Creamy green beans topped with crispy fried onions
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8
9x13 baking dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Creamy green beans topped with crispy fried onions
★4.6(12)
Tender green beans in a velvety mushroom cream sauce topped with shatteringly crispy fried onions. This Thanksgiving classic has earned its permanent spot on the holiday table.
15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This green bean casserole upgrades the retro classic with a from-scratch mushroom cream sauce instead of canned soup. The crispy onion topping bakes right on top for irresistible crunch.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 4 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
- 2
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute mushrooms for 5 minutes until golden, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- 3
Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Toss green beans with the mushroom cream sauce and pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with fried onions.
- 5
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the onions are deeply golden.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Heavy creamCream of mushroom soup (1 can)
The traditional shortcut that still works well
Crispy fried onionsPanko breadcrumbs tossed with butter
A less sweet, equally crunchy topping
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use fresh green beans instead of canned for the best texture and color.
Reserve half the fried onions and add them during the last 5 minutes of baking so they stay extra crispy.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate assembled casserole (without onion topping) for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes, adding fresh fried onions on top.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (35mg) · 8 servings
Calories220
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat15g
Fiber380mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen green beans?
- Yes, thaw and pat dry first to prevent a watery casserole.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Assemble without the onion topping, refrigerate, then add onions and bake when ready.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →