If you’re anything like me, a comforting, classic side dish can really make a meal feel like home. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe—it’s a timeless favorite that’s just as simple as it is delicious. You’ll find this dish is creamy, crunchy, and perfect for holidays or even an everyday dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your go-to rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy and Quick: This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Classic Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that evokes cozy family dinners and holiday nostalgia, but you can enjoy it any time of year.
- Crunchy Topping Bonus: The crispy fried onions on top add a satisfying texture that my family just can’t get enough of.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this creamy, crunchy dish—perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe really lies in its simple ingredients that work harmoniously together. You’ll want to pick good quality canned green beans and that iconic condensed cream of mushroom soup to get the best flavor.
- Cut green beans: I use canned green beans for convenience, but if you prefer fresh, I’ll share how to adjust that below.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the creamy base that packs a punch of flavor; you can find it in any grocery store aisle.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps thin out the soup for a smooth texture.
- French fried onions: The star of the topping! These crunchy onions add that irresistible crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
Variations
I love to tweak this recipe according to the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you might be surprised how versatile this casserole can be!
- Fresh green beans: I once swapped canned for fresh blanched green beans and it gave the dish a little more bite and vibrant color; just steam them for about 5 minutes before mixing.
- Mushroom soup alternatives: For a dairy-free version, try a coconut milk-based mushroom soup or make your own creamy sauce with mushrooms.
- Add cheese: Sprinkling a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan before baking takes this casserole to cheesy heaven—my kids adore this twist.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor complexity.
How to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get that perfect golden crust later. Drain the canned green beans thoroughly—this is key because extra moisture can make your casserole soggy. In your favorite 1.5-quart casserole dish, stir together the green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the crunchy French fried onions. This mix should look creamy and well combined before heading into the oven.
Step 2: Bake Until Bubbling and Hot
Pop your casserole dish into the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to see it bubbling gently around the edges—that’s how you know it’s heated through and ready for the next step. This part always gets me eager to dig in!
Step 3: Top with Crispy Onions and Finish Baking
Take the casserole out carefully and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. Then, place it back into the oven for about 5 minutes so those onions get warm and golden—but don’t let them burn! Right before serving, add salt and pepper to your taste. Let it rest for a few minutes; this helps everything settle and makes for easier serving.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Drain Green Beans Well: I used to skip this step and ended up with a watery casserole; now I always give the beans a good strain and even pat them dry if needed.
- Add Onions Last: Adding half the onions on top too early makes them soggy. Trust me, waiting until the last 5 minutes keeps them perfectly crispy.
- Use a Shallow Casserole Dish: A 1.5-quart dish helps everything cook evenly without drying out or becoming too soupy.
- Season at the End: Adding salt and pepper after baking lets you gauge the perfect flavor without over-salting the soup base.
How to Serve Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple by topping with extra crispy fried onions right before serving, but sometimes I sprinkle a little fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herb flavor—it brightens the casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or baked chicken for a classic meal, but don’t underestimate how great it is alongside mashed potatoes or even a fresh garden salad if you want something lighter to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins so everyone feels special, and it reheats beautifully this way, too. Another fun trick is layering with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist that guests always ask about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they keep well for up to 3 days. Personally, I remove the crispy onions on top to keep them from getting soggy and add fresh ones after reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole once or twice when prepping for holiday dinners. Freeze it before baking in a freezer-safe casserole dish. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh onions just before baking. It keeps pretty well and still tastes great!
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, which helps keep the texture moist. Afterward, I add the crispy onions on top and briefly bake uncovered to regain that crunch.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! To use fresh green beans, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then shock in ice water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly before using them in the casserole. This gives a fresher, firmer texture but keeps the same delicious flavor.
-
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or make your own plant-based mushroom cream sauce. Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to maintain the creamy texture. The crispy onions are usually dairy-free, but always check the label to be sure.
-
How can I make the onions extra crispy?
Adding the French fried onions in two parts helps keep them crispy—half mixed in and half on top to bake briefly at the end. Avoid adding all the onions too early or they will get soggy. You can also add extra onions just before serving for maximum crunch.
-
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the topping onions and bake right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that’s foolproof, familiar, and beloved by just about everyone. I remember the first time I made it for my family, and they went crazy over how creamy and crunchy it was—total hit! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring people together. Give it a try and make some memories around the table—you won’t regret it.
Print
Easy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (1.5-quart casserole)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish featuring tender green beans baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy French fried onions for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 0.75 cup milk
- 1 (2.8 ounce) can French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole mixture is prepared.
- Mix Casserole: In a 1.5-quart casserole dish, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the mixture is heated through and bubbles around the edges.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the onions to become golden and crispy.
- Season and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it rest a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe uses canned green beans, condensed mushroom soup, and crispy French-fried onions to recreate a classic holiday favorite easily.
- For a fresher taste, fresh or frozen green beans can be substituted, but cooking time may need adjustment.
- You can add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of garlic powder for an extra flavor boost if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 482 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
