Green Bean Casserole Recipe

---

Why It’s a Beloved Holiday Classic

Let’s be honest—green bean casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a holiday ritual. Whether it’s sitting proudly next to the turkey at Thanksgiving or tucked between mashed potatoes and rolls at Christmas, it’s a warm, creamy reminder of tradition.

Invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s, this dish was originally designed as a simple solution with pantry staples. Over the years, it became one of the most iconic Thanksgiving side dish recipes in the U.S.

Why is it so beloved? Because it’s easy, affordable, and universally comforting.

Versatility Across Diets

From classic green bean casserole to dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tailor it to suit almost any dietary preference or restriction, and it still delivers on taste.

---

Essential Ingredients for a Traditional Green Bean Casserole

Key Components Explained

To master this dish, you need to understand the anatomy of it. At its core, green bean casserole is simple—a vegetable, a creamy binder, and a crispy topping.

Green Beans: Canned vs. Fresh vs. Frozen

• Canned: Classic, super soft, and require no prep—but often contain added salt.
• Fresh: Best texture and taste, but needs blanching for optimal tenderness.
• Frozen: A middle ground—more flavor than canned, less prep than fresh. Just thaw and drain well.

Pro tip: If you’re going for texture, fresh is king. But frozen beans are reliable for consistency and ease.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is where the creamy magic happens. The condensed soup provides the base of the sauce, infusing the casserole with savory umami flavor.

Need a change-up? Sub with:

• Homemade mushroom béchamel
• Dairy-free mushroom soup
• Cashew-based cream sauce

Milk or Dairy-Free Alternatives

Milk helps loosen the soup and improves the casserole’s consistency. If you’re avoiding dairy, don’t worry—you’ve got options:

• Almond milk (unsweetened, plain)
• Soy milk (creamier and protein-rich)
• Oat milk (neutral flavor)
• Coconut milk (full fat, but a hint of sweetness)

Crispy Fried Onions

You could argue this is the real reason people eat green bean casserole. That crispy onion topping offers texture, saltiness, and crunch.

Want to make it from scratch? Slice onions thin, toss with flour or breadcrumbs, and pan fry until golden.

Table of Contents

click here

---

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

Preparation Time & Cooking Method

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Oven Temp: 350°F (175°C)

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional but flavorful)
• 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in green beans and ⅔ cup of the crispy onions.
4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 25 minutes uncovered.
6. Add remaining fried onions and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

---

Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients Swap

Swap out cream and milk for:

• Dairy-free mushroom soup (Amy’s, Pacific Foods)
• Unsweetened almond or oat milk
• Vegan margarine or coconut oil (if needed for sautéing mushrooms)

Best Non-Dairy Alternatives for Creaminess

• Cashew Cream: Soak cashews overnight, blend with water until smooth.
• Silken Tofu: Blend with mushrooms and seasoning for a protein-packed creamy base.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Use sparingly if you enjoy the hint of sweetness it adds.

Print

---

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Going Fully Plant-Based

To make a fully vegan casserole:

• Use plant-based milk
• Replace condensed soup with homemade mushroom gravy
• Use vegan crispy fried onions or make your own (egg-free batter)

Tips to Keep the Flavor Without the Dairy

• Add umami: soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast
• Roast your mushrooms beforehand to enhance depth
• Use fresh garlic, thyme, and caramelized onions for richness
  

---

Healthy Green Bean Casserole Tips

Reducing Sodium and Fat

• Choose low-sodium mushroom soup
• Use baked or air-fried onions
• Replace dairy with light unsweetened plant milk

Gluten-Free and Low-Calorie Adjustments

• Gluten-free soup and fried onions
• Skip the soy sauce or use coconut aminos
• Replace fried onions with roasted nuts for a lower-fat crunch

---

Holiday and Thanksgiving Versions

Why It’s the Star of Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

It’s the one dish people expect and love every single year. Creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic. Whether it’s paired with cranberry sauce, turkey, or stuffing, it fits the holiday flavor profile perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before; cover and refrigerate. Add onions and bake right before serving.
• Freezing: Assemble and freeze (without onion topping). Thaw overnight and add onions before baking.

Bonus: It tastes even better the next day!

---

Green Bean Casserole Without Cream

Using Homemade Mushroom Gravy

Skip the canned stuff. Try this:

1. Sauté 1 cup mushrooms with garlic and onion.
2. Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk.
3. Slowly add 1 cup broth and stir until thickened.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cashew Cream or Coconut Cream Options

• Cashew Cream: Soak cashews, blend with lemon juice, garlic, and broth.
• Coconut Cream: For a rich twist (may slightly alter the flavor).

Both offer satisfying results without dairy or processed ingredients.

---

Variations and Creative Twists

Adding Bacon, Cheese, or Almonds

• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor (or use vegan bacon bits)
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or vegan cheese for extra richness
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add nutty crunch

Spicy, Savory, or Sweet Additions

• Chili flakes: For a spicy kick
• Caramelized onions: Sweet, deep flavor
• Lemon zest or dijon mustard: For a flavor lift

---

Casserole Tips for Lactose Intolerance

No-Cream, No-Milk Strategies

If you’re lactose intolerant, try:

• Cashew cream blended with garlic and mushrooms
• Oat milk + nutritional yeast for creaminess
• Broth-based sauces thickened with flour or cornstarch

Best Store-Bought Products to Try

• Pacific Foods plant-based soups
• Ripple dairy-free half & half
• Follow Your Heart and Violife vegan cheese

---

Cooking for a Crowd

Doubling or Tripling the Recipe

• Double the ingredients, but use a deep dish
• Increase baking time by 10–15 minutes
• Stir once halfway through to ensure even cooking

Casserole Dishes and Baking Time Adjustments

Use ceramic or glass for even cooking. Metal pans heat faster, so reduce cooking time slightly if using.

---

Storage and Reheating

How to Keep It Crispy When Reheating

Reheat uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you want soggy onions.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the base only (without topping)
• Thaw in the fridge overnight
• Add fresh fried onions before reheating in oven

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking or Undercooking the Beans

• Blanch fresh beans for 3–4 minutes
• Don’t use frozen beans straight from the freezer—thaw and drain them

Soggy Onions or Runny Sauce

• Always add crispy onions last
• Ensure your sauce is thick before baking
• Bake uncovered to avoid steaming

---

Serving Suggestions

Pairing With Other Dishes

• Roast turkey or ham
• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce

Perfect for Potlucks and Parties

Green bean casserole is easy to transport, reheats well, and tastes even better the next day. It’s an ideal party side.

---

Conclusion

The green bean casserole has come a long way from its 1950s roots. Today, it’s more than a retro side dish it’s a customizable comfort food masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for a classic version, a healthy makeover, or a vegan twist, there’s a variation that fits your table and taste.

So next time you’re planning your holiday feast or Sunday dinner, don’t overlook this green and golden beauty. It might just steal the show.

---

FAQS