Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Classic Reimagined

Creamy, comforting green bean casserole brings nostalgic warmth to any dinner table.

This classic holiday side dish combines crisp green beans with a rich, velvety sauce that sings with homestyle flavor.

Tender vegetables mingle with crunchy fried onions, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Baked to golden perfection, the casserole offers a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary tastes.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through comfort food memories.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather around and savor this timeless culinary treasure.

Warm Up The Table with Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Whip Up Comfort: A classic side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal, perfect for reuniting families around the dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing skills, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Comes together in under an hour, delivering a delicious and satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and crispy onion topping.
• Versatile Crowd-Solver: Works beautifully as a holiday side, potluck contribution, or weeknight dinner companion, adding instant flavor and excitement to any spread.

Ingredients for That Iconic Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Crisp and tender green beans form the base of this classic casserole.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a rich and creamy texture to bind the casserole together.
• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth consistency.

• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic garlic taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild, warming spice.

• Fried Onions: Crispy and golden topping that adds crunch and flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Introduces a sharp, tangy cheese element to the casserole.

How to Assemble Green Bean Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious transformation.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Green Bean Blend

• Fresh green beans
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Crispy fried onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the luscious green bean mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Final Crisp and Brown

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching for the onions to turn golden and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out the bubbling, aromatic casserole and serve immediately while it’s piping hot.

Secrets for the Creamiest Green Bean Casserole

• Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the soup mixture for a more complex, rich taste.
• Toast the fried onions in a dry skillet before topping the casserole to intensify their golden color and crispiness.
• Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup to make the recipe lactose-free.
• Use fresh green beans instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant texture and fresher flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Ways to Reimagine Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream, use dairy-free milk, swap fried onions for crispy panko breadcrumbs, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Substitute green beans with cauliflower florets, use almond milk, add diced bacon bits, and top with crushed pork rinds instead of fried onions.
• Gluten-Free Garden Medley: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, replace wheat-based fried onions with gluten-free onion rings, and add sliced almonds for extra crunch.

Serving Up Green Bean Casserole for Any Occasion

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this classic green bean casserole with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or crispy roasted chicken for a hearty main course.
• Holiday Plate Perfection: Arrange the casserole alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls to create a traditional thanksgiving or holiday meal spread.
• Veggie Side Delight: Complement the dish with a fresh garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creamy, rich flavors of the casserole.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits on top before serving for an indulgent twist that adds extra texture and flavor.

Keeping Green Bean Casserole Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the onion topping.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans first and drain well before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

No, it contains cream of mushroom soup which typically has beef broth. Use vegetarian cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your fried onions are gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels carefully.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add the final layer of fried onions right before the last baking stage.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic in this green bean casserole, a nostalgic dish celebrating crispy textures and creamy goodness. Midwest kitchen wisdom shines through with each forkful, inviting you to savor this timeless side that perfectly complements holiday meals.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Protein and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 2 cups French’s fried onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare and heat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Combine green beans with cream of mushroom soup, creating a creamy base that binds the casserole ingredients together.
3. Incorporate milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the mixture.
4. Gently fold in cheddar cheese and half of the fried onions, distributing them evenly throughout the casserole.
5. Transfer the seasoned mixture to a baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and the casserole to develop a rich, bubbling texture.
7. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust during the final 5-10 minutes of baking.
8. Remove from the oven when the topping is perfectly crisp and the casserole is heated through.
9. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, then serve piping hot as a delectable side dish.

Notes

• Swap canned green beans for fresh or frozen ones to boost nutritional value and enhance flavor complexity.
• Try homemade cream of mushroom sauce instead of canned for a healthier, more authentic taste profile.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced pancetta for extra protein and a smoky depth that complements the green beans perfectly.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch as a thickener and choosing gluten-free fried onions to maintain the classic casserole texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg