A Thanksgiving table wouldn’t feel complete without the comforting classic of a Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole. I remember the first time I helped my mom prepare it—the creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions created a dish that everyone looked forward to year after year. Simple, hearty, and nostalgic, this casserole is one of those holiday sides that ties the meal together and makes the feast truly special.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in blanched green beans and half the fried onions. Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheese if using. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining fried onions and bake another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Substitutions
Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Replace cream of mushroom with cream of celery for a lighter flavor. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra richness. Swap cheddar cheese with Parmesan for a sharp, savory twist.
Equipment
Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Colander
Spatula
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F until heated through and crispy again.
Top Tips
Blanch beans before baking to keep them tender-crisp. Add fried onions at the end for maximum crunch. Don’t skip seasoning the sauce—it’s the base of flavor. Let casserole rest a few minutes before serving to set.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble without the topping, refrigerate, then add onions and bake before serving.
Can I use canned green beans? Yes, but fresh or frozen beans have better texture.
Is this casserole vegetarian? Yes, just make sure your soup and fried onions are vegetarian-friendly.
What goes well with this dish? Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are classic pairings.