Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It is loaded with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy French-fried onions. This is the perfect holiday side dish, easily made at home and ready in about one hour.
This is probably one of the most popular side dishes at holiday tables in the United States, as people have been serving it with turkey at Thanksgiving since 1955. Over the years, it has not changed much. However, I have adjusted it to include fresh green beans and homemade French fried onions. I also like to use extra herbs, cheese, and homemade cream of mushroom soup sometimes too. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it is easily made at home in less than an hour.
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A classic holiday side dish
This easy and healthy Green Bean Casserole is such a classic dish that is always a hit with my family, especially for Thanksgiving dinner. It is a Thanksgiving tradition in many American homes. The tender green beans, homemade crispy fried onions, and creamy mushroom sauce make this the best green bean casserole you have ever served.
I like to make mine with fresh green beans and French onions made from scratch, but canned ingredients work, too. It is such a satisfying dish that once it is gone, everyone is looking for more, so it may be a good idea to make extras. It freezes well, so it will not go to waste.
Delicious, with a creamy inside and crispy topping and an unmatched flavor combination, also, very simple to make with a few pantry ingredients. You can adapt it to your own taste preference.
This recipe is going to be your new favorite for the holiday season so get rid of the old one. It takes less than an hour and can be made with or without the homemade extras. That means it can be even faster (30 minutes) and easier and still tastes better than anything store-bought or catering.
I love making easy and delicious casseroles, because they are tasty, can feed a larger crowd, and usually make enough leftovers. Enjoy this dish on your Thanksgiving table with cranberry orange turkey and my famous sweet potato casserole.
Why you will love this recipe
- Classic and timeless: Everyone knows this dish.
- Easy to make: No extra tools or special skills.
- Stay in: This is way better than restaurant food.
- The kids can help: That makes them want to eat it more.
What you’ll need to make green bean casserole
My recipe calls for a twist to the classic dish by making homemade french-fried onions. The cream of mushroom soup goes so well with this dish by giving it an extra creamy texture. And you can use canned or frozen green beans and store-bought crispy onions instead to save time.
Special items:
- Casserole dish – I use a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Large pot – To boil the green beans.
- Baking pan – For draining the fried onions.
- Bowls
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients:
For the casserole:
- Green beans – I like to use fresh green beans, especially when in season. However, you can either use fresh or frozen ones. Also, canned beans can be used. Just know that canned ones will provide a softer texture.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup – It brings all the flavors together, so this is not optional. This is probably the secret ingredient here because it brings the flavors together, and makes this dish super creamy. You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup, or use a store-bought version.
- Milk – Important for mixing things up.
- Chicken broth – I use low-sodium organic chicken broth for less salt and no additives.
- Onion – One small finely diced onion for flavor and texture.
- Garlic – Freshly minced is way better than store-bought or powdered.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – The pre-packaged shredded cheese is treated to keep it from clumping, and it does not melt as well or taste as good.
- French fried onions – Use store-bought or my homemade recipe below.
- Ground thyme – Adds a sweet and peppery flavor with a slight clove taste.
- Paprika – Also sweet and peppery, it can also be smoky.
- Salt
- Pepper
For the toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Same here, do not use pre-shredded.
- French fried onions – See recipe below.
For the French fried onions:
- Onions – I use three large sweet white onions sliced into three rings.
- Milk – Buttermilk or milk will work here.
- All-purpose flour – Any kind will do.
- Garlic powder – It has to be powdered.
- Red pepper flakes – This is optional. Leave it out if you do not like spicy food.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil
How to make green bean casserole?
Homemade French fried onions:
- Separate rings: To begin, separate the onions into individual rings before putting them in a large bowl.
- Soak onions: Next, pour in two cups of milk and let them soak for about 20 minutes.
- Make the coating: In the meantime, put flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- Fry the rings: Fill a skillet or deep fryer half full of oil and let it heat up.
- Coat and fry: While you wait, coat the onion rings in the flour mixture and then fry them in the oil until they are golden brown, stirring often.
- Drain and continue: Next, remove those fried onions and put them on a baking sheet covered with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- Finish the rings: After, continue to coat and fry the rings in batches until they are done. Put them aside until you are ready to use them.
Casserole:
- Preheat oven: First, preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick baking spray.
- Prep the green beans: Then, if you are using canned green beans, just drain them and set them aside. If using fresh green beans, wash them in cold water and trim the ends.
- Make the sauce: Next, combine chicken broth, milk, and condensed soup in a large bowl and stir until creamy. Add the garlic, pepper, paprika, thyme, and onions to the bowl and stir again.
- Mix in the green beans: After, pour the green beans into the bowl with one cup of french-fried onions and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture: Now, pour the green bean mixture into a prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula before adding the rest of the cheese and one cup of French fried onions on top.
- Bake: Then, bake your green bean casserole in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the onions start turning brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve baked casserole: Finally, top with the rest of the French fried onions and bake for another 10 minutes before serving.
Make it in advance:
Yes, you can make this delicious side dish three days ahead of time. Just prepare as the recipe states but leave out the French fried onions topping. They will get soggy in the fridge so wait until you are ready to serve before adding them. Be sure to let your casserole cool and cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before storing it.
- Simply, follow the steps above, except omit the crispy onion topping, so they don’t get soggy.
- Then, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, tightly cover it with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- The next day, add the French onion rings and bake.
Expert tip
Different toppings to use
Although French fried onions have been the main topping on green bean casseroles since the original was made by Dorcas Reilly in 1955, some people do not like them. In fact, the first recipe was just one can of mushroom soup, two cans of green beans, a quarter cup of milk, and one container of fried onions. Today, we still love those fried onions, but many of us like to make them ourselves. And some would rather use other toppings.
I have tried other things myself to mix things up a bit. One of my favorite toppings is Ritz crackers with melted butter. The combination of the two is extra buttery and crispy after baking. But they do not have to be Ritz. Try some whole-wheat or cheese crackers instead. Another choice is potato chips and butter. These come in many flavors, too, so pick what you think would go best.
Any kind of crispy cereal would also work, such as cornflakes, Chex, or Crispix. There are a lot of them out there, but try not to get anything too sweet. Also, crushed or chopped nuts are always a great choice for this casserole. I would make sure they are really crushed well, though. Try minced pecans or walnuts. The last choice I would consider would be breadcrumbs, but only panko because regular breadcrumbs may end up soggy.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Ranch casserole: Adding a tablespoon of my ranch seasoning will make this an incredible side dish.
- More veggies: Another way to change this up is to add other veggies like peas, corn, and carrots.
- Baconize it: Chopped bacon in the mix and added to the topping would be impressive.
- Southwestern style: Mix in some red bell peppers, green chiles, tomatoes, Mexican cheese, and my taco seasoning for a southwestern-style green bean casserole.
- Extra spicy: Chop up some jalapenos and add some Cajun seasoning to make it extra spicy.
- Add meat: Add some shredded chicken or turkey to make this a hearty meal.
- Cheese: I love using cheddar cheese here. However, you can easily swap it with mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar, parmesan cheese, or provolone cheese.
- Different soup: If you do not like mushrooms, try cream of asparagus soup instead of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Canned or frozen green beans: While I prefer to use fresh green beans for this casserole, canned beans are certainly an option and an easy one. For the cooked green beans use 1 bag (16 to 20 ounces) of frozen green beans, thawed, or 2 – 3 cans (14.5 ounces each) of green beans, drained.
- Vegan: Check out my Vegan Green Bean Casserole version here.
Serving suggestions:
- Of course, we all know that this goes great with turkey. Try my easy recipe for the perfect oven-roasted turkey.
- Instead of turkey, these green beans also go perfectly well with other meats like brown sugar ham, pork, chicken, and beef.
- Serve with a side of these homemade breadsticks, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Other side dishes that pair well with this include corn casserole, candied yams, and brown sugar carrots.
- Any kind of dessert would be perfect with this casserole, including this incredible pecan pie pumpkin cheesecake.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I soak onions in milk?
There are several reasons to soak onions in milk before frying them. First, the lactic acid helps tenderize them so they are not chewy or tough. Also, the milk helps the breading stick to the onions. Although it does not add much flavor, it dilutes the sulfur content to eliminate any raw bite and leave a milder taste that still has a snap. Soaking for at least 15 minutes can also increase the crispiness.
What are the best green beans for this casserole?
Fresh green beans are best. However, if the choice is between frozen and canned, I would choose frozen because they hold their shape better. But they must be thawed, drained, and patted dry first. Choosing between French and regular green beans is easy for me because I feel that French green beans make the dish soggy. However, some people say they hold more of the sauce than regular green beans. The secret is to use French beans, but add cornstarch for a thick consistency.
Why is my green bean casserole runny?
Speaking of runny casserole, there are several reasons why this may happen, too. As mentioned above, if frozen green beans are used, they have to be fully thawed, rinsed, drained and patted dry. If fresh beans are used, they must be completely cooked, drained, and patted dry as well. If they are not cooked enough, they will continue to release water as they bake. Also, if the toppings are added too soon, they can cause the casserole to become runny. No matter what caused it, add a cornstarch slurry, stir, and cook a bit longer.
Why are my green beans rubbery?
Rubbery green beans are usually not cooked long enough. It typically takes about five to six minutes after the water starts to boil. Start tasting them after a few minutes. They will start to change color and turn deep green. Once you can just bite through them, remove them from the pot, drain, and run them under cold water for about a minute to stop the cooking process. Then, set them aside until they are needed.
How do I blanch fresh green beans?
First, fill a large pot with water and a dash of salt and bring it to a boil. Add the fresh green beans to the boiling water and cook for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn dark green. When they are done, drain them and put them in a large bowl of ice water. Then drain again and set them aside.
Should I slice the green beans in half?
I usually don’t, but this is totally up to you. Also, if you are using canned green beans, they already come sliced in half, so you do not need to worry about that. But, if you are using fresh ones, simply use a sharp knife, and slice them in half.
How to store leftovers:
- Store: We suggest keeping your leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container or cover tightly with storage wrap and refrigerating it for up to three days.
- Freeze: It is also safe to freeze for up to three months. First, let the dish completely cool at room temperature. Then, to freeze, transfer the mixture to a buttered 9-by-13-inch freezer-to-oven baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Then, freeze it for up to 6 months. Bake frozen, and covered with foil, at 350°F, for 1 hour. Uncover, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Thaw: Remember to put your frozen leftovers in the fridge to thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheat: To reheat, put the green bean casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds.
More holiday side dishes to try:
Recipe tips:
- To save prep time, use store-bought French fried onions and canned green beans.
- Fresh, whole green beans are best, but frozen or canned beans will work, too.
- Always remember to rinse, drain, and pat dry the beans before adding them to the dish.
- Soaking onions in milk before frying them can make them tender, help the coating stick, and add crispiness.
- Make sure fresh green beans are cooked all the way or they will continue to release water as they bake.
- Add cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water) if the casserole is too runny.
- Make sure your baking dish is 1.5 quarts. Simply pour water into the dish beforehand. It should hold at least six cups.
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Best Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 16-20 oz fresh green beans or 2-3 14. 5 oz cans canned green beans
- 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup see homemade version as well
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions see below homemade version
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups French fried onions see below homemade version
Homemade French Fried Onions:
- 3 large onions sliced into thin rings
- 2 cups milk or buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray on a 9×3-inch oven-safe baking dish and set it aside.
Casserole:
- In this category, we will use ingredients from the "Casserole" list. If you are using canned green beans, drain them and set them aside.
- If using fresh green beans, wash them and trim the ends.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with just a sprinkle of salt, and cook fresh green beans in the boiling water for 5-6 minutes, until green beans start to change color to deep green and become slightly tender. Stir occasionally.
- Drain green beans and immediately place them under cold water. Drain cold water and set green beans aside.
- Add cream of mushroom soup to a large bowl. Add milk and chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add finely diced onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the green beans, cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of French fried onions to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine, and add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Level the top with a spatula.
Topping:
- We will use ingredients from the "Topping" list in this category.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Distribute 1 cup of French fried onions (reserve the other cup for later) evenly on top of the casserole.
Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the onions start to brown.
- Add the remaining cup of French fried onions and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Homemade French Fried Onions:
- In this category, we will use ingredients from the "Homemade French Fried Onions" list. If you decide to make your own French fried onions, use this recipe.
- After slicing the onion rings, separate them into individual rings and add them to a large bowl.
- Add 2 cups of milk to the onion rings and let soak for 20 minutes.
- Mix flour, salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- When ready to cook, add oil to a large, deep skillet over high heat (or deep fryer). If using a skillet, it should be 1/2 full with oil.
- Once the oil is hot, working in batches, add a handful of onion rings to the flour mixture, cover well, and shake any excess. Add the onion rings to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, stirring often.
- Remove the French-fried onions and place them on a baking sheet covered with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining onion rings.