The classic green bean casserole recipe is a staple for so many people at the family dinner table! It is a quick and easy side dish recipe that is perfectly creamy with a bit of a crunch on top. Our whole family loves enjoying it for Easter dinner, Christmas dinner, or even at Thanksgiving. No matter if you are serving Honey Glazed Ham or the classic Butter & Sage Roasted Turkey, it is a large crowd pleaser every year!

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

• canned green beans – feel free to use any type of canned green beans, we used French-cut style green beans!
• condensed cream of mushroom soup – so many love using the classic Campbell’s soup, but we love Pacific Foods Cream of Mushroom Soup.
• milk – option to use regular milk or your favorite plant-based milk option!
• french-fried onions – you can find these at your local grocery store and are definitely the best part – love that added crunch! Many people use French’s, but use whatever brand works best for you – there are also gluten-free store-bought options!
• optional: red pepper flakes – add for a little bit of a kick.

Best Ways To Serve An Easy Green Bean Casserole

We love serving this delicious green bean casserole for almost every holiday! Sometimes it is with a Smoked Ham, Grilled Turkey, Crockpot Ham or Roast Turkey Breast – it all depends on how many people we are hosting. It is a tasty side dish to serve alongside slow cooker mashed potatoes, wild rice stuffing, and so many other classic side dish recipes! They are all great for the holiday table!

Recipe FAQ

• Can I use frozen green breans? Sure! We used canned green beans, but you could also use frozen green beans. If you choose frozen, you will want to thaw them before cooking and drain as much water as possible or your casserole will get watery.
• Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup? If mushrooms aren’t really your thing, you could also use a condensed cream of celery soup!
• Can I make this from-scratch without using a cream of mushroom soup? Sure! We have a From Scratch Green Bean Casserole on the site that uses a flour/cream mixture to create a creamy texture without using store-bought soup!
• Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time? Yes! When making a large holiday meal it is nice to have options that can be prepped ahead of time and this dish is great for that! Simply mix the beans, soup, milk, and pepper in the baking dish, cover in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge the morning of your holiday. Add the french onions, let it get close to room temperature, and bake when ready.
• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned? Yup! Blanch them first in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then drain – I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating! If you use fresh green beans, we recommend following our tutorial on how to blanch green beans before starting the cooking process.
• Can I add other ingredients or flavors to this casserole? Sure! You can mix in caramelized onions, shredded cheddar cheese or cooked bacon bits!