Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Classic Holiday Side Dish
This classic green bean casserole is a comforting holiday side dish featuring tender green beans baked in creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Simple, crowd-pleasing, and budget-friendly — it’s the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 1 lb) fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup (whole milk preferred) milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- If using fresh green beans, boil for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop cooking. If using frozen beans, thaw and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add green beans, 2/3 cup of the fried onions, and cheese (if using). Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake 25 minutes until hot and bubbly around edges.
- Sprinkle remaining fried onions over top and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
Notes
Make ahead up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate (without onion topping). Add fried onions just before baking for best crunch.