Green bean casserole is everyone’s favorite creamy casserole that sits next to the Thanksgiving turkey on the buffet table. But I say we should eat this more often than once a year! Everyone loves this super simple way to serve green beans, even kids!
The Best Green Bean Casserole
My family likes to sit around after the big meal and rank the Thanksgiving side dishes from most favorite to least favorite. Every year, people say this green bean casserole recipe is their absolute most favorite. So, we are committing to making it more than once a year in November. It’s too good to save for only one day each year.
What is green bean casserole?
If you’ve never had this dish, think of it as a creamy vegetable side dish. Green beans are tossed in a creamy mushroom soup-based sauce, and a few extra spices are stirred in. I like to add soy sauce for extra umami flavor to bolster the umami from the mushrooms. I also add garlic powder, because it makes everything taste more savory and rich. Finally, a can of store-bought french fried onions are both stirred into the dish and baked on top for a crisp coating.
In short, it’s a creamy casserole with crisp bits of fried onions on top. It’s hard to not go back for a second scoop! If you’re having trouble finding the crispy oinons, or if your grocery store is low on stock, I really recommend buying them online early in November to be sure you have them for the big day. 
Homemade Green Bean Casserole ingredients
- cream of mushroom soup: Campbell’s brand of cream of mushroom soup comes in 10.5 ounce cans, and you’ll need 2 for this recipe, since it’s made in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. I recommend the regular version, not the low sodium or low fat version, for maximum flavor.
- milk: I always cook and bake with whole milk, but anything will work.
- soy sauce
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- garlic powder: This is optional and is not in the original recipe, but I love the flavor it imparts. You’re looking for dried garlic powder. You may substitute 2 cloves of freshly minced garlic on a microplane, if you prefer.
- frozen cut green beans: defrost these overnight before making the recipe. If possible, find the bag that says ‘microwave steamable’ so you can cook them right in the bag to save on clean up.
- can of crispy fried onions: We’ll use the entire 6 ounce can of French’s crispy fried onions for this recipe.
How to make French’s Green Bean Casserole
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F, and have ready a 9×13-inch casserole dish that is shallow and wide. An equivalent dish measures 3 quarts. Ensure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Cook the green beans: Boil or steam defrosted beans just until tender but still slightly crisp in the center, about 3-4 minutes. You can also steam them in the microwave, as directed on the package. Drain the green beans very well after cooking.
- Combine: In a bowl, stir together the condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder green beans, and half of the onions. Pour into the casserole dish (or equivalent 3 quart casserole dish).
- Bake: Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or bubbly.
- Half way through: After the 35 minute mark, remove the dish from the oven and stir everything together very well.
- Bake: Top the dish with the remaining onions, and return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden. This makes the onions super crispy on top, which is the best part of a casserole, am I right?
How to serve this French’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Typically, we just place this dish on the buffet table for Thanksgiving and everyone helps themselves! But, if you want to serve this on a day besides Thanksgiving, I think it’s great to serve with any protein and a salad.
How to store this recipe for Green Bean Casserole
Leftover green bean casserole should go in the fridge within 2 hours of being at room temperature. Cover it and store for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven. I don’t recommend freezing leftover green bean casserole, as the topping will not stay fresh and the filling could separate upon thaw.
