Description
This Best Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy French fried onions and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for holiday meals or family dinners, it combines freshness and rich flavors with an option for homemade crunchy onion topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole Ingredients
- 16–20 oz fresh green beans (or 2–3 14.5 oz cans canned green beans)
- 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups French fried onions (or homemade as below, divided)
Homemade French Fried Onions Ingredients
- 3 large onions, sliced into thin rings
- 2 cups milk or buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×3-inch oven-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare Green Beans: If using canned green beans, drain and set aside. If using fresh, rinse and trim the ends. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fresh green beans for 5-6 minutes until tender and vibrant green. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water, then drain again.
- Make Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and chicken broth. Stir in finely diced onion, minced garlic, ground thyme, paprika, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Add Green Beans and Cheese: Stir in the prepared green beans, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup French fried onions into the mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Then distribute 1 cup of French fried onions over the top.
- Bake Initially: Bake the casserole for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and the onions begin to brown.
- Add Final Onion Layer: Remove casserole from oven, add the last cup of French fried onions on top, then bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Homemade French Fried Onions Preparation: If making homemade onions, soak sliced onions in milk or buttermilk for 20 minutes. Whisk together flour, garlic powder, hot red pepper powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Dredge soaked onions in the flour mixture, shake off excess, and fry in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and use as topping.
Notes
- You can use canned or fresh green beans based on availability and preference.
- Homemade French fried onions add a fresher, crunchier texture but require more preparation time.
- Adjust spices such as paprika and red pepper powder to taste for mild or spicy flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use low-fat milk and cheese options to reduce fat content if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, French fried onions, creamy mushroom sauce, classic American recipe
