The Coziest Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful green bean casserole for Thanksgiving brings comfort and joy to your holiday table.

Crisp green beans mingle with creamy mushroom sauce in this classic side dish.

Childhood memories flood back with each savory bite.

Seasonal ingredients create a nostalgic experience that connects generations.

Minimal preparation ensures you spend less time cooking and more moments sharing laughter.

Pantry staples and fresh produce combine effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing recipe.

Warm, bubbly, and irresistibly delicious, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen green beans. If using fresh, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes. If using frozen, simply thaw them before mixing with the sauce.

• What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of celery soup or make a homemade mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk.

• How can I make the casserole healthier?

Replace whole milk with low-fat milk, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and consider using homemade crispy onions with less oil.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

The recipe as written is not vegetarian due to the cream of mushroom soup. To make it vegetarian, use a vegetarian cream soup or make a homemade mushroom sauce.

Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole: Crowd Favorite

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic holiday recipe that brings families together with its familiar, nostalgic flavors and creamy texture.
• Minimal Ingredients Needed: Uses simple pantry staples and requires no complicated techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Option: Works wonderfully as a side dish for holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, adding a touch of warmth and richness to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen vegetables that provide the base and main texture of this classic holiday side dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick and enhances overall seasoning.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy garnish that adds a golden, crispy texture and classic green bean casserole flavor.

How to Make Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

If you’re using fresh green beans, give them a quick bath in boiling water for about 5 minutes.

Drain them and set aside.

For frozen green beans, just let them thaw completely.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine Green Beans

Toss the green beans into the creamy sauce, making sure every single bean gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the green bean mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle crispy fried onions all over the top for that irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes.

Then dive in and savor every delectable bite of this classic Thanksgiving side dish!

Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Quickly dunk green beans in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and maintain crisp texture.
• Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the cream soup mixture for extra richness.
• Sprinkle half the onions midway through baking, then add remaining crispy onions in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that fried onions are gluten-free to make this dish celiac-friendly.

Variations to Try on Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Delight: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream, use plant-based milk, and swap fried onions for roasted chickpea crumbles.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Comfort: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce, use gluten-free crispy onions, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Green Bean Wellness: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, replace soy sauce with herbs like thyme or rosemary, and reduce added salt for a heart-healthy option.
• Spicy Green Bean Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the soup mixture, include diced jalapeños, and top with spicy onion straws for an extra zesty version.

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Green Bean Comfort Feast: Serve this classic casserole as a hearty side dish alongside traditional Thanksgiving turkey, roasted chicken, or glazed ham.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to holiday gatherings, family reunions, or community potlucks where everyone craves a comforting vegetable dish with a crispy topping.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into a quick lunch by adding grilled chicken strips or crumbled bacon on top, creating a delicious one-dish meal that breathes new life into holiday leftovers.
• Gourmet Touch: Elevate the recipe by sprinkling toasted sliced almonds or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley over the crispy onion topping for extra texture and flavor complexity.

How to Store Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with crispy onion topping, as it will become soggy.
• Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Green bean casserole delights families with classic holiday flavors, blending tender vegetables and creamy sauce. Crispy onion topping adds crunch, making this dish a crowd-pleasing side you’ll savor at festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut
• 2 cans (21 ounces / 595 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1.5 cups (350 milliliters) crispy fried onions

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Prepare green beans by blanching fresh ones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then draining thoroughly. For frozen beans, ensure complete thawing.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, incorporating soy sauce and pepper until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold green beans into the creamy mixture, ensuring each bean is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
5. Transfer the bean mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Generously scatter crispy fried onions across the top, creating a crunchy golden crown for the casserole.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for the signature bubbling edges and golden-brown topping that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

• Test bean freshness by snapping a bean in half; crisp, bright green beans indicate peak quality and best flavor.
• Blanching green beans helps maintain vibrant color and prevents overcooking, preserving nutrients and crisp texture.
• Consider using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt content and make the dish more heart-healthy.
• Customize the casserole by adding sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg