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No holiday table feels complete without the comforting, creamy, and crunchy delight of a classic green bean casserole.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a casual family dinner, or just a craving for nostalgia, this dish always hits the mark.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe, how to make Green Bean Casserole Homemade, and some modern twists to make it the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole.

Plus, we’ll share tips to suit different dietary needs, including a Southern Green Bean Casserole and options for using Frozen Green Beans.

Let’s dive into the delicious details!

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The Timeless Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Did you know?

The original green bean casserole recipe was created by Dorcas Reilly in 1955 as a quick and easy side dish for home cooks. It’s since become a staple, especially during Thanksgiving.

Why It’s a Classic:

The Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a testament to simplicity and flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet it delivers a dish that’s creamy, savory, and perfectly crunchy on top.

The combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions has stood the test of time for good reason: it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for the Classic Recipe:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups French’s Fried Onions (divided)

Equipment and Appliances:

• Large pot for blanching green beans
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Oven
• Baking sheet (optional, for toasting fried onions separately)
• Colander (for draining blanched green beans)
• Whisk or spoon for mixing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using fresh or frozen green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. This step ensures the beans retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. The soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor that enhances the dish.
4. Fold in green beans and 1 cup of fried onions. This ensures every bite has that signature crunch and flavor.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy. The final bake creates the perfect contrast of creamy filling and crispy topping.

Adjustments for the Original Recipe:

• Make it a Stove Top Green Bean Casserole: Prepare everything in a large skillet and heat on low until bubbly. Top with fried onions just before serving.
• Use Homemade Mushroom Sauce: Replace the canned soup with a homemade mixture of sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and a touch of garlic for a richer flavor.

Shop Now: Use the classic French’s Fried Onions for that authentic crunch, or try organic mushroom soup for a healthier twist

Printable Recipe: The Classic Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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Why Add a Twist to a Classic?

The Classic Green Bean Casserole is a star on its own, but adding variations can elevate it to suit different tastes and occasions.

Whether you’re making a Small Batch Green Bean Casserole for two or a gourmet version for a crowd, these ideas will inspire you.

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Modern Variations on the Green Bean Casserole

1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 ¾ cups French’s Fried Onions (divided)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch fresh or frozen green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
4. Fold in green beans and 1 cup of fried onions. Mix to coat evenly.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the onions are golden.
7. Serve immediately for a rich, cheesy twist on the classic recipe.

Pro Tip: Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

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2. Bacon Lover’s Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups French’s Fried Onions (divided)
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch fresh or frozen green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half the cooked bacon. Stir until well combined.
4. Fold in green beans and 1 cup of fried onions, mixing to coat evenly.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining fried onions and sprinkle the rest of the cooked bacon on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7. Garnish with additional bacon crumbles before serving for an extra smoky flavor.

Pro Tip: Substitute pancetta or turkey bacon for a slightly different twist on this bacon-filled delight.

3. Vegan and Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

Vegan and Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup gluten-free crispy onions or crushed roasted nuts (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch fresh or frozen green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in gluten-free flour and cook for another minute. Slowly add coconut milk or almond milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Fold the green beans into the mushroom mixture and transfer to a casserole dish.
6. Top with gluten-free crispy onions or crushed roasted nuts.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for extra depth and flavor.

4. Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole Recipe Inspired

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, blanched, or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups fresh cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crispy fried shallots or onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking until softened and golden brown.
3. Stir in heavy cream and thyme, then simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the mushroom sauce with the blanched green beans and half the Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and crispy fried shallots or onions.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce while cooking.

5. Southern Green Bean Casserole

• Add diced ham or cooked bacon to bring out smoky undertones.
• Include pimentos or roasted red peppers for a burst of color and subtle sweetness.
• Use crushed buttery crackers, like Ritz, as a topping instead of fried onions.
• Blend cream cheese into the sauce for an extra creamy and luxurious texture.
• Sprinkle a dash of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for a signature Southern twist.

Pro Tip: Pair your Southern Green Bean Casserole with cornbread and roasted turkey for a complete holiday meal.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups green beans,
• ½ cup diced ham or cooked bacon,
• 4 oz cream cheese,
• ½ cup pimentos or roasted red peppers,
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning,
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz).
• Instructions:
• Mix green beans with softened cream cheese, diced ham or bacon, pimentos, and Cajun seasoning.
• Transfer to a baking dish, top with crushed buttery crackers, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

6. Stove Top Green Bean Casserole

• Skip the oven and prepare this dish entirely on the stovetop for quicker cooking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet to sauté the beans, then mix in the sauce and simmer until heated through.
• Add fried onions just before serving to retain their crispiness.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups green beans,
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup,
• ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon soy sauce,
• 1 ½ cups fried onions.
• Instructions:
• Sauté green beans in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce.
• Simmer until heated through.
• Sprinkle fried onions on top just before serving for a crispy finish.

7. Gourmet Truffle Green Bean Casserole

• Drizzle truffle oil into the sauce for a decadent, earthy flavor.
• Use a blend of exotic mushrooms, such as shiitake or porcini, for added depth.
• Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and truffle zest for an upscale crunch.

• Ingredients: 4 cups green beans,
• 1 cup exotic mushrooms (shiitake, porcini),
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil,
• ½ cup heavy cream,
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese,
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
• Instructions:
• Sauté mushrooms until golden.
• Add truffle oil and heavy cream, and simmer until thickened.
• Mix with green beans and transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with a mixture of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Mexican-Inspired Green Bean Casserole

• Substitute the mushroom soup with a creamy queso sauce.
• Add roasted poblano peppers or green chiles for a mild kick.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a crunchy, cheesy finish.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups green beans,
• 1 cup creamy queso sauce,
• ½ cup roasted poblano peppers,
• ½ cup green chiles,
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips,
• ½ cup Cotija cheese.
• Instructions:
• Mix green beans with queso sauce,
• roasted poblano peppers, and green chiles.
• Transfer to a baking dish and top with crushed tortilla chips and Cotija cheese.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Herbed Mediterranean Green Bean Casserole

• Replace the mushroom soup with a creamy garlic and lemon yogurt sauce.
• Incorporate kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Sprinkle feta cheese and fresh dill on top for a vibrant and tangy twist.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups green beans,
• 1 cup garlic-lemon yogurt sauce,
• ½ cup kalamata olives,
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes,
• ½ cup feta cheese,
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill.
• Instructions: Combine green beans with garlic-lemon yogurt sauce,
• olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh dill,
• and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until warm and fragrant.

Pro Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans

• For a vibrant dish, blanch fresh green beans. However, Green Bean Casserole Frozen Green Beans is quicker and just as delicious.

Make It Ahead

• Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add fried onions just before baking.

Homemade Touches

• Make your own mushroom sauce with heavy cream, garlic, and sautéed mushrooms.
• Try homemade crispy onions by thinly slicing shallots, coating in flour, and frying.

Shop Now: Simplify prep with a blanching pot or upgrade your dish with a cast iron skillet for stovetop versions.

Casserole Storage and Leftover Tips

Proper Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If freezing, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe dish and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw completely before reheating.

Reheating Tips

• For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on top.
• For smaller portions, use a microwave, but note that the topping may lose some of its crunch.

Creative Leftover Ideas

• Casserole-Stuffed Potatoes: Scoop out the flesh of baked potatoes and stuff them with leftover casserole for a hearty lunch.
• Casserole Omelette: Add leftover casserole to whisked eggs for a delicious breakfast omelette.
• Green Bean Casserole Soup: Blend leftover casserole with chicken or vegetable broth for a quick and creamy soup.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy green bean casserole?

Do you stick to the classic recipe, or do you love experimenting with new twists?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with your creations.

We’d love to feature your take on this holiday favorite!

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FAQs

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes, canned green beans are a traditional choice for the Frenches Greenbean Casserole recipe. Drain them well before use.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or use a microwave for quicker results.

How can I make it healthier?

Use low-sodium mushroom soup, fresh green beans, and baked crispy onions for a lighter version of this Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole.

Elevate your next meal with this Classic Green Bean Casserole and its delicious modern variations. Whether you stick with tradition or venture into new territory, this versatile dish will always be a winner!

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