Try Our Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe Today

Creamy, comforting green bean casserole brings nostalgic memories of holiday gatherings and warm family dinners.

This ultimate green bean casserole recipe delivers a perfect blend of crisp green beans and rich, velvety sauce.

Tender vegetables mingle with golden, crunchy onion toppings that create an irresistible texture.

Traditional ingredients dance together in a harmonious symphony of flavors that will delight every palate.

Crisp green beans provide a fresh foundation for the decadent cream-based mixture.

Topped with perfectly seasoned crispy onions, this dish transforms a simple side into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Serve this classic comfort food and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

What to Serve with This Green Bean Favorite

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, rich casserole with bright acidity and refreshing notes that cut through the heavy flavors.
• Serve Hearty Red Companion: Pinot Noir provides a light-bodied red wine that matches the savory bacon and mushroom elements without overwhelming the dish's delicate balance.
• Enhance with Craft Beer: Belgian-style wheat beer or a mild amber ale offers a smooth, malty backdrop that highlights the casserole's creamy texture and crispy onion topping.
• Match Side Salad Contrast: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the rich, creamy green bean casserole, balancing the dish's heavy components.

New Twists on a Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Monterey Jack cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a creamy texture that suits lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Version: Eliminate bacon completely and substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth of flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease when sautéing onions and mushrooms to maintain rich taste profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap green beans for roasted cauliflower or broccoli florets. Replace French fried onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour breadcrumbs to maintain crunch while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure French fried onions are certified gluten-free. Verify all ingredients are processed in gluten-free facilities to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Use about 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched before adding to the casserole. They’ll provide a crisper texture and fresher flavor.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked almonds. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup to create a similar smoky flavor profile.

• What type of cheese works best if I don't have Monterey Jack?

Cheddar or Swiss cheese are excellent alternatives. They melt well and provide a similar creamy texture to the casserole. Choose a cheese with good melting properties.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before baking to maintain their crispness. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes if coming directly from the refrigerator.

What Makes This Green Bean Casserole Stand Out

• Transform the traditional green bean casserole into a gourmet experience with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Monterey Jack cheese that takes this dish to the next level.
• Prepare a mouthwatering side dish that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks who want to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
• Swap ingredients or add personal twists like different cheeses or extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring it suits every taste preference and dietary need.
• Shine at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners with a comforting casserole that brings everyone together, creating memorable moments around the table.

What You Need for Green Bean Casserole

• Bacon: A crispy, flavorful ingredient that adds a rich, smoky taste to the casserole.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts smoothly and provides a mild, slightly tangy flavor.

• Green Beans, Onions, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that create the base of the casserole with a delightful mix of textures and earthy flavors.
• Garlic: A pungent aromatic that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: A creamy base that binds the ingredients together and creates a smooth sauce.
• French Fried Onions: A crunchy topping that adds a golden, crispy texture to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors in the dish.

Making the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Bacon

Grab a large skillet and cook bacon over medium-low heat until it turns beautifully crisp.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Flavor Builders

Leave about two tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.

• Finely diced onions
• Chopped button mushrooms

Cook the onions first for 5 minutes until they become translucent, then add mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in cream of mushroom soup and sprinkle in the crumbled bacon.

Stir in milk and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Let the mixture simmer until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, velvety sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Combine Green Beans

Gently fold the drained green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring every bean gets a perfect coating of deliciousness.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly using a spatula, making sure the mixture reaches all corners.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle French fried onions generously across the top of the casserole, creating a crispy golden layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown onion topping that’s crisp and irresistible.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in for seconds!

Tips for Creamy Green Bean Casserole

• Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and bacon to control the salt content, making the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Replace Monterey Jack cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, maintaining the creamy texture.
• Cook bacon, chop vegetables, and make the sauce a day in advance, then assemble and bake the casserole just before serving to save time and reduce kitchen stress.
• Toast additional fried onions separately and sprinkle them right before serving to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy toppings during baking.
• Consider adding blanched fresh green beans alongside canned ones for a mix of textures and a brighter, more vibrant green color in the casserole.

How to Store Green Bean Casserole Smoothly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the casserole contains crispy fried onion topping, as it will become soggy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add fresh fried onions on top after reheating to restore crispiness.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole lovers will rejoice with this classic American side dish that blends crispy, creamy textures and rich, comforting flavors. Crisp green beans, golden mushroom sauce, and crunchy onion topping create a perfect holiday companion you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 14.5-ounce cans cut green beans, drained
• 2 10.5-ounce cans cream of mushroom condensed soup
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Protein and Dairy:

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup milk

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking surface by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then set the oven to 350°F for preheating.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, approximately 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
3. Retain 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and sauté diced onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms and continue cooking until they turn golden brown.
4. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Pour in cream of mushroom soup, incorporating crumbled bacon. Blend milk and Monterey Jack cheese into the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Incorporate drained green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough and even coating.
6. Carefully transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly with a spatula.
7. Distribute French fried onions across the top of the casserole for a crispy finishing layer.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, watching for a hot, bubbling consistency and golden-brown onion topping.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring it renders more fat and provides a richer taste profile for the casserole.
• Consider using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt content and allow more precise seasoning throughout the dish.
• Replace traditional fried onions with homemade crispy onion strings for a fresher, more authentic texture and elevated culinary experience.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese with sharp cheddar or gruyère for a more complex and robust cheese flavor that complements the green beans and bacon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg