're in the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this guide will help you master the art of making a delicious, flavorful green bean casserole. From choosing the right ingredients to avoiding common mistakes, we’ve got you covered.
Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create the classic Green Bean Casserole recipe. This list serves 6-8 people and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Main Ingredients:
- Fresh Green Beans (1.5 lbs): You can also use canned or frozen green beans, but fresh ones give the best texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): This adds the creamy texture and signature flavor. You can use a store-bought can or make your own.
- Milk (¾ cup): To thin the soup mixture and create the right consistency.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): A subtle flavor enhancer that balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): For seasoning and a touch of spice.
- Fried Onions (1.5 cups): These crunchy onions serve as both a topping and an ingredient mixed into the casserole.
Optional Ingredients:
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): For a bit of extra flavor.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): This will add a rich, cheesy flavor to the casserole.
- Sliced Mushrooms (1 cup): If you want to amplify the mushroom flavor.
- Bacon Bits (½ cup): To add a smoky, savory note to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize your green bean casserole to suit dietary preferences or shake things up with a new twist, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
Substitutions:
- Green Beans: While fresh green beans offer the best texture, you can substitute them with canned or frozen beans. Just make sure to drain and thaw them, respectively, before adding them to the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a healthier option, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup using fresh mushrooms, broth, and cream. Additionally, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred.
- Fried Onions: If you’re looking for a healthier or gluten-free alternative, you can make your own crispy onions by coating thinly sliced onions in gluten-free flour and baking them. You can also try using crispy shallots for a gourmet touch.
Variations:
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere cheese to the soup mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Incorporate crumbled bacon bits for a smoky, savory addition.
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, almond or oat milk, and fried onions without dairy or eggs to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Garlic-Parmesan Green Bean Casserole: Add minced garlic to the mushroom soup mixture and top the casserole with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these steps to create the perfect green bean casserole.
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly once it’s assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
- If using fresh green beans, wash, trim, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the green beans by boiling them in salted water for about 3-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This helps maintain their vibrant green color and keeps them crisp.
- If using frozen green beans, simply thaw them before using.
- If using canned green beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you’re adding extra ingredients like garlic powder, grated cheese, or bacon bits, now’s the time to mix them in.
Step 4: Mix in the Green Beans
Once your green beans are prepped, fold them into the creamy soup mixture, making sure all the beans are evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Fried Onions
Stir in about ⅓ of the fried onions into the green bean mixture. This will add a nice crunch throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until it’s bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Step 9: Let it Rest
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making green bean casserole:
- Skipping the Blanching Step: If you’re using fresh green beans, skipping the blanching process can result in undercooked, chewy beans. Blanching helps soften the beans while keeping their bright color.
- Too Much Liquid: Be mindful of the consistency of your soup mixture. Too much milk can result in a runny casserole. Stick to the recommended measurements for best results.
- Not Enough Seasoning: Make sure to taste the soup mixture before combining it with the green beans. Add extra salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed to avoid a bland dish.
- Burnt Fried Onions: Keep an eye on the fried onions during the final baking step. They can burn quickly, so check after 5 minutes to ensure they’re golden and crispy but not charred.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Green Bean Casserole is often served as a side dish, but with a little creativity, you can elevate its presentation to impress your guests.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
- With a Holiday Spread: This dish pairs perfectly with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib, making it an essential part of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- As a Weeknight Side: Pair green bean casserole with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
- Individual Servings: Instead of serving it in one large dish, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins. This adds a special touch and makes serving easier for large gatherings.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of the casserole for a pop of color and freshness.
- Layered Casserole: For a more elegant presentation, layer the green beans and creamy sauce in a trifle dish, finishing with a generous topping of fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply assemble it (without adding the final layer of fried onions), cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the instructions but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Crispier Topping: For extra crispy fried onions, you can toast them in a dry skillet before sprinkling them over the casserole.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. You can also make your own homemade cream sauce using cornstarch as a thickener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to drain the canned green beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole too watery.
Q: Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onion topping right before baking.
Q: How do I make this casserole vegan?
A: To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream of mushroom soup, almond or soy milk, and fried onions that are free from dairy and eggs.
Q: Can I freeze green bean casserole?
A: Yes, but it's best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking and add the fried onion topping right before cooking.
Conclusion
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. With its creamy, savory filling and crunchy topping, it’s a must-have dish at holiday dinners and a comforting side for any meal. By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently prepare a delicious casserole that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. So why not try this recipe at your next gathering and enjoy the warm, nostalgic flavors of this iconic dish?
PrintGreen Bean Casserole Recipe
This delicious green bean casserole recipe combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions for the perfect holiday side dish. It's a timeless favorite and easy to prepare. Keywords: Green bean casserole, classic green bean recipe, holiday side dish.
- 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 green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the green beans and ⅔ cup of the fried onions.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans based on preference.
- Add cheese or bacon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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