Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

This ultimate green bean casserole transforms the traditional Thanksgiving side into something extraordinary with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. No more settling for the basic recipe when this elevated version brings so much more flavor to your holiday table.

I first made this casserole when I was tasked with bringing a side dish to my in laws for Thanksgiving dinner. The dish was scraped clean before the turkey was even carved and now its requested at every family gathering regardless of the holiday.

• Bacon adds a smoky depth that transforms ordinary green beans into something extraordinary
• Yellow onion provides sweet aromatic foundation when caramelized properly
• Button mushrooms create meaty texture and umami richness beyond what comes in the soup
• Fresh garlic cloves deliver bright punchy flavor that dried varieties simply cannot match
• Cream of mushroom soup forms the creamy base that holds everything together beautifully
• Milk thins the sauce to perfect consistency while adding richness
• Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and provides mild creaminess that complements rather than overwhelms
• Green beans retain slight crispness and vibrant color when using quality canned varieties
• French fried onions create that signature crunchy topping that everyone fights over

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with a light coat of nonstick spray. Using the proper size dish ensures the casserole cooks evenly and has the right ratio of topping to filling.

Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon strips over medium low heat until perfectly crispy but not burned. The slow cooking renders the fat completely while developing deep flavor. After removing the crisp bacon, save two tablespoons of that liquid gold bacon fat in the pan for sautéing vegetables.

Develop the Flavor Base

Add diced onions to the reserved bacon fat and cook until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This creates the aromatic foundation of the dish. The onions should become sweet and tender without browning too much.

Incorporate Mushrooms and Garlic

Add chopped mushrooms to the softened onions and cook until they turn golden brown and release their moisture. This concentrates their earthy flavor. When adding the garlic, cook briefly just until fragrant to prevent bitterness from overcooking.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Stir in undiluted cream of mushroom soup along with the crumbled bacon bits you set aside earlier. The thick consistency of undiluted soup creates the perfect base. Incorporate milk and shredded cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese completely melts into a smooth sauce.

Combine with Green Beans

Gently fold in the drained green beans until every piece is coated with the creamy sauce mixture. This ensures consistent flavor throughout the casserole without breaking or mushing the beans.

Top and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the French fried onions across the top in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns golden brown and crispy.

Bookmark

The bacon truly makes this dish special in my family. My grandfather always said a little bacon makes everything better, and this casserole proves him right. The first time I brought this version to our family Thanksgiving, my grandmother actually asked for the recipe which is the highest compliment in our house.

Make Ahead Tips

This casserole can be completely assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated without the fried onion topping. Simply cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, add the fried onions, then bake as directed. This makes holiday meal preparation significantly less stressful.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and low fat soup and cheese. The flavor profile remains similar with fewer calories. If mushrooms aren't popular with your crowd, simply omit them and use cream of chicken soup instead. For those avoiding dairy, several plant based cheeses melt reasonably well, and unsweetened almond milk works as a substitute for regular milk.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even prime rib for holiday meals. For a complete meal, serve alongside cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. The casserole retains heat well, making it perfect for buffet style serving at large gatherings. A sprinkle of additional fried onions just before serving restores crispness if the casserole has been sitting.

The Holiday Tradition

Green bean casserole was originally created in 1955 by Campbell Soup Company employee Dorcas Reilly. The original recipe used just six ingredients and was designed to use items most Americans already had in their pantries. This elevated version honors that practical tradition while introducing fresh elements that modern palates appreciate. Over sixty years later, green bean casserole appears on approximately 30 million Thanksgiving tables annually.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of adding the fried onions, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, add the fried onions and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

→ Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Substitute 2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. Drain well before adding to the casserole mixture.

→ What can I substitute for the bacon to make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables. To maintain that smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika when cooking the mushrooms.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, but for best results, freeze before adding the fried onion topping. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fried onions just before baking, and cook at 350°F until hot throughout, approximately 35-40 minutes.

→ What cheese alternatives work well in this casserole?

Monterey Jack can be substituted with white cheddar, Gruyère, or Colby for similar melting properties and complementary flavors. For a more assertive taste, consider adding a small amount of Parmesan to the mix.

→ How do I keep the fried onions from burning?

If you notice the onions browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove the foil for the final 10 minutes to allow the onions to crisp up without burning.