Best Ever Green Bean Casserole – Extra Creamy with Crispy Onions

ByAchraf

The Best Ever Green Bean Casserole is a must-have side dish for holidays, family gatherings, and comforting Sunday dinners. This upgraded classic delivers everything people love about traditional green bean casserole but better. It’s extra creamy, deeply flavorful, and topped with irresistibly crispy onions that stay crunchy. Made with fresh green beans, a rich homemade-style sauce, and the perfect balance of textures, this casserole is guaranteed to become a staple on your table.

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Best Ever Green Bean Casserole – Extra Creamy with Crispy Onions 2

Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas lunch, or simply want a reliable side dish everyone will rave about, this best ever green bean casserole checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and tastes like it came straight from a cozy home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

  • Rich, creamy sauce without being heavy
  • Fresh green beans with a tender-crisp bite
  • Crispy onions in every bite, not just on top
  • Simple ingredients and easy steps
  • Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and make-ahead meals

Ingredients for Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients and quantities are kept exactly the same as the original recipe.

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
  • ½ tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
  • 3–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded works best)
  • 3 cups French’s crispy fried onions, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes only. This keeps them bright green and prevents them from becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Sauté the chopped onion and mushrooms for 3–5 minutes until softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, buttermilk, and chicken broth. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

Remove the pot from the heat. Add the blanched green beans, shredded cheese, and ¾ cup of the crispy fried onions. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

6. Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly.

7. Add the Crispy Onion Topping

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2¼ cups of crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, just until the onions are hot and golden.

8. Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Do not overcook the green beans during blanching this is key to the perfect texture.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Stirring crispy onions into the casserole ensures crunch in every bite.
  • Let the casserole rest briefly after baking so the sauce thickens slightly.

Flavor Variations

  • Cheese swap: Use cheddar or mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack.
  • Herb boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
  • Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
  • Protein option: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or turkey to make it heartier.

Serving Suggestions

This best ever green bean casserole pairs perfectly with:

  • Roast turkey or chicken
  • Mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Ham or beef roasts
  • Holiday stuffing and cranberry sauce

It’s also ideal for potlucks and family-style dinners.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg

FAQ About Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

Can I use frozen or canned green beans?

Yes. Frozen green beans should be thawed and patted dry. Canned green beans should be drained and rinsed well, and you can skip the blanching step since they are already soft.

Why blanch the green beans first?

Blanching locks in the bright green color and helps the beans stay firm during baking, preventing a mushy casserole.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Whole milk works well. You can also make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and a vegetarian cream soup.

How do I keep the topping crispy for leftovers?

Store extra crispy onions separately and add them just before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Green Bean Casserole truly lives up to its name. With its creamy sauce, fresh green beans, and perfectly crispy onion topping, it’s everything a classic casserole should be—comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year.