The Perfect Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Crispy Onions

Green beans burst with flavor in this classic green bean casserole with crispy onion topping that takes comfort food to new heights.

Creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying, this dish brings nostalgic memories of family gatherings.

Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tender green beans and crunchy onion layers.

The velvety sauce binds ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Fresh green beans provide a vibrant base for this traditional side dish that never goes out of style.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how quickly this casserole comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

• Transforms simple green beans into a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal.
• Offers flexible cooking options including make-ahead and freezer-friendly techniques that save precious kitchen time.
• Welcomes multiple bean variations like canned, frozen, or fresh, making it adaptable for different pantry situations.
• Delivers a creamy, crunchy side dish that appeals to kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.

What’s Inside the Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh or canned vegetables that provide the core texture and nutritional base for the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that binds the casserole ingredients and adds rich, savory flavor.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful texture and golden brown appearance.

• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick and enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Plastic Wrap, Foil: Used for covering the casserole during make-ahead and freezing preparation.

Green Bean Casserole Kitchen Must-Haves

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for even cooking and easy serving.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining soup, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without damaging green beans.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements ensure consistent flavor and texture.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add the right amount of ground black pepper.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Making Your Green Bean Casserole Shine

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

Grab your baking dish and whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a sprinkle of ground black pepper.

Mix until everything looks smooth and well-blended.

The key is getting a silky, uniform texture that will coat your green beans perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Green Beans

Fold in your green beans – whether they’re canned, fresh, or frozen.

If using fresh beans, quickly blanch them in boiling water first to keep them crisp and bright.

Stir in about two-thirds of the crispy fried onions, ensuring every bean gets a delicious coating of the creamy mixture.

Step 3: First Baking Round

Pop the casserole into a preheated 350F oven.

Let it bake for around 30 minutes until the entire dish is bubbling hot.

Halfway through, give it a gentle stir to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any spots from drying out.

Step 4: Crispy Onion Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Watch closely to ensure the onions turn a beautiful golden brown without burning.

Step 5: Serving and Make-Ahead Options

If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can assemble and freeze.

When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

For frozen casseroles, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking, and extend cooking time in 15-minute intervals until the center reaches 160F.

Tips for Creamy Green Bean Casserole

• Select crisp, bright green beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Quickly boil fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and maintain vibrant color.
• Drain green beans thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure a creamy, rich consistency.
• Add half the crispy onions during baking and reserve the rest for the final topping to prevent burning and maintain crunch.
• When preparing ahead, use freezer-safe dishes and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to preserve quality and prevent freezer burn.

New Twists for Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Delight: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream and use dairy-free crispy onions for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Comfort: Swap traditional crispy onions with gluten-free onion straws and use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners.
• Herb-Infused Green Bean Bake: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Low-Sodium Green Bean Blend: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, unsweetened almond milk, and homemade crispy shallots to reduce salt content.

Ways to Serve Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this classic green bean casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a traditional holiday meal that brings everyone together.
• Hearty Side Dish Combo: Complement the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to create a balanced and delicious plate that satisfies every taste bud.
• Veggie Lover's Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to add extra nutrition and color to your dining experience.
• Gourmet Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by topping a slice of crispy toast with warmed green bean casserole for a unique breakfast option.

Storing Your Green Bean Casserole Leftovers

• Seal leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the cream sauce creamy?

The cream of mushroom soup provides the rich, creamy base for the casserole. Milk adds extra smoothness and helps blend the ingredients together, creating a velvety texture that coats the green beans perfectly.

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans work great. Just blanch them first to ensure even cooking. The key is to trim the ends and briefly boil them in hot water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water to stop the cooking process.

• How do I prevent the onion topping from burning?

Add the crispy onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. This ensures they turn golden brown and crispy without burning. Watch the casserole closely during this final baking stage to achieve the perfect crunchy topping.

Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Topping Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic green bean casserole with crispy onion topping, a beloved side dish that brings warmth to family gatherings. Creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy onion straws create a harmonious blend of textures you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 14.5 ounces (411 grams) green beans (any style, drained)
• 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1/8 teaspoon pure ground black pepper

Topping:

• 1 1/3 cups (106 grams) crispy fried onions (divided)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F and select a 1 1/2-quart baking dish for assembling the casserole.
2. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk and ground black pepper until smoothly integrated.
3. Fold drained green beans into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of sauce throughout the vegetables.
4. Incorporate 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions into the casserole, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the mixture becomes thoroughly heated.
6. Gently stir the casserole to redistribute the ingredients and promote even cooking.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions across the top of the casserole.
8. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until the onion topping turns golden brown and crispy.
9. For advance preparation, assemble the casserole and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
10. When ready to serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow original baking instructions, extending cooking time as needed to reach 160F internal temperature.

Notes

• Choose fresh green beans for a vibrant, crisp texture that elevates the entire dish’s quality.
• Blanch green beans briefly in salted boiling water to maintain their bright color and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Experiment with homemade crispy onions by thinly slicing sweet onions, coating in seasoned flour, and deep-frying for an extra crunchy topping.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-intolerant friendly version that doesn’t compromise on rich, creamy flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg