Name: Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces; 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 2/3 cups crispy fried onion strings, divided; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

There’s just something undeniably comforting about a classic green bean casserole, isn’t there? This Green Bean Casserole Recipe brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, sharp cheddar, and those crispy fried onions that give it that perfect crunchy top. It’s a nostalgic side dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for holiday dinners.

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole is shown. The bottom layer is made of cooked green beans in a creamy beige sauce, partially visible beneath the crispy fried onion topping. The top layer is an uneven spread of golden-brown fried onions with some darker and lighter spots, adding texture and crunch. The casserole is placed on a white marbled surface, and the edge of the dish shows slight browning from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe because it hits that cozy, creamy, crunchy combo so well without any fuss. Whether I’m throwing together a weeknight dinner or adding a classic touch to holiday gatherings, it’s always one of the first dishes people ask for again.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a few staples that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Classic Comfort Food: It’s that familiar dish that brings back warm memories and satisfies every time.
Easy to Customize: I love showing you how to tweak it for your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect Make-Ahead Side: You can prep it in advance and bake right before serving—super convenient!

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole that has three visible layers: the bottom layer is green beans with a mix of dark and lighter green colors, covered with a creamy light beige sauce in the middle, and topped with a crunchy golden brown fried onion layer with a crispy texture spread evenly across the top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What’s great about this recipe is how the simple ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each item plays its part: the crunchy fried onions add texture, the cheddar cheese brings a sharp, melty richness, and the green beans provide that fresh, bright bite that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Flat lay of fresh green beans trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with a glossy dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, a small pile of crispy fried onion strings, and a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Fresh Green Beans: Always try to use fresh green beans and trim them into bite-sized pieces—they hold their shape and stay crisp-tender.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce. If you want to go homemade, it’s easy to whip up, but canned works perfectly here.
Milk: Helps loosen the soup into a smooth sauce without thinning it out too much.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth that takes the flavor up a notch without overpowering it.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch to balance the creaminess and wake up the taste buds.
Crispy Fried Onion Strings: The star of the show topping! They provide that iconic crispy crunch everyone loves.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for its robust flavor and melty texture that blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Personally, I love this recipe as is, but I've found that small tweaks can make it yours. Whether you want it lighter, cheesier, or with a bit of extra crunch, feel free to experiment. After all, cooking is all about making dishes your own!

Variation: I sometimes stir in some cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor twist—adds a nice savory punch without overwhelming the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use gluten-free fried onions to keep everyone happy at the table.
Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a richer taste and more texture variety.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans Just Right

Start by trimming your green beans and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in lightly salted water for about 10 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a nice snap. Drain well and set aside—this step is key to avoid sogginess in your casserole later.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

While the beans cook, whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper together—doing this right in your casserole dish saves you extra cleanup. Aim for a smooth, well-combined sauce that will coat the beans perfectly.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

Stir in the cooked green beans, two-thirds of your crispy onion strings, and all the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread it evenly and pop the dish into a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly. This part is so rewarding—you’ll smell the amazing aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Add the Final Crunch

After baking, sprinkle the remaining fried onion strings on top and return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes. This final step ensures that crispy, irresistible topping that makes this dish so special.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe stand out every single time. These tips help you get that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy without the casserole turning watery or bland.

Don’t Overcook the Beans: Boil green beans just until fork-tender; undercooked beans won’t soften properly in the casserole, but overcooked ones become mushy.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheese makes the casserole taste bland, so I stick with sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and creamy melt.
Save Some Onion Crisps for the End: Adding the crispy onions twice guarantees that top crunch isn’t lost after baking.
Mix Ingredients in the Casserole Dish: This reduces dirty dishes and helps you see the consistency of the sauce as you go.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with extra crispy fried onions on top, but sometimes I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns for a pop of color and subtle freshness right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with classic roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a hearty meatloaf. It’s a great crowd-pleaser alongside mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls, especially around the holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or special dinners, I sometimes serve the green bean casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering it in clear glass baking dishes so guests can see all the delicious layers before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, the casserole tends to firm up, so adding a splash of milk before warming it helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times with decent results. Freeze it before baking to retain the freshest flavor. Just cover tightly and defrost overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; this helps maintain the crispy topping better than microwaving. If you need to microwave, sprinkle a little fresh fried onions on top afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw and drain them well before mixing into the casserole to avoid excess liquid, which can make the dish watery.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free fried onions or make your own crispy onion topping by coating thinly sliced onions in gluten-free flour and frying or baking them until crisp. Also, check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make a homemade version.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it right before serving. Just add the final crispy onions during the last 5 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a quick homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms for a fresher taste. This also lets you control the seasoning and avoid preservatives found in canned soup.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers that cozy, comforting feeling with so little effort. It’s one of those dishes you’ll reach for again and again, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!