Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Holiday Classic for Every Table

When it comes to holiday side dishes, Green Bean Casserole is the quintessential crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, or a simple Sunday meal, this creamy and savory casserole, topped with crispy fried onions, is a must-have on the table. It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor, delivering a comforting taste of home. Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to create a classic Green Bean Casserole that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Cuisine

Green Bean Casserole is a dish deeply rooted in American cuisine, particularly associated with traditional holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a classic example of American comfort food, known for its creamy, savory flavors combined with a crispy topping. The dish was originally popularized in the 1950s by the Campbell Soup Company, which helped promote the use of canned soup in everyday cooking.

While the casserole is a distinctly American creation, it shares similarities with other casseroles found in cuisines worldwide, where vegetables, meats, and sauces are baked together for a warm, hearty meal. Today, variations of Green Bean Casserole are enjoyed across different regions of the U.S., often with family-specific twists.

green bean casserole recipe

Recipe by recipe fullyCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

1250

kcal

Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. Perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this comforting casserole is easy to make and a crowd favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans 4 cups (about 1 lb), trimmed

• Cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)

• Milk 1/2 cup

• Soy sauce 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon

• Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon

• Crispy fried onions 1 1/3 cups

• Shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and develops a bubbly, golden-brown top.
• Prepare the Green Beans
  If using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to preserve their color and texture. If using frozen green beans, thaw them according to the package instructions
  Prepare the Green Beans
  If using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to preserve their color and texture. If using frozen green beans, thaw them according to the package instructions
• Make the Sauce
  In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth. This creamy sauce is the heart of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together with savory flavor.
• Assemble the Casserole
  In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the prepared green beans and the mushroom sauce mixture. Stir to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
  Optional: If you love a cheesy casserole, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at this stage for a richer, heartier dish
• Add the Crispy Onions
  Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole mixture. These onions add a delicious crunch to every bite and are a signature element of the dish.
• Bake the Casserole
  Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the onions on top are lightly golden. The bubbling sauce ensures all the flavors meld together, while the heat softens the beans and enhances their flavor.
• Final Topping
  After the initial bake, remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the remaining crispy fried onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step gives the top layer of onions extra crispness and a golden color.
  Tip: Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent the onions from burning.
• Serve and Enjoy
  Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. The dish will firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop out hearty portions. Serve alongside your favorite main courses.

Notes

• Make it healthier: For a lighter version, you can use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and replace the fried onions with lightly toasted bread crumbs or oven-baked onion slices.
  Vegan option: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan mushroom soup and use a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk. There are also vegan-friendly crispy onion toppings available in many grocery stores.
  Cheesy version: If you love a cheesy casserole, don’t hesitate to mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella. The cheese melts into the sauce and adds an extra layer of richness.
  Storing leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.

More Information About Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole was first introduced in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working for the Campbell Soup Company. The goal was to create a quick and easy side dish using everyday ingredients that most households already had in their pantry—like canned cream of mushroom soup and canned or frozen green beans. The recipe was an instant hit and quickly became a beloved staple for holiday dinners across the United States.

Over the years, this dish has evolved, with many home cooks putting their own spin on the traditional recipe. Some like to add extra ingredients such as bacon, cheese, or even sautéed mushrooms to boost flavor. Others prefer to use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen ones for a more vibrant and crisp texture.

Today, Green Bean Casserole is an iconic dish that represents the essence of American comfort food—easy to make, delicious, and capable of feeding a crowd. It pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving classics like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, making it a must-have on the holiday table.

Although it’s known primarily as a holiday dish, it can also be served as a side for regular weeknight dinners, bringing a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any meal. It’s especially popular because of its ability to be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks during the holiday season.

From its humble beginnings to its place as a timeless favorite, Green Bean Casserole remains a dish that continues to bring families together around the table.

if you need more recipes: if you want more ideas:

pinterest:

if you want Ingredients in a simple way

Overview of the Dish

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Instructions to Make the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when your casserole is assembled. Baking at this temperature allows the casserole to become bubbly and golden brown on top.
2. Prepare the Green Beans
   If you’re using fresh green beans, start by trimming the ends and blanching them. Blanching simply means boiling them in hot water for 3-5 minutes and immediately plunging them into an ice bath to maintain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture. If using frozen green beans, thaw them according to package instructions.
   • Tip: Fresh green beans offer a crisper texture, but frozen beans are a great time-saving option.
3. Mix the Mushroom Sauce
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the ingredients are well blended. This creamy mushroom sauce is the heart of the casserole and coats the green beans in savory goodness.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the green beans. Pour the mushroom sauce over the top and mix gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce. For those who love a cheesy casserole, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the mixture.
   • Optional: The addition of cheese brings a rich and gooey element to the dish, elevating the flavor even further.
5. Top with Crispy Fried Onions
   Spread half of the crispy fried onions evenly over the green bean mixture. These fried onions provide a delicious, crunchy contrast to the creamy filling and are a signature part of this classic dish.
6. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling around the edges and the onions are lightly browned. This initial bake melds the flavors together, ensuring the beans absorb the sauce and everything cooks to the perfect texture.
7. Final Topping and Bake
   Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
   • Tip: Keep an eye on the casserole during this final baking stage to avoid burning the onions.
8. Let it Rest and Serve
   Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to scoop out servings without it falling apart. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes.

Cooking Time

Serving Suggestions

This Green Bean Casserole serves 6 to 8 people as a side dish, making it perfect for holiday dinners or larger family gatherings. If you’re serving a bigger crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish.

Recipe Notes and Variations

• Make it healthier: To cut down on calories, you can use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat milk. Alternatively, swap out the crispy fried onions with baked panko bread crumbs for a healthier crunch.
• Vegan option: For a plant-based version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative (like a vegan mushroom soup) and use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Vegan-friendly crispy fried onions are also available at many stores.
• Add extra flavor: To add some extra depth of flavor, consider incorporating 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or sautéed mushrooms. You can also mix in caramelized onions or cooked bacon pieces to give the dish a savory boost.
• Storing leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Nutritional Information: Calories in Green Bean Casserole

If you’re curious about the calorie content of Green Bean Casserole, here’s a general breakdown based on the classic recipe provided:

• Green Beans (4 cups): Approximately 120 calories
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Approximately 230 calories
• Milk (1/2 cup, whole milk): Approximately 75 calories
• Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon): Approximately 5 calories
• Crispy Fried Onions (1 1/3 cups): Approximately 600 calories
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, 1/2 cup): Approximately 220 calories

Estimated Calories Per Serving

The total calorie count for the entire casserole is about 1,250 to 1,350 calories (including cheese). If you divide this into 6 to 8 servings, each serving will contain:

• Without Cheese: Approximately 160-210 calories per serving
• With Cheese: Approximately 190-250 calories per serving

Why Green Bean Casserole Is the Ultimate Holiday Side Dish

This dish has stood the test of time for a reason—it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and delivers huge on flavor. Green Bean Casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like, adding extra cheese, vegetables, or even crispy bacon to suit your tastes. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, roast chicken, or any holiday spread.

The combination of creamy mushroom sauce, crisp-tender green beans, and the unmistakable crunch of fried onions makes this dish a favorite among both kids and adults. Its comforting nature and nostalgic flavors are what make it a classic year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-pleaser: This dish is a favorite among both kids and adults, thanks to its creamy, savory filling and crispy onion topping. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or any main course you’re serving.

Easy to prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday preparations.

Make-ahead dish: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the instructions.

Customizable: You can adjust the flavor to your liking by adding cheese, garlic, or even some sautéed mushrooms or bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion:

Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a holiday tradition. With its creamy, savory sauce and crunchy topping, it brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe is designed to be foolproof and delicious, ensuring that even if it’s your first time making it, the results will be spot-on.

So whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a family dinner, this Green Bean Casserole is a must-have on the table. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy!

Do you like to keep your Green Bean Casserole traditional, or do you add your own twist to it? Maybe a sprinkle of cheese or a dash of spice? Let us know in the comments how you personalize this holiday favorite!

Chicken quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are one of the most beloved dishes in Mexican cuisine, celebrated for their rich……