Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe (2024)

Is it even Thanksgiving if this classic side dish isn't on the table somewhere?

❤️ Why you'll love it

• Easy recipe only requires five ingredients
• Savory green beans are the perfect addition to a heavy holiday meal
• Make it ahead so you can save time prepping Thanksgiving dinner

Bring a taste of nostalgia and festive touch to the holiday table. This classic green bean casserole tastes even better than you remember it! Plus, it's loaded with crispy fried onions—the best part, of course!

If you're feeling a little adventurous take a look at this loaded green bean casserole - just as easy but ... well just take a look.

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

You can use canned, frozen, or fresh green beans. If they are frozen be sure to thaw and drain them.

If they are fresh, they need to be cooked and tender—but not mushy.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

1. Mix sauce ingredients.
2. Add green beans to prepared casserole dish and stir in sauce.
3. Stir in part of the onions.
4. Add the rest of the crispy onions to the top and bake.

🎥 Video

Click on the image to watch me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).

🥫 Storage

It's tempting to relax after enjoying so much Thanksgiving turkey, but just take a few minutes to put the extra food away so you can safely enjoy it again!

It's simple: cover leftover green bean casserole tightly with plastic wrap, or spoon it into an airtight container. It'll last for about two days in the refrigerator—any longer and the casserole gets watery.

You can freeze leftovers for up to three months, but the onion topping loses its crisp texture after thawing. If you'd like to go the freezer-route, I'd recommend following the instructions under "Variations" to properly make it in advance.

📖Green bean casserole variations

The original recipe for French's green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish in many families, but who's to say you can't make a few changes here or there? Try some of these ideas:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: You can use a homemade cream of mushroom soup if you prefer to avoid canned. Or, use a different variety of cream soup altogether.
• Extra Good Stuff: Some people like to stir in minced garlic, fresh chopped cremini mushrooms, shredded cheddar cheese, or bacon.
• Prep a Few Days Early: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, but leave the onion topping off. Wrap it with plastic, and refrigerate it for up to two days. Don't forget to add the onions mid-way through baking!
• Make Ahead and Freeze: As long as you make this classic green bean casserole recipe as written (that is, with the canned cream of mushroom soup) you can freeze it for up to three months. Just leave the onions off of the top until bake time.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: If you use frozen green beans, be sure to thaw them completely. Then, drain for a few minutes in a colander and pat dry. You don't want any extra liquid to water down your casserole.

• You can use French style (or French cut) green beans if you prefer. However, it's easier to enjoy the creamy green bean casserole when each bite fits nicely on your fork—long beans make that a bit tougher.
• Using fresh ingredients? Great! Blanch the green beans for about five minutes in boiling water, then dunk them into an ice water bath. Let them drain and dry completely before proceeding with the recipe.
• The soy sauce enhances the flavor of the mushroom soup, but you can omit it if you're on a medically restrictive diet or otherwise watching your personal consumption of sodium. Worcestershire sauce has a bit less sodium if you're looking to replace the soy.
• Use fresh cracked black pepper for a richer flavor than ground pepper.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

We love side dish recipes around here! The more the better!

• This Crockpot Green Beans and Ham side dish slow cooks all day so every bite is full of flavor—plus, you save valuable stovetop/oven space!
• Make a new holiday menu tradition with delicious Italian Green Bean Salad. It's full of zing, red onions, and tomatoes—great for adding some variety to the customary dinner table spread.
• Southern "Smothered" Green Beans have a drool-worthy, smoky flavor thanks to onions and a whole lotta bacon—need I say more?
• While fried cabbage isn't exactly Thanksgiving fare it is delicious!

🍽️ Serve with...

• Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
• Southern Corn Pudding
• Cloverleaf Rolls
• Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

🧅 More of our Thanksgiving favorites -

• Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
• Holiday co*cktails Recipes
• Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Pineapple Casserole
• Asparagus Casserole

📞 The last word

I spent years trying to improve Mom's green bean casserole - with fresh, from scratch ingredients... with fancy additions...

Honestly I always come back to the classic; the one that's been on my Thanksgiving table as long as I can remember.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

🧾 Restless Chipotle recommends...

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• Green beans
• French fried onions or make the homemade ones
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Cream of mushroom soup
• medium bowl
• casserole dish

First published November 2009. Last updated November 2, 2022 for editorial changes and readability.

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