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 something truly comforting about the classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe — it’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with that irresistible crunch of fried onions. I love how this dish manages to be both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, making it a reliable favorite for any family gathering or weeknight dinner.

A white oval dish filled with a green bean casserole, showing green beans coated in a creamy light tan sauce, topped with a generous layer of crispy, golden-brown fried onions scattered unevenly across the surface. The casserole edges show a bit of baked sauce residue, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface. 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’m genuinely excited to share this Green Bean Casserole Recipe with you because it strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and rich, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just as a cozy side dish, it’s always a hit.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy components, just a few pantry staples and fresh green beans.
Quick to Prepare: The entire dish comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meal plans.
Creamy and Crunchy Contrast: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions keeps every bite interesting.
Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish — from turkey to grilled chicken or even a simple weeknight roast.

A white baked dish filled with green beans in a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy layer of golden brown fried onions. The green beans are mixed evenly through the creamy base, while the crispy fried onions cover the top in a textured, slightly crumbly layer. The edges of the creamy mixture show hints of browning from baking, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a classic for a reason — every ingredient plays a key role in creating that comforting, cozy flavor we all crave. Here’s why I choose these specific ingredients and a few tips on picking the best versions for your dish.

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 of milk, a small white bowl containing Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small pile of crispy fried onion strings, a small mound of sharp shredded cheddar cheese, all placed in perfect symmetry 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: I prefer fresh over frozen here because they stay firm without becoming mushy, giving you that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It acts as the creamy base that ties everything together, bringing subtle earthiness that’s essential to this casserole’s classic taste.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps loosen up the soup for easier mixing with the green beans.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash amps up the umami flavors, giving the dish a little extra depth that’s often overlooked.
Black Pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and balances the creaminess with its subtle spice.
Crispy Fried Onion Strings: Half of these go inside the casserole for flavor, and half get sprinkled on top for that must-have crispy finish.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and brings a tangy, bold flavor that complements the mushrooms and green beans wonderfully.

📝

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

One of the things I adore about this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve experimented with different cheeses and even swapped in veggie-packed mixes when I want to stretch the casserole a bit.

Add Mushrooms: I sometimes sauté fresh mushrooms and fold them in for an even more mushroom-forward flavor profile.
Use Different Cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping sharp cheddar for Gruyère or smoked gouda adds a delicious twist.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream soup and plant-based milk along with crispy shallots instead of onion strings to keep that crunch.
Extra Crunch: Toast some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and sprinkle on top for a golden crust if you're tired of the classic onion topping.

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

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

Start by trimming and cutting fresh green beans into bite-sized pieces. Then boil them in lightly salted water until they're just fork-tender—about 10 minutes. I’ve found that overcooking here makes the beans mushy later, so keep an eye on them. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab your casserole dish and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until smooth. Doing this directly in the casserole dish saves on extra bowls and cleanup. This simple mixture is what makes the casserole creamy and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Next, stir in the cooked green beans, two-thirds of the crispy fried onion strings, and all the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, making sure everything is evenly coated. Place the casserole in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is bubbling beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Final Crunch

Once baked, sprinkle the remaining fried onion strings evenly on top, then pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes. This last step is what gives you that signature golden, crispy finish that makes the dish so irresistible. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

From my many holiday dinners and casual weeknight meals, I’ve learned a few things that really help this Green Bean Casserole Recipe shine every single time.

Don't Overcook the Green Beans: Keep them just tender to avoid a mushy casserole. They’ll cook more in the oven.
Use Sharp Cheese: It cuts through the creaminess and adds just the right tang — don’t skimp here!
Save Some Onions for the Top: Always reserve half the fried onions for the final topping to keep that satisfying crunch.
Mix Your Cream Base in the Dish: Helps minimize dishes and gets you cooking faster.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my green bean casserole with extra crispy fried onions—and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. It’s simple but elevates the presentation and freshens up the look.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked chicken, but I’ve also enjoyed it alongside mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a lighter meal. Its creamy, tangy, crunchy profile complements heaps of comforting classics.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or special occasions, I’ve served this dish in individual ramekins topped with extra onions and a tiny sprig of thyme—your guests feel like they’re getting a personal touch, and it looks gorgeous on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a few fresh fried onions on top to revive that crunch because the topping tends to soften in storage.

Freezing

This casserole freezes pretty well if you leave off the crispy topping first. Freeze in a tightly sealed container, then add fresh fried onions after thawing and reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that bubbly texture—microwaving tends to make it soggy. A quick broil at the end helps re-crisp the onion topping as well.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

Yes! If you use frozen green beans, make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing them into the casserole to avoid a watery dish.

How do I make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the crispy fried onion strings with gluten-free fried onions or toasted gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the topping and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to get crispy onions on top?

Add the crispy fried onion strings during the last 5 minutes of baking. Adding them too early can cause them to burn or lose their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate for me — it’s that perfect blend of creamy comfort and crispy finish that always brings smiles at the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a comforting midweek meal. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!