Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Creamy, Crispy & Easy

Do you remember that cozy, creamy green bean casserole your grandmother made for the holidays? I sure do. It was the star of our Thanksgiving table and the only way I’d eat green beans as a kid. Today, I’m sharing my version of this beloved classic—a green bean casserole recipe that’s simple, delicious, and totally foolproof.

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or just need a reliable side dish for Sunday dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, crunchy, comforting, and made with just a few pantry staples. In this article, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step process, expert tips, tasty variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, rich, and topped with crispy onions.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients, simple steps, big flavor.
• Perfect for Holidays or Weeknights: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients.
• Customizable: Great base for adding bacon, cheese, or spices.

If you’re looking for a nostalgic holiday side dish or a new favorite for family dinners, this casserole is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Components:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Dash of garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor

Pro Tip: Use fresh green beans for the best texture. Blanch them for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Green Beans: Frozen green beans (thawed) or canned (drained) work well in place of fresh.
• Cream of Mushroom: Substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade mushroom sauce.
• Milk: Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Crispy Onions: Use gluten-free onion rings or panko crumbs tossed in butter as an alternative.

These swaps allow you to tailor the dish to dietary needs without losing its signature flavor.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
3. Combine Beans & Sauce: Stir in green beans and 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×9-inch or 1.5-quart baking dish.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions over the top.
7. Final Bake: Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until onions are golden.
8. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm.

Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, spatula, baking dish, oven mitts.

Expert Tips for Success

• Avoid Overbaking: Too long in the oven can dry out the casserole.
• Use Fresh Green Beans: Blanch for a few minutes and shock in ice water for vibrant color and crunch.
• Mix in Cheese or Bacon: For a heartier version, stir in extras before baking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and bake when ready to serve.
• Even Distribution: Stir ingredients well to avoid dry pockets.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the mix.
• Bacon Lover’s: Stir in crispy bacon for smoky flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Gluten-Free: Use a GF cream soup and gluten-free onions or toppings.
• Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed fresh mushrooms to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a holiday side with roast turkey, ham, or chicken.
• Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort plate.
• Add a side of cranberry sauce for festive flair.
• Dress it up with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without onions) for up to 1 month. Add onions just before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For single servings, microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Prep, Cook & Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Conclusion

This green bean casserole recipe is everything I love about classic comfort food—easy, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or elevating a weeknight dinner, it always delivers warm, nostalgic vibes.

Try it just once, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. Let me know how it turns out, or share your own twist in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Green Bean Casserole

Do you remember that cozy, creamy green bean casserole your grandmother made for the holidays? I sure do. It was the star of our Thanksgiving table and the only way I’d eat green beans as a kid. Today, I’m sharing my version of this beloved classic—a green bean casserole recipe that’s simple, delicious, and totally foolproof.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Main Components:
• 1 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked green beans fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions divided
• Optional Add-ins:
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
• Dash of garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor

Method

 

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
3. Combine Beans & Sauce: Stir in green beans and 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×9-inch or 1.5-quart baking dish.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions over the top.
7. Final Bake: Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until onions are golden.
8. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm.

Notes

• Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
• Fresh green beans give the best texture—blanch for color and crunch.
• Make ahead friendly: prep and store, then bake before serving.
• Gluten-free adjustments: Use gluten-free soup and onion alternatives.
• Great with add-ins like cheese, bacon, or mushrooms for extra flavor.