Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a staple at every holiday gathering in the South, from Thanksgiving to family potlucks. And while we love variations on a classic—like this slow-cooker green bean casserole—this five-ingredient traditional recipe is the one you should serve up every time you get the chance.

Learn how to make classic green bean casserole and also find some fun variations if you want to mix up the traditional side.

Can You Use Canned or Frozen Beans in Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen, canned, or even fresh green beans in green bean casserole. This recipe calls for frozen green beans—as well as thawing and squeezing them to get out as much moisture as possible. If you're going to use another kind, follow these tips:

• For canned green beans: These beans are already tender and cooked, so you only need to drain them before adding to the casserole mixture.
• For fresh green beans: It's a good idea to blanch fresh green beans before mixing them into the casserole. Cook the fresh green beans in boiling water for about 6 minutes, then stop the cooking process by moving them to ice water. They'll finish cooking in the oven.
• For frozen green beans: Thaw and drain frozen green beans. Then, squeeze them to remove as much moisture as possible. Frozen green beans are typically blanched before flash freezing, so they're more tender than fresh.
  

Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

To make green bean casserole, you will need:

• Frozen haricot verts: These may also be labeled as extra-fine green beans. You'll need two bags. Thaw them overnight before you plan to mix the casserole ingredients, then drain and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Cream of mushroom soup: You can also cream of celery soup or cream of golden mushroom soup. If you use an unsalted soup, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness to the filling. Can be substituted with half-and-half, but regular milk would not be thick enough.
• Crispy fried onions: For a texture contrast and mild onion flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Under the fried onions, it adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

How To Make Green Bean Casserole

This easy green bean casserole takes just 10 active minutes to prepare, so you can focus on the main dishes like spatchcocked turkey or baked ham.

• Combine ingredients: Stir together the green beans, soup, heavy cream, and some of the onions and cheese. (If using fresh haricot verts instead of frozen, blanch them first.)
• Fill baking dish: Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, topping with onions and cheese. Adding the grated Parmesan cheese before the fried onions allows it to melt better. 
• Bake casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes Uncover it, and continue to bake until the cheese is golden, about another 20 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole From Becoming Mushy?

Two key steps will keep a green bean casserole from being too soggy:

• Try frozen green beans: Because canned green beans are pre-cooked, frozen haricot verts are a preferable option to keep this green bean casserole from getting mushy. In this dish, the crunch from the fried onions also serves as a perfect balance for the tenderness of the haricot verts after cooking.
• Don't cook too long: If you choose a green bean casserole recipe that calls for fresh beans (instead of frozen as in this recipe), avoid overcooking them as doing so can result in an undesirably mushy texture.

How To Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time

You can prepare this classic green bean casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for about three days before baking. But leave off the crispy onions before storage.

If you will be baking after fridge storage, add a few minutes to the cook time to accommodate the temperature. Or let it stand for about 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. Be sure to add the crispy onions just before the casserole goes into the oven.

Variations

This simple five-ingredient green bean casserole is outstanding, but you can add a few things to it for additional flavor:

• Swap cheeses: In place of Parmesan, try gouda, Swiss, or even Cheddar.
• Swap broccoli: Make this a creamy broccoli casserole with blanched broccoli florets instead of the green beans.
• Add roasted garlic: Stir in mashed roasted garlic for loads more umami.
• Change soups: Cream of mushroom soup is iconic, but cream of celery or even cream of Cheddar soup would be great.
  

What To Serve With Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food side dish, creamy and flavorful, ideal as a hearty holiday side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

For a main dish, consider:

• Simple Roasted Turkey
• Roast Turkey with Herbed Rub
• Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
• Broiled Lamb Chops
• Glazed Spiral-Cut Ham

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.