Classic Green Bean Casserole

This Classic Green Bean Casserole is an easy holiday side dish made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jamie Sherman

Ingredients

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz.)
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cans green beans (14.5 oz. each)
1 cups crispy fried onions
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
½ crispy fried onions for topping

Instructions

In a 1½ to 2-quart casserole dish, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, green beans, 1 cup of the crispy fried onions, and cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 cans green beans, 1 cups crispy fried onions, 1 cup cheddar cheese
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until hot.
Remove the casserole from the oven and stir to combine.
Top with the remaining ½ cup crispy fried onions.
½ crispy fried onions
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the onions are golden.

Notes

🥡 Storage

Allow leftover green bean casserole to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
If you made the casserole in a slow cooker, don't store leftovers in the slow cooker insert. Transfer them to an airtight container before refrigerating.

♨️ Reheating

Oven: Cover the casserole with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue heating for about 10 minutes, or until hot. Add a handful of fresh, crispy fried onions in the last few minutes to bring back some of the crunch.

Microwave: Place an individual portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave at 50% power for about 90 seconds, or until heated through.

Slow cooker: For a larger amount, transfer the casserole to a slow cooker and reheat on LOW for 1-2 hours, or until hot throughout. Stir occasionally if needed. Add fresh crispy fried onions just before serving so they stay crunchy.

❄️ Freezing

I don't recommend freezing this casserole. The creamy sauce can separate after freezing and thawing, leaving the casserole watery.

💡 Tips for Best Results

Drain canned green beans well before using them. If using fresh green beans, cook them until tender-crisp first. Thaw frozen green beans before adding them to the casserole.
Save the final ½ cup crispy fried onions until the end of baking, so the topping stays crisp and golden.
For the slow cooker version, add the reserved onions just before serving.

🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods

Slow cooker: Combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, green beans, cheddar cheese, and 1 cup crispy fried onions in a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 2½-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1½ hours, until hot and bubbly.

Stir, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup crispy fried onions over the top just before serving. For an extra-crispy topping, toast the reserved onions briefly in the oven before adding them.

The oven method will give you the best browned edges and crispiest topping, but the slow cooker is a great option when you need to free up oven space for a holiday meal.

♻️ Leftovers

Serve leftover green bean casserole alongside leftover turkey, ham, chicken, pork, or pot roast.
Fresh crispy fried onions sprinkled over the reheated casserole are an easy way to bring back some of the original crunch.

📝 Notes

The casserole can be assembled up to two days before baking. Leave off the final ½ cup crispy fried onions until the end so they stay crisp.
Cream of asparagus, cream of celery, cream of chicken, broccoli cheese, or golden mushroom soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom.
Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Substitute can be used instead of canned condensed soup.
Homemade crispy fried onions can replace store-bought.
Broccoli can be used instead of the green beans for a different version.
For a festive touch, stir in ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper or diced pimientos.
If using the slow cooker method, add the final ½ cup crispy fried onions just before serving. For a crispier topping, toast them separately before adding them.

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