ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Behold, the original 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!
What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole is 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.
The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This ultimate, from scratch green bean casserole has since become one our most popular recipes every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dozens of 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 the hundreds of rave reviews below. Without exaggeration this green bean casserole has literally become world famous. Yes, it’s THAT good!
Ingredients
I developed this recipe years ago when I had about two pounds of fresh 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 cream. The wheels started turning as the blueprint for the ultimate green bean casserole recipe unfolded in my mind. And the rest is history.
Why You’ll LOVE This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
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 do and thousands of my readers have since I first published it in 2013!
Ultimate 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!). Lars’ Crispy Onions imported from Holland, for example, is made without hydrogenated oils and if you have an ALDI nearby they also carry ones imported from Holland without the hydrogenated oil.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F.
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
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 It 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.
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
Save This Recipe
Enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox!
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 9×13 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
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
I started making this years ago for Thanksgiving, and it immediately was a hit. I don’t remember exactly when, but I would think at least ten years ago. The only deviation I make is I cook up and use the whole pack of bacon!!! Believe it or not, out of all Thanksgiving dishes, this is everybody’s favorite. A Green Bean Casserole! Who would have thought? But this is no ordinary green bean casserole either. There is rarely any left over. I always use fresh green beans, never frozen or canned. So two years ago I decided to make a green bean casserole that was quicker to make. It did not go over well. Last year I make one with candied bacon. Now, the bacon was awesome, but the casserole, it was 3 star. So this year, my popular DEMAND, I will be going back to this casserole. Thanks for the recipe. It absolutely is the ultimate!
Oh Greg, that is just AWESOME to hear! Truly, it warms my heart <3 I really appreciate you taking the time to leave that feedback, thank you so much and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Do you think Gruyère would be good instead of cheddar?
You bet, Karen!
Great recipe…
One of my guests this year does not eat pork… do you think turkey bacon would work? or should I skip the bacon… I hate to make the change, but trying to accommodate my guests.
Absolutely, Pam, turkey bacon will work and yes, I would use it instead of omitting it altogether.
My first try is in the oven but from tasting along the way, I am sure this will be my go-to recipe forever!
I deviated from the recipe a bit and likely used too much butter for the roux but added extra flour, cream and chicken broth since I was making two packages of green beans. As a result, I decided not to add any cheese but will try it next time I make this. I also used panko bread crumbs instead of fried onions. I also added fresh parsley and ground sage as I find they highlight the mushroom umami nicely.
I’d only add a note to include the parboiling of fresh green beans in salt water in the recipe. Otherwise, awesome recipe! Thanks so much!!
I don’t usually write comments on websites, but I have made this recipe for the past four years and it has been a hit every year (I know I look forward to eating it every Thanksgiving:)). Thank you for this delicious dish! It’s fresh, creamy, and full of those warm savory flavors that everyone enjoys.
I follow this recipe exactly, except for the salt. I found that adding 3/4 tsp. of salt is a bit too salty, but 1/4tsp per recipe (or a little less) is perfect.
Thank you again and have a very happy Thanksgiving with your familiy!
Thank you so much, Vicky, I’m absolutely thrilled that this recipe has become a tradition in your home! <3
This is the 4th year I’ve been making this for thanksgiving. It is the ABSOLUTE BEST!! My family looks forward to it every year. ❤️
So awesome, thank you so much, Jamie! :)
If I wanted to use store bought canned beans, how many cans would be needed?
Hi Jean, two 15 ounce cans of beans are roughly the equivalent of one pound of fresh.
My absolute go-to for the last 6 years
Although I’ve been using what I like to call bacon butter ( slow rendered fat from bacon) but essentially the same recipe…
I wish I could find these fatly cut bacon strips though… I’ve gone to the market and asked for thick cut bacon, and it’s just bacon …
Any advice on how to make a request to get the thickness of the bacon right?
That is so awesome, Angelina, thank you very much! :) In the U.S. our bacon options are limited. In the UK for example you can find bacon rashers that truly are thick. It seems that some brands of thick cut bacon are a little thicker than others and it really just comes down to experimenting until you find one you like.
I use Wright’s thick cut bacon…Sams club…a little speedy but worth it…Walmart should carry too
I have a question. How many cans of drained green beans would I use in this recipe? My mom cannot eat fresh ones.
Hi Mary Jo, two 15 ounce cans are roughly the equivalent of a pound of fresh beans.
By far the best green bean casserole. In fact, I hated green bean casserole until I made this several years ago for Christmas for those that did like it. I decided to try it for myself.It was amazing. I do make it without the mushrooms because I don’t like them.
I’m so thrilled to hear that, Tracy, thank you! :)
Has anyone tried using this as a sauce for pasta? I had made this recipe and its amazing but wondering how it would be with pasta?
I think that sounds like a fabulous idea, Debbie! :)
Can I use the same sauce for tuna noodle casserole? I think it might work but not sure…
Absolutely, Mrs. Behan, I think that would be delicious!
Love love love, I’ve been making this for yours from your recipe thanksgiving and Christmas! It’s a hit! The only thing I don’t use is the flower, I add two cans of cream of mushroom. Full disclosure, I hate other peoples green bean casserole lol but I love this recipe and so do the kids lol
Perfect! Exactly what I wanted! I’m not fond of can soups, I use them once in a while but for the holidays I make the sauce myself! I went by the recipe except the onion topping, I crushed the onions up with some crackers and added butter, I love this recipe! It’s a keeper! Thank you!
THANK YOU KIMBERLY! I’ve been baking this casserole every Holiday season for the past 3 years and I can confirm this dish is enjoyed by ALL who try it… no joke. If you enjoy the old Campbell’s recipe, or green bean casserole in general, then you’ll flip out over this recipe and you owe it to yourself to try it at least once – it will likely not be your last. Here are a couple pointers/tips I’ve learned after making this for years:
CAPACITY – I usually prepare this recipe X3 which will feed a large group. You will need 2 trays, there’s just no way around it, plan accordingly. You’ll also likely run into capacity issues with the skillet when preparing this quantity. As a result, I’ve had to skip the step where you combine the green beans with the rue/sauce and let them simmer together before pouring into baking tray. Instead, I must put the blanched Green Beans in the baking tray and then pour in the rue/sauce, mix and then bake. I’ve tried both adding time to the bake to get all the ingredients to marry or baking as the recipe calls, haven’t received complaints for either.
INGREDIENT DEVIATION – Sometimes Cremini mushrooms are hard to find. I’ve used white button, white button with baby bellas, White Button with baby bellas and Cremini and I’ve done JUST baby bellas. There’s so much going on with this casserole, so many varying depths of flavor that you won’t lose any of the impact with different mushrooms. Sprinkling some shredded sharp cheddar on the top before adding the crispy onions and baking adds a little twist. I’ve also tried 1:1 sharp cheddar with white cheddar to great effect. For beans, I’ve used canned & frenched, regular and haricots vert. No complaints regardless, but my absolute favorite is Frenched haricots verts (julienned French green beans). It takes a little longer to prepare but well worth it.
Bottom line. If you’ve always wanted to have a dish for gatherings that you’re known for – and haven’t found one – give this puppy a try! This casserole will create buzz and everyone will ask if you’re going to bring “your” Green Bean Casserole from now on!
Can mozzarella cheese substitute for White cheddar?
Hi Dollie, you can really use any cheese you like. Mozzarella will just have less flavor and it will have the typical stringy texture that mozzarella has if you don’t mind that in this casserole.