Green bean casserole is one of those dishes that feels like home, bringing together the freshness of green beans, the richness of creamy mushroom sauce, and the crunch of crispy fried onions. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving tables, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round, especially for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
The base of this casserole is simple but satisfying. Fresh green beans are blanched until tender, keeping their bright green color and slight crispness. They are then coated in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce made with a combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a touch of milk or broth. This sauce is what gives the casserole its comforting, rich texture. Some people like to elevate the sauce with sautéed garlic, onions, or even a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
The magic of green bean casserole, however, is in the topping. Crispy fried onions (either homemade or store-bought) are sprinkled over the casserole before baking, creating that irresistible crunchy contrast to the creamy green beans. These onions bake into the dish, adding both texture and a savory flavor that ties everything together.
This dish is incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday cooks. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once baked, it’s a golden, bubbly dish with a satisfying mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory components, a true crowd-pleaser.
Green bean casserole is a comforting classic that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any table. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal, a family dinner, or even a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering that classic taste of comfort with a little extra crunch.
Green bean casserole is a beloved recipe that has been a mainstay on holiday tables for many years. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors:
- Tradition: Green bean casserole has become a traditional dish during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, making it a must-have for many families.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively simple and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or extensive preparation.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions creates a delectable flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
While green bean casserole is undoubtedly tasty, it also offers some nutritional benefits:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Green beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. These nutrients contribute to supporting a healthy immune system and maintaining optimal health.
- Fiber-Rich: Green beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Reduced Sodium Option: By using low-sodium or homemade mushroom sauce and limiting the use of added salt, you can make a healthier version of the casserole while still enjoying its flavor.
Green bean casserole can be a versatile addition to your meal planning:
- Main Course or Side Dish: It can serve as a satisfying vegetarian main course or be paired with proteins like roasted chicken or grilled steak.
- Year-Round Option: Although popular during the holiday season, green bean casserole is delicious and suitable for any time of the year.
- Meal Prep: This dish can easily be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients
- 29 oz green beans 2 cans (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the fried onions on top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This casserole was sooo good! I love green beans, and the cheese made it extra creamy. Definitely a hit at dinner!
Fried onions? Do I have to put those? I think it will be fine without.
Yum! Perfect side dish for my BBQ! Everyone asked for the recipe! ❤️
That sounds amazing! I’ll definitely try it at my next gathering. Thanks for sharing! 😊
I dunno, cream of mushroom soup? Sounds kinda weird to me… Is it really that good?
I don’t know, this seems like a lot of cheese. Can it really be that good?
This is sooo basic. Why not add some bacon or something instead of just onions?
Bacon would be great! Adds so much flavor! But some people love it simple, too. Just depends on taste, I guess.
Grea recipe! I added some garlic. Super yummy!
Yum! I added garlic powder and it was amazing! Will be making this again for sure! 😊
My favorite dish!!! Love it, love it, love it!!!
I totally agree! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate. Can’t get enough!
Green beans in a casserole? Why? Just eat them plain!!! But ok, my kids loved it.
Why mess with a good thing? Green beans are best steamed or raw! Not everything needs to be a casserole. 😒
I get where you’re coming from! Green beans are great plain, but this casserole is super comforting! Glad your kids enjoyed it! 😄
I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out a bit bland. More seasoning next time for sure!
I had the same issue! I added garlic powder and some paprika and it turned out so much better. Give that a try next time!
Absolutely delicious! I can’t believe how easy it was to make. Will definitely make this again!
Really? I found it a bit bland. Maybe too much cream of mushroom? Not sure if I’ll try this again.
I completely agree! This was such a hit at our family dinner. Super easy and so yummy! 🙂
I dont like green beans, but my kids loved it! So I guess it works.
Casserole time! So easy and fast to make. This will be my go-to side dish from now on!
I dunno, green beans and soup? Seems weird to me. Is it really that good?
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try this at my next family dinner. Thanks for sharing!
Way too easy! I just threw it together and it came out perfect. Also, I added some garlic, yum!
So easy, I love it! Your addition of garlic sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
I thought it was a bit bland without any herbs. Garlic is definitely a good idea! 🤔
I think green beans belong outside, not in a casserole!! Not a fan. No offense to you.
Absolutely loved this recipe! It was a hit at our family gathering.
So glad to hear that! It’s always great to find a dish everyone enjoys. 😍
I’m not sure about this recipe. I think it needs something else… Maybe some bacon? 😬
Bacon sounds like a great addition! It would definitely add some flavor!
I dunno, bacon might be too much with all that cheese and soup. Keep it classic!
What the heck is cream of mushroom soup? Can u use something else?
Not bad, but too creamy for my taste. Maybe less soup next time?
This is so good. I made it for my kids and they loved it!
Isn’t this just glorfied green beans? Seems like a waste of good onions, to be honest. 🤨
This recipe is a classic! My family loved it at Thanksgiving. So creamy and delicious!
Wow, this was super easy! I even added some bacon bits. 10/10!
This recipe is a classic! My family always loves it during the holidays. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this, but it didn’t turn out like I expected. Maybe I did something wrong. The cheese was too much for me.