How to Make the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

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Bring tradition to your Thanksgiving table with this creamy green bean casserole. Savory, easy, and topped with crispy fried onions — the ultimate holiday side dish!


A Comforting Thanksgiving Classic

Green bean casserole is one of the most iconic Thanksgiving sides — creamy, savory, and topped with crispy fried onions that bring the perfect crunch. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or making it for the first time, this easy recipe brings warm nostalgia and rich flavor to your holiday table.

If you love classic comfort dishes, try my [Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe] — another cozy crowd-pleaser perfect for Thanksgiving.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1 cup crispy fried onions

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Tip: Fresh green beans offer the best texture, but frozen beans work great for faster prep!

For ingredient swap ideas, this Food Network guide explains helpful substitutes:
https://www.foodnetwork.com


How to Make Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Preheat

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2️⃣ Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a boil, cook beans for 5 minutes, drain, and set aside.

3️⃣ Mix the Sauce

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine

Add green beans to the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a greased casserole dish.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling.

6️⃣ Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle fried onions over the top and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.

Need tips on achieving golden, crispy toppings? Serious Eats has a great breakdown:
https://www.seriouseats.com


Serving Tips & Flavor Boosters

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps thicken the sauce.

  • Add sautéed mushrooms or garlic for deeper flavor.

  • For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar before adding fried onions.

Pair this dish with:

  • [Roast Turkey Recipe]

  • [Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe]

  • [Popular Thanksgiving Recipes] for a full holiday menu.


Make-Ahead & Storage Guide

Make Ahead

Assemble the casserole without the fried onions. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Add onions and bake just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.


Final Thoughts

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving essential — comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s your first holiday hosting or a yearly tradition, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy and nostalgia to your table.

 

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