Green Bean Casserole is one of those iconic Christmas side dishes that brings comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible creamy flavor to the holiday table. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Christmas dinner or hosting a cozy winter gathering, this classic casserole delivers rich mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and that signature crispy onion topping everyone loves. Easy to assemble and even easier to bake, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooks who want a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with ham, prime rib, turkey, and more. With a few helpful tips, you’ll achieve a perfectly creamy, golden, bubbling casserole every time.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional but adds classic flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled. - Prepare the Casserole Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and ⅔ cup of the crispy fried onions. Stir until smooth. - Add the Green Beans:
Fold in the cooked green beans until well coated. If using mushrooms or garlic powder, mix those in as well. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling. - Top and Finish Baking:
Remove from the oven, stir gently, then sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crisp.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh green beans for extra crunch—blanch for 3–4 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t skip the soy sauce—it adds depth and mimics the iconic flavor of the original recipe.
- To prevent sogginess, add fried onions right before the final bake.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 48 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then bake and top when ready.
- Add cheese for a richer, holiday-worthy version—cheddar or Gruyère work beautifully.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
This Green Bean Casserole recipe brings the rich, comforting flavors of Christmas to your holiday table with minimal effort and maximum reward. Its creamy base, tender green beans, and golden, crispy topping make it one of the most beloved Christmas side dishes year after year. Whether you’re hosting a big festive feast or preparing a simple, cozy meal, this classic casserole is sure to be a warm and welcome addition to your holiday menu. Enjoy—and Merry Christmas!
