Creamy Green Bean Casserole – A Classic Comfort Side Dish

Nothing says holiday comfort like a warm, creamy green bean casserole. This timeless dish combines tender green beans, rich mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 1/3 cups (150 g) French fried onions (divided: 2/3 for mix, 2/3 for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the Green Beans
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5–6 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
    In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and shredded cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.

  4. Mix Beans and Sauce
    Add cooked green beans and 2/3 cup of French fried onions to the sauce. Mix gently to coat the beans evenly.

  5. Bake the Casserole
    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly.

  6. Add Crispy Topping
    Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions on top. Bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden and crispy.

  7. Serve and Enjoy
    Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful casserole that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Comfort: This dish has been a family favorite for generations.

  • Easy to Make: Only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep.

  • Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any dinner party.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

  • Use Fresh Green Beans: Canned beans can be too soft; fresh beans give the best texture.

  • Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan work perfectly.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake before serving.

  • Crispy Topping Hack: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Delicious Variations

  • Garlic Herb: Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme to the sauce.

  • Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top before baking.

  • Mushroom Lovers: Sauté fresh mushrooms for 5 minutes and mix into the casserole for extra umami.

  • Vegan Option: Use coconut milk and vegan cream of mushroom soup, and skip the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with roast turkey or baked ham for holiday dinners.

  • Serve alongside mashed potatoes or stuffing for a complete comfort meal.

  • Works well as a potluck dish—everyone will ask for the recipe