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Green Bean Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 628 reviews

This classic Green Bean Casserole features tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, layered with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy, comforting dish ideal for holiday dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Main Sauce

  • 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade, about 2 cans)
  • ¾ cup milk or half and half or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cheese and Toppings

  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 ounces crispy fried onions, divided (1 container, French’s recommended)

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons table salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Blanch the Green Beans: In a large Dutch oven, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of table salt and stir in the prepared green beans. Cook the beans until barely crisp or softened to your preference, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  3. Shock the Beans: While the beans cook, prepare a large bowl with ice water. Once beans are cooked, drain them in a colander and immediately plunge into the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
  4. Dry the Beans: Remove the beans from the ice bath and spread them on paper towels. Pat dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
  5. Mix the Sauce and Beans: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or cream), low-sodium soy sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of crushed crispy fried onions. Add the drained green beans, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 20 minutes.
  7. Add Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining 5 ounces of crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Notes

  • Blanching green beans and shocking them in ice water helps keep their vibrant color and a nice texture.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the casserole.
  • Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • For a creamier casserole, use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • French’s crispy fried onions are recommended for their crisp texture and flavor.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings using a bigger baking dish.

Keywords: green bean casserole, classic side dish, thanksgiving recipe, holiday casserole, creamy green beans, mushroom soup casserole, cheesy green beans