No holiday table feels complete without Green Bean Casserole. This classic side dish combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden topping of crispy fried onions. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and easy to make ahead — the perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

Holiday favorite – no Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is complete without it.
Quick & easy – only 45 minutes total.
Budget-friendly – feeds a crowd with pantry staples.
Customizable – use canned, frozen, or fresh green beans.

Tips for Success

Always add crispy onions in two steps (before baking + at the end) for maximum crunch.
Use fresh beans for the best texture, but canned and frozen work too.
Don’t skip the seasoning — a pinch of garlic powder or paprika makes the sauce pop.
Let casserole sit 5 minutes before serving to set.

Variations & Add-Ins

Cheesy Casserole: Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan.
Bacon Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Stir in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream soup and dairy-free fried onions.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Pair with roast turkey and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving.
Serve with meatloaf, ham, or chicken for Sunday dinner.
Add to a holiday buffet alongside stuffing and candied yams.
Cozy up with fresh bread and salad for a simple vegetarian meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes — assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

2. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes — thaw and drain before mixing into casserole.

3. Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the onions lose crispiness.

4. How do I keep fried onions crispy?
Add half at the start, then finish with a topping layer after baking.

5. Can I make it without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes — make a homemade sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

Jana Rae

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic green bean casserole with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. A must-have holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans or 2 cans cut green beans, drained
1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or homemade mushroom sauce)
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra flavor
1 ½ cups crispy fried onions French’s style
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

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Method

Preheat oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Mix base – In a large bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add beans & cheese – Fold in green beans and ½ cup of shredded cheddar (if using).
Top & bake – Pour mixture into casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
Final topping – Add remaining onions on top and bake 5–7 more minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve – Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Notes

Fresh beans: Blanch in boiling water 3–4 minutes before using.
Homemade option: Make a quick mushroom cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.
Make ahead: Assemble casserole without onion topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake when ready.
Storage: Refrigerates 3–4 days. Reheat in oven for best crispiness.