No holiday feels complete without the warmth and joy of a classic green bean casserole.

Whether it’s just a weekday dinner with the family, thanksgiving, or you just miss the flavor of the meal, this dish always hits the mark.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe, how to prepare homemade green bean casserole, along with modern twists to transform it into 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!

---

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. Since then, it has become a beloved staple, particularly for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Why It’s a Classic:

The original green bean casserole recipe showcases the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can very easily prepare this dish that’s creamy, savory, and perfectly crunchy on top.

The classic trio of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions has endured for a reason—it’s timelessly delicious and 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 helps the beans maintain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Soy sauce provides a delicate umami boost that elevates the flavors of the dish.
4. Gently fold in the green beans and 1 cup of fried onions.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Add teh rest of the fried onions to the top, let it bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. The final bake achieves an ideal balance between the creamy filling and the crispy topping.

Adjustments for the Original Recipe:

• Stove Top Green Bean Casserole: Assemble everything in a large skillet and cook on low heat until it’s hot and 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 hint of garlic add depth and richness to the flavor.

Shop: Get the classic French’s Fried Onions which has the crunch, or get the organic mushroom soup for a healthier twist

Printable Recipe: The Original Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

---

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.

---

Modern Variations on the Green Bean Casserole

1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of green beans (choose fresh, canned, or frozen depending on your preference)
• One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (any brand of your choice)
• 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 bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, a dash of black pepper and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
4. Gently stir in the 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 the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and return it to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbly and the onions are perfectly 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.

---

2. Bacon Lover’s Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of green beans (use fresh, canned, or frozen depending on your preference)
• 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 bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the cooked bacon until well combined. Stir until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the green beans and 1 cup of fried onions, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking 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 heated through and the topping is golden and bubbly.
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 of green beans (choose fresh, canned, or frozen based on availability)
• 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 of gluten-free crispy onions or crushed roasted nuts for the 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. Warm 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. Gradually pour in coconut milk or almond milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. 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. Inspired by Ina Garten: Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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. Melt 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, 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.
• Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with crushed buttery crackers, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

6. Stove Top Green Bean Casserole

• Save time by making this dish entirely on the stovetop.
• Sauté the green beans in a cast-iron skillet, stir in the sauce, and let it simmer until fully heated.
• Top with fried onions right before serving to keep them crispy.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups green beans,
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup,
• ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon soy sauce,
• 1 ½ cups fried onions.
• Instructions:
• Cook green beans in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce.
• Simmer until heated through.
• Add fried onions on top right before serving to ensure a crunchy 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.
• Finish with a topping of panko breadcrumbs blended with Parmesan and a hint of truffle zest for an elegant 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.
• Combine with the green beans, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
• Sprinkle a blend of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs over the top, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Mexican-Inspired Green Bean Casserole

• Swap the mushroom soup for a velvety queso sauce to add a creamy, flavorful twist.
• Incorporate roasted poblano peppers or green chiles to add a gentle heat.
• Finish with a layer of crushed tortilla chips and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a crunchy, cheesy topping.

• 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.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish, then sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and Cotija cheese on top.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Herbed Mediterranean Green Bean Casserole

• Substitute the mushroom soup with a creamy garlic and lemon yogurt sauce for a fresh, zesty base.
• Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to infuse bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Top with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a tangy and vibrant finish.

• 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.

Expert Tips for Making the Perfect 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

• Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add fried onions just before baking.

Homemade Touches

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

Shop Now: blanching pot or cast iron skillet for stovetop versions.

Casserole Storage and Leftover Tips

Proper Storage

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe dish and store it 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, reheat in the microwave, but be aware that the topping may lose some of its crispiness.

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: Transform leftovers into a creamy soup by blending them with chicken or vegetable broth.

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?

We value your feedback—let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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

---

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!

---

Related Recipes:

Fall in Love with This Savory Cornish Hen Recipe Tonight

10 Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes You’ll Love to Make Every Week

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.