BEST SOUTHERN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

I’ll never forget the year my Aunt Carol accidentally used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery in her famous casserole – everyone was convinced it was a new, improved secret recipe! Now, I’m sharing my take on the classic Southern Green Bean Casserole, a dish that’s been a holiday staple in my family for generations. Get ready to create a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, because this recipe is foolproof and full of flavor.

The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Reimagined

Okay, friend, let’s talk about *the* casserole. You know the one. The dish that’s practically required attendance at every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and potluck across the South: Southern Green Bean Casserole. It’s a comfort food superstar, but let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a little… bland. That’s where this recipe comes in. We’re going to elevate this classic from “meh” to “magnificent!”

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Southern Green Bean Casserole so special? It’s all about fresh ingredients and a few key tweaks that add layers of flavor. Forget limp green beans and soggy fried onions. We’re aiming for crisp-tender beans, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and that irresistible crunchy topping. Here’s a breakdown of why this recipe is a winner:

• Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh green beans (or good quality frozen, see below) makes a world of difference. They have a better texture and flavor than canned.
• Homemade Cream Sauce: Ditching the canned soup gives us control over the sodium and flavor. Plus, the homemade sauce is just plain tastier!
• Crispy Fried Onions: We’re not just dumping them on top. A portion goes inside the casserole for added flavor and texture.
• Bacon (Optional, but Highly Recommended): Because, well, bacon! It adds a smoky, savory depth that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the list – most of these are pantry staples!

• Fresh Green Beans: 2 pounds, trimmed and snapped or cut into 1-inch pieces. Frozen (good quality) work fine too, but you’ll want to thaw them and pat them dry.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted.
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons.
• Milk: 2 cups, whole milk is preferred for richness.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium.
• Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon, for umami depth.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Salt: To taste (remember, chicken broth can be salty).
• Crispy Fried Onions: 6 ounces (one can), divided.
• Bacon: 4-6 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional).
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (optional, but adds a nice tang).

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are some substitutions that will work in a pinch:

• Green Beans: As mentioned above, frozen green beans are a perfectly acceptable substitute for fresh. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained well. You *can* use canned, but be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Milk: 2% milk will work if that’s what you have. You can even use unsweetened almond milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a fine substitute.
• Bacon: If you’re not a bacon fan (gasp!), you can skip it altogether. You could also substitute with diced ham or pancetta.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious instead of cheddar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the best Southern Green Bean Casserole you’ve ever tasted.

Part 1: Preparing the Green Beans

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender. Don’t overcook them! We want them to retain some bite.
2. Shock in Ice Water: Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help them retain their bright green color and crispness.
3. Drain and Dry: Drain the green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important so your casserole isn’t watery.

Part 2: Making the Cream Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux). This will thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually Add the Milk and Broth: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, a little at a time, until the roux is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Part 3: Assembling the Casserole

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cream sauce, half of the crispy fried onions (reserve the other half for topping), and crumbled bacon (if using). Gently toss to combine. If you are using cheddar cheese, add half of it to the mixture.
2. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Top with Remaining Onions and Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions and remaining cheddar cheese (if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.

Part 4: Baking the Casserole

1. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
2. Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.

Tips for the BEST Southern Green Bean Casserole

Want to take your casserole to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Overcooked green beans are mushy and unappetizing. Aim for crisp-tender.
• Use High-Quality Crispy Fried Onions: Some brands are better than others. Look for onions that are golden brown and crispy, not pale and greasy. French’s are a classic for a reason!
• Toast the Fried Onions: For even more flavor, you can lightly toast the crispy fried onions in a dry skillet before adding them to the casserole. Just be careful not to burn them!
• Add a Dash of Hot Sauce: A little bit of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot) adds a subtle kick that enhances the other flavors.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the crispy fried onions right before baking to prevent them from getting soggy. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. It pairs perfectly with:

• Roasted Turkey or Ham
• Homemade Stuffing
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Casserole or Sweet Potato Casserole That Will Disappear Fast
• Cranberry Sauce

And of course, don’t forget the gravy! For a lighter meal, it’s also great alongside Bacon Ranch Green Beans Potatoes Ultimate!

Variations on the Classic

Want to put your own spin on this Southern classic? Here are a few ideas:

• Mushroom Lover’s Casserole: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) in butter before adding them to the cream sauce.
• Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the cream sauce.
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegetable broth for the cream sauce. Top with vegan crispy fried onions or a homemade breadcrumb topping.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Casserole is Watery: Make sure you drain the green beans thoroughly and pat them dry before adding them to the cream sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the green beans, as they will release more moisture.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a little more milk or broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the slurry to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens.
• Topping is Burning: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Southern Green Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.

You can also freeze the casserole, although the texture of the green beans may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The Secret Ingredient: Love

Okay, it sounds corny, but it’s true! The most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Take your time, enjoy the process, and put your heart into it. Your family and friends will taste the difference.

And if you’re looking to round out your Southern spread, consider adding these other classics to the menu: Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole, or the simpler, yet equally delicious, Southern Green Beans. They will be a crowd pleaser for sure!

So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Southern Green Bean Casserole. I know you’re going to nail it! Now get in that kitchen and make some magic. Happy cooking!

BEST Southern Green Bean Casserole

This Southern Green Bean Casserole elevates the classic dish with fresh green beans, a homemade cream sauce, and crispy fried onions both inside and on top. Optional bacon and cheddar cheese add even more flavor to this foolproof holiday side dish, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped or cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 6 ounces crispy fried onions, divided
• 4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled optional
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Paper towels
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Spoon
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender.
2. Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
3. Drain the green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (roux).
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, a little at a time, until the roux is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cream sauce, half of the crispy fried onions, and crumbled bacon (if using). Gently toss to combine. If using cheddar cheese, add half of it to the mixture.
10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions and remaining cheddar cheese (if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
13. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the green beans. Use high-quality crispy fried onions. Toast the fried onions for more flavor. Add a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, adding the onions right before baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.