Name: Green Bean Casserole | Classic Thanksgiving Side
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen beans for convenience); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional, adds depth of flavor); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1 teaspoon soy sauce (enhances umami flavor); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; For the topping:; 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispness)

Yummy green bean casserole

Green bean casserole is a dish that has stood the test of time, especially around the holidays. At its core, it combines tender green beans with a creamy, savory sauce and a crispy topping. What makes it so special is the contrast between textures and flavors. The beans add freshness, the sauce brings richness, and the topping adds crunch and aroma. It is no surprise that this classic green bean casserole has become one of the most loved Thanksgiving dishes across America. People return to it year after year because it feels familiar, comforting, and reliable while still leaving room for creativity in preparation.

More Casserole Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooking green bean casserole at home is not just about following tradition, it is about creating a dish that tastes better than anything you can buy pre-made. Here is why this recipe works so well:

Balanced flavors: Many canned versions can taste heavy or overly salty. This method ensures the creamy base enhances the beans rather than hiding them.
Texture done right: Perfectly blanched beans hold their bite and do not turn mushy. The topping bakes golden and crisp, never soggy.
Chef-approved shortcuts: While green bean casserole Campbells versions are popular, I will show you how to use both scratch-made and shortcut methods depending on your time.
Versatility: This traditional green bean casserole can be part of your Thanksgiving recipes side dishes or enjoyed any time of year as a comforting bean casserole.
Reliability: With clear steps, you will never end up with a watery filling or overcooked vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the base:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen beans for convenience)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional, adds depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
1 teaspoon soy sauce (enhances umami flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the topping:

1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispness)

Notes:

For a shortcut, replace the homemade sauce with one can of cream of mushroom soup to make it a green bean casserole Campbells style.
If using canned beans, drain and rinse well, but know that the texture will be softer compared to fresh or frozen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the beans

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately place them in ice water. This step stops cooking and preserves their color and snap.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste. Gradually whisk in broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. This creamy base should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.

Step 3: Combine beans and sauce

Add the blanched beans to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently so every bean is coated. This ensures the flavor seeps into the beans without breaking them apart.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the bean mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the fried onions over the top before baking. This layer will meld into the casserole, adding texture inside as well as on top.

Step 5: Bake and finish

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, stir lightly, and top with the remaining fried onions and Parmesan if using. Return to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot.

How to Serve

Green bean casserole is most often seen as part of Thanksgiving cooking, but it deserves a place year-round. On a holiday table, serve it alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a balanced spread of Thanksgiving green beans and other comforting classics. For a weeknight dinner, it pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. Plate it in a white ceramic dish or shallow gratin pan for a clean, modern presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color contrast.

Additional Tips

Use fresh beans whenever possible. They keep their texture better than canned.
Do not skip the blanching step, it sets the color and prevents sogginess.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It pairs beautifully with creamy dishes.
If making ahead, keep the topping separate until just before baking to preserve crispness.
A cast-iron skillet can double as both cooking pan and serving dish, keeping the casserole warm longer.

Recipe Variations

Classic version: Make it a traditional green bean casserole by using canned beans and cream of mushroom soup for convenience.
Gourmet style: Add sautéed shallots and wild mushrooms to elevate the sauce. A drizzle of truffle oil before serving can transform it into a restaurant-quality side.
Cheesy twist: Mix shredded cheddar into the sauce and top with a combination of fried onions and breadcrumbs for a heartier bean casserole recipe.
Healthier option: Use low-sodium broth, skim milk, and bake with a lighter breadcrumb topping instead of fried onions.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F until hot.
Freezing uncooked: Assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake with topping added fresh.
Freezing cooked: Bake completely, cool, and freeze in portions. Reheat covered with foil to maintain moisture, then uncover for a few minutes to crisp the topping.

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 8 servings)

Calories: ~220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 340mg

Final Words

Green bean casserole is a staple for good reason. It is easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always welcome on the table. From the creamy base to the crispy topping, each bite offers the perfect balance of textures. Whether you follow the classic green bean casserole recipe or try a modern twist, it will quickly become one of your go-to Thanksgiving recipes side dishes and beyond. Cooking this at home gives you control over quality and flavor, and once you master it, you will never go back to canned versions again.

FAQ’s

Yes, prepare the sauce and beans, assemble in a dish, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the topping right before baking.

Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour for the sauce and choose gluten-free fried onions.

Fresh or frozen beans give the best texture. Canned beans will work, but they produce a softer result.

Always add fried onions during the last few minutes of baking, not at the start. This prevents them from burning or turning soggy.

This usually happens if the beans were not drained well or if too much liquid was added to the sauce. Blanch and dry beans thoroughly before combining.