Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Classic

Last updated on March 13th, 2025

Campbell’s test kitchen created the green bean casserole in the 1950s, and families have enjoyed it during holidays ever since. The recipe brings together perfectly cooked green beans with a rich mushroom sauce and crunchy onions on top. The original version used mostly canned and packaged ingredients, but we’re using fresh ingredients in our recipe today.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
• 2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an ice bath and bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Blanch green beans for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Add mushroom soup, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Fold in blanched green beans and 1 cup of crispy onions until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining crispy onions.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Tips and Tricks

• Cut green beans into uniform 2-inch pieces for even cooking and easier serving
• Use a mixture of mushroom varieties for a deeper flavor
• Make ahead: Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance, but add the final layer of crispy onions just before baking
• For extra crunch, add water chestnuts to the filling
• To prevent soggy onions, don’t cover the casserole while baking
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken

How to Serve

Present your green bean casserole in a decorative casserole dish, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve hot as a side dish alongside turkey, ham, or other holiday main courses. For family-style dining, place the casserole in the center of the table with a serving spoon. The recipe serves 8-10 people as a side dish and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

A Fresh Take on Tradition

We’ve taken this classic green bean casserole and given it a little upgrade, but don’t worry – it’s still the same cozy dish everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just making dinner for your family on a Tuesday, this recipe fits right in. The best part? It’s super easy to make but looks and tastes fancy enough for those special moments around the table.

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