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Easy Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
Classic green bean casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish with tender green beans baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with a mountain of crispy fried onions. It comes together quickly with pantry staples, bakes until bubbly and golden, and pairs perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes, and all your Christmas or Thanksgiving favorites.
Why This Green Bean Casserole Works
Canned soup and green beans make this recipe fast and reliable, while milk thins the sauce just enough to coat every bean without becoming watery. Crispy fried onions add both flavor and crunch, with some stirred into the casserole and more piled on top for that signature golden crust.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Prep Time: 10 Minutes Bake Time: 30 Minutes Serves: 8Simple, creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions.
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Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (or about 6 cups cooked green beans)
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼–½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Mix the Filling:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the drained green beans and ¾ cup of the crispy fried onions until everything is evenly coated.
Bake the Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges.
Add the Crispy Topping:
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup fried onions in an even layer over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the onions are golden and crisp.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Holiday Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire to the sauce, or stir in some grated cheddar cheese before baking.
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
Green Bean Options
Use canned, frozen, or fresh green beans. If using fresh or frozen, blanch briefly in salted water until crisp-tender, then drain well before mixing into the sauce.
Creamy Sauce Upgrades
Swap part of the milk for cream for a richer casserole, or add sautéed mushrooms and onions for extra texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring slightly toward room temperature, bake, then add the onions and finish as directed.
Leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp the topping or in the microwave for a quick side dish.
