Behold, the ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole recipe! Featured in magazines across the web and consistently rated THE best green bean casserole recipe EVER, this will convert even the most determined green bean haters! Tender green beans, bacon, cheese, cream, mushrooms and more, this deluxe green bean casserole is made from scratch and is guaranteed to become your go-to from now on!
Green Bean Casserole: The quintessential American side dish for family gatherings, holidays, church socials, potlucks…the recipe clipping that virtually every American woman has had lying somewhere at some point throughout the past gazillion decades. Only this one is different. This one’s the best. Ever. And it’s made from scratch.
If up until now you’ve just been kind of “meh” towards green bean casserole, prepare to experience a major paradigm shift in attitude. This isn’t your Aunt Betsy’s green bean casserole recipe.
I developed this recipe years ago when I had about two pounds of fresh organic green beans and some fresh mushrooms that I needed to use up. As I browsed through my fridge I also noticed some thawed bacon, a block of white cheddar, and some half-and-half cream. The wheels started turning as the blueprint for the ultimate green bean casserole recipe unfolded in my mind. And the rest is history.
This ultimate, from scratch green bean casserole has since become one our most popular recipes every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Multiple websites have praised it and online magazines have linked to it. But most importantly of all, year after year our readers have fallen in love with it. Just read all the rave comments below. Without exaggeration this green bean casserole has literally become world famous. Yes, it’s THAT good!
Even passionate green bean and green bean casserole haters have consistently been converted through this recipe. My brother included. My brother has hated green beans ever since he was old enough to say the word. And he has never once relented. But…he ate this. He ate THIS! He ate it…and he liked it! And as far as I’m concerned that seals the deal. Verdict drawn. Yes. The ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole.
This recipe take a little longer than the 2 minutes and 38 seconds required to open a can of condensed mushroom soup, mix it with water, toss it with green beans, dump the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle with French fried onions, and put it in the oven to bake (ie, the classic recipe first introduced by Campbell’s in 1955). But this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is still quick to make and to say that there is no comparison between the two is the understatement of the century. This isn’t called “ultimate” for no reason and we’re confident you’re going to love it as much as we and thousands of others do!
How to Make Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
You can substitute gluten free flour for thickening the sauce. Alternatively you can dissolve 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch in the chicken stock and then proceed with melting the butter, then adding the half and half and chicken stock/cornstarch, and whisking continually as it simmers until it’s thickened. For the onions you can use gluten free French fried onions.
Can You Freeze This?
We do not recommend it. Creamy sauces have a tendency to break and separate when they’re frozen and thawed and the last thing you want is a watery mess at your dinner table.
Can Green Bean Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prep everything and place it in the casserole dish, except for the French fried onions, cover and refrigerate for up to a day before you’re ready to serve it. When you’re ready to bake it, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then sprinkle on the French fried onions and proceed with baking.
This also makes it convenient to bring the assembled casserole (minus the French fried onions) to another location where you’ll be having dinner and then simply add the onions and bake the casserole once you arrive.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This recipe begins by frying up bacon along with onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Next we make a roux with butter and flour which will not only serve as a thickener for the cream sauce but will add wonderful depth of flavor. Next we pour in the cream followed by that glorious white cheddar and watch it melt into a rich, luxuriously delicious sauce. Fresh green beans are then folded in the sauce, the mixture is poured into a casserole dish and topped with crispy, crunchy, utterly irresistible French fried onions. It’s baked until bubbly and oozing and then served at the table where it will completely disappear, every last drop of it, within minutes.
Let’s get started!
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
Add the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the bacon/mushroom mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in the same skillet, add the flour, and whisk until combined.
Continue whisking for another minute until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. This will add flavor and cook off the “flour” flavor.
Whisk in the half-and-half and chicken stock and continue to whisk, letting the mixture simmer, until it has slightly thickened.
Whisk in the white cheddar cheese until combined. Add the bacon/mushroom mixture and stir to combine.
Add the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the blanched green beans and stir to thoroughly combine.
Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle all of the French fried onions evenly over the casserole.
NOTE: Since everything but the French fried onions that go on top is made from scratch, choose some quality ones and avoid using those nasty hydrogenated-oil-packed French fried onions (of course you also have the option of making them yourself!). There are better options out there. I had two in my pantry to choose from. I went with Lars’ Crispy Onions this time (the 3-pack is the best deal).
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F.
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
ENJOY!
For more delicious side dishes be sure to try our:
- BEST Au Gratin Potatoes
- Ultimate Corn Pudding
- Zucchini Au Gratin
- Creamed Spinach
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Roasted Spiralized Beets
- Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Horseradish
- Brunede Kartofler (Danish Caramelized Potatoes)
- Baked Endives with Ham and Bechamel
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Bacon and Balsamic Reduction

ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon , diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 12 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms , chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound fresh green beans , trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain)
- 1 can quality French fried onions
- or gluten free French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour. Once combined, continue whisking for another 2 minutes until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. Add the half-and-half and chicken broth while constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Once slightly thickened, add the cheese and whisk until melted and combined.
- Next add the mushroom/bacon mixture along with the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the green beans. Stir to combine.
- Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbling and the onions are golden and crispy. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet Dec 7, 2013
Allie Oops says
I make this every year for Thanksgiving and it’s a huge hit. I make extra cheese sauce to use for dipping French bread as an appetizer and it’s amazing on its own, too!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Allie, and great idea with the sauce – thanks so much!
Christina says
This is by far the BEST green bean casserole I’ve ever had!!! Hands down…THE BEST!! I have been making this for about 5 years now and it’s a dish I always look forward to making (and eating ☺️). Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Woohoooo, I’m beyond thrilled that this has become a long-standing tradition, Christina! Thank you so much! <3
CLS says
This recipe IS Amazing!! Thank you for the Deliciousness!! Happiest Thanksgiving!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you so much, CLS, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! <3
Sandy CF says
I don’t care what others say! I love this recipe! It’s a great change to the usual green bean casserole!!
Your instructions were clear and the 3 recipes for x1,x2,x3 were perfectly explained! Thank you again
AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sandy, thanks for the feedback and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! <3
Kristen Huetcher says
Looks delicious! Could this be made without the mushrooms? Didn’t know if it would altar the flavor too much.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Kristen, yes it can, no other alterations necessary.
Jessica says
I have been using this recipe for 6 years now and I have never turned back to canned soup again. It is extremely delicious and worth the extra effort. Thank you for this recipe!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you, Jessica, I’m so happy this has become a long-standing tradition in your home! <3
Erndog says
Maybe instead of patting yourself on the back, just include a list of ingredients with quantities which would be more helpful
How many does this serve? 6? 8? Who knows?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Maybe instead of being so snarky you could open your eyes, scroll to the recipe card, and see the list of ingredients with quantities and number of servings…*sigh*
Carmen Walker says
Thank you for the very specific recipe, with easy instructions, specific quantities, and list of ingredients. Also, Erndog thanks for the reminder to not leave silly comments when intoxicated at 12:45 am. Cheers!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
LOL, thanks for a great laugh, Carmen! :)
Missflite says
C’mon! Everything you need to know is included! Let’s try for a little more holiday cheer?
jennifer smith says
Can you freeze this?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jennifer, yes you can, minus the French fried onions. Follow all the instructions until you get to the point where you add the green bean mixture to the casserole dish. Do that but don’t add the French fried onions. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze it. Remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw at least 24 hours before ready to cook it. Once it’s thawed, add the French fried onions and cook as directed.
Marsha says
I have some shallots on hand. Can I use them instead of onions in the sauce? I still plan to put crispy onions on top.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Marsha, yes you can. Happy cooking and Happy Thanksgiving! :)