Southern Green Bean Casserole

Name: Southern Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this comforting Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe. Rich creaminess meets tender green beans, all topped with crispy fried onions for that perfect crunchy finish. This classic dish is a delightful addition to your holiday table, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-12-13T14:54:30.166Z

This Southern Green Bean Casserole is a time-honored dish that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. The combination of creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onions creates a delightful experience for the taste buds.

A Classic Side Dish for Any Occasion

Southern Green Bean Casserole is not just a staple of Thanksgiving tables; it shines at family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy weeknight dinners. Its creamy texture and rich flavors resonate with comfort food lovers, making it a beloved dish across various gatherings. This casserole is an easy way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while still satisfying those craving for indulgence.

The combination of fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Topped with crispy fried onions, each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft beans and the crunchy topping. This dish stands out as a true representation of Southern cooking, which is known for its warmth and heartiness.

How to Make Perfect Green Beans

When preparing green beans for your casserole, freshness is key. Opt for vibrant, crisp green beans that have been freshly trimmed. Boiling them briefly not only enhances their color but also ensures they remain tender while baking. This method preserves their nutrients and makes them the star of your dish.

For an added flavor boost, consider sautéing the green beans with garlic and onions before mixing them into the casserole. This elevates the overall taste profile and gives your dish a gourmet touch, ensuring your green bean casserole will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Customizing Your Casserole

Feel free to personalize the traditional recipe to suit your family’s tastes! You might add ingredients like crispy bacon or diced ham to infuse a smoky flavor into the dish. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and taste. Each twist on the classic recipe can make it uniquely yours, while still keeping the comforting essence intact.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with different cheeses, such as gouda or parmesan, to bring a new layer of flavor. Spices like garlic powder or a hint of cayenne pepper can also add an interesting kick to the casserole’s overall flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, ensuring that it can continually evolve with your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make Southern Green Bean Casserole:

Ingredients

4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the casserole:

Prepare the Green Beans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the green beans in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Combine Ingredients

Add the drained green beans to the sauce mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir in 1 cup of fried onions.

Finish with Topping

Top the casserole with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Green Bean Casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment for a Thanksgiving feast. You can even serve it alongside grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian option at any meal. Its rich flavor profile complements roasted vegetables and creamy potato dishes beautifully.

For a complete dining experience, consider adding a fresh salad alongside your casserole. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole, creating a well-rounded meal. This contrast will delight your guests, ensuring they leave the table satisfied.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, retaining its flavors and textures quite well. If you anticipate leftovers, consider preparing the topping separately. This will keep the fried onions crispy when you reheat your casserole.

When it comes to reheating, the oven is preferred for retaining the casserole's original texture. Heat it at a low 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, and add extra fried onions to the top just before serving for that freshly-baked crunch. This ensures your dish tastes just as delicious as when it was first made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw and drain them before use.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use a homemade mushroom sauce or another cream soup such as cream of chicken.