Name: Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Creamy, Crispy u0026amp; Irresistible!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 2 bags frozen green beans, thawed); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided; 2/3 cup French fried onions (reserved from above); 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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What Is Green Bean Casserole?

Few side dishes have stood the test of time quite like green bean casserole. This iconic American dish was first created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working in the Campbell’s Soup test kitchen. Her genius combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions quickly became a sensation, eventually earning its place as a must-have on holiday tables across the country.

What makes green bean casserole so special? It’s the perfect trifecta of flavors and textures: tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and that irresistible crispy onion topping. But beyond the culinary appeal, it’s the convenience factor that helped cement its status as a holiday staple. The original recipe required just six ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Today, green bean casserole remains a cornerstone of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, though many families enjoy it year-round. While the classic recipe remains beloved, countless variations have emerged over the decades—some adding cheese, others incorporating bacon, and many featuring completely homemade components rather than the convenient canned ingredients of the original.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

For the green beans:

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 cans [14.5 oz each] green beans, drained)
1 tablespoon salt (for blanching water, if using fresh beans)

For the mushroom sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds wonderful warmth)

For the topping:

1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought like French’s, or homemade)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

The Great Bean Debate: Fresh or Canned?

When it comes to green beans, you have options. Fresh green beans offer superior texture and a vibrant color that canned beans simply can’t match. They retain a pleasant crispness even after baking, giving your casserole more dimension. However, they do require extra prep time for trimming and blanching.

Canned green beans are undeniably convenient—open, drain, and they’re ready to use. They’re also consistently tender, which some people prefer. If you’re short on time or cooking for those who enjoy softer vegetables, canned beans are a perfectly acceptable choice.

For a middle-ground option, consider frozen green beans. They offer better texture than canned while eliminating much of the prep work of fresh beans. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If using fresh green beans:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt.
Add trimmed green beans and blanch for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Drain immediately and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

For the mushroom sauce:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add the half-and-half or cream, soy sauce, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Assemble and bake:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans with the mushroom sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the crispy fried onions over the top (and Parmesan, if using).
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

Avoid the Soggy Casserole Syndrome

Nothing ruins a green bean casserole faster than excess moisture. To prevent sogginess:

Ensure your green beans are thoroughly drained and patted dry before adding them to the sauce.
Bake the casserole uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate rather than condense on a cover and drip back in.
If your sauce seems too thin, simmer it a few minutes longer before combining with the beans.
For the crispiest topping, add the final layer of fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Flavor Boosters That Make All the Difference

Want to elevate your casserole from good to spectacular? Try these flavor-enhancing additions:

A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds incredible depth and umami.
2-3 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon folded into the sauce brings a smoky dimension.
A pinch of red pepper flakes provides subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
1/4 cup of white wine added to the mushrooms (before adding flour) creates a more complex sauce.
Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme adds an herbal note that complements both the beans and mushrooms.

The Crispy Topping Hack

For the ultimate crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning—you’re looking for a deep golden brown color. This quick blast of high heat creates an irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Make-Ahead Magic

Holiday cooking is all about planning ahead. Fortunately, green bean casserole is perfect for prepping in advance:

Prepare the entire casserole (except the final 1/2 cup of crispy onions) up to 24 hours in advance.
Cover and refrigerate the assembled casserole.
When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take off the chill.
You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Add the final layer of crispy onions in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Dietary Variations & Swaps

Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

Creating a gluten-free version is simple with these swaps:

Replace all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (mix with a little cold broth before adding to create a slurry).
Ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Use gluten-free fried onions or make your own by coating thinly sliced onions in gluten-free flour and frying until crisp.
Double-check that any additional ingredients (like soy sauce) are gluten-free varieties.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Plant-based eaters can enjoy this classic too:

Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
Replace half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream.
Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast to the sauce for a cheesy flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Ensure your fried onions are vegan (many store-bought varieties are naturally vegan).

Keto/Low-Carb Version

Reduce the carbs while keeping all the flavor:

Omit the flour and thicken the sauce by simmering longer or adding 1/4 cup cream cheese.
Create a keto-friendly topping with crushed pork rinds mixed with a small amount of almond flour and butter.
Use only fresh green beans (not canned, which may contain added sugar).
Add extra cheese like sharp cheddar or Gruyère for richness without carbs.

Extra Creamy Variation

For those who love an ultra-rich casserole:

Add 4 ounces cream cheese to the sauce while simmering.
Fold in 1/2 cup sour cream just before combining with the green beans.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or white cheddar between layers of beans and sauce.

Creative Green Bean Casserole Twists

Cheesy Lover’s Version

Cheese makes everything better:

Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar to the sauce.
Top with a mixture of crispy onions and 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère.
For a blue cheese variation, fold in 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese for a tangy kick.

Bacon & Mushroom Upgrade

Bring smoky depth to your casserole:

Cook 6-8 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble.
Use the bacon fat instead of butter to cook your mushrooms and onions.
Mix half the bacon into the casserole and sprinkle the remainder on top with the crispy onions.
Use a mix of mushroom varieties (shiitake, cremini, oyster) for complex flavor.

Spicy Kick Edition

For those who like heat with their comfort food:

Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat) to the onion-mushroom mixture.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper into the sauce.
Top with crispy fried jalapeños along with the traditional onions.
Fold in 1/4 cup of pepper jack cheese for creamy heat throughout.

Beyond Crispy Onions

While the traditional French’s onions are classic, try these creative alternatives:

Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter
Panko breadcrumbs tossed with Parmesan and olive oil
Sliced almonds or chopped pecans toasted with a sprinkle of brown sugar
Crumbled potato chips (kettle-cooked work best) for an unexpected crunch

FAQs About Green Bean Casserole

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great middle ground between fresh and canned. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Unlike fresh beans, frozen beans are already blanched, so they don’t require additional cooking before assembling the casserole.

How long does green bean casserole last in the refrigerator?

Leftover green bean casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The crispy topping will soften over time, but the flavor often improves as the ingredients meld together. For best results when reheating, place in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes) rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, but with some caveats. For best results:

Prepare the casserole without the crispy onion topping.
Cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Add fresh crispy onions just before baking.
You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Why is my casserole watery?

Several factors can lead to a watery casserole:

Inadequately drained green beans (especially important with canned or frozen)
Sauce that wasn’t thickened properly
Covering the casserole during baking, which prevents evaporation
Mushrooms releasing excess moisture during baking

To fix a watery casserole, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir this slurry into the casserole and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classic recipe or an adventurous cook eager to put your own spin on things, green bean casserole remains one of the most beloved side dishes in American cuisine. Its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements makes it an ideal accompaniment to holiday roasts, ham, or turkey—though many families enjoy it year-round alongside weeknight meals.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. You can easily adapt it to dietary restrictions, make it ahead for convenience, or dress it up with gourmet ingredients for special occasions. Yet even in its simplest form, with canned beans and soup, it delivers that comforting, nostalgic flavor that generations have come to love.