BEST GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE EVER

I can almost smell my Grandma Betty’s kitchen just thinking about Thanksgiving. The aroma of roasting turkey mingled with spices, and, of course, the comforting scent of her famous green bean casserole. It was the one dish everyone eagerly anticipated, a true Southern staple on our holiday table. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving you’ll ever make!

Why This Green Bean Casserole Will Steal the Show

Let’s be honest, green bean casserole can sometimes be a little…boring. Bland. Forgettable. But not this one! We’re going to elevate this classic dish to new heights of deliciousness. This isn’t your average can-of-soup-and-fried-onions casserole. We’re talking about a Southern-inspired masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and that down-home comfort we all crave during the holidays.

What makes it so special? It’s all about the details. From using fresh green beans (though frozen works in a pinch!) to creating a creamy, savory sauce from scratch, and topping it all off with crispy, homemade fried onions, every element is designed to delight your taste buds. I promise, this will be the Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dish your guests will be raving about for years to come.

The Secret Ingredients for Southern Charm

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the key ingredients that give this casserole its Southern flair:

• Fresh (or Frozen) Green Beans: Fresh green beans offer the best flavor and texture, but frozen cut green beans are a perfectly acceptable substitute if you’re short on time.
• Bacon (Optional, but Highly Recommended): A little bit of crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (Homemade or Store-Bought): While I highly recommend making your own cream of mushroom soup for the ultimate flavor experience, a good quality store-bought version will also work just fine.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the green beans perfectly.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of cheddar cheese adds a tangy, cheesy goodness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Homemade Fried Onions: Trust me, homemade fried onions are worth the effort! They’re so much crispier and more flavorful than the store-bought kind.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash adds a savory umami punch that enhances all the other flavors.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples add a subtle but essential layer of flavor to the sauce.

Let’s Make the Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. You can either snap them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If using frozen green beans, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess water.
2. Cook the Green Beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Don’t overcook them, you want them to retain some of their bite. Drain the green beans well and set them aside.
3. Cook the Bacon (If Using): Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease (or butter if you’re not using bacon) and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be soft and fragrant.
5. Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet. Heat through, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where the flavor is!
6. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans, crumbled bacon (if using), and the cream sauce. Mix well to ensure that the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Add Cheese: Stir in about half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the green bean mixture. This will add a cheesy depth of flavor throughout the casserole.
8. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with Cheese and Fried Onions: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the homemade fried onions.
10. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. The fried onions should be nicely browned and crispy.
11. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Homemade Fried Onions: The Star of the Show

Okay, I know making fried onions from scratch might seem intimidating, but I promise you, it’s easier than you think! And the flavor is so much better than the store-bought version. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice two large yellow onions. The thinner, the better! A mandoline slicer works great for this, but a sharp knife will do the trick too.
2. Soak the Onions: Soak the sliced onions in a bowl of ice water for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove some of the bitterness and makes them crispier when fried.
3. Dredge the Onions: Drain the onions well and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the onions with flour, salt, and pepper. Make sure the onions are evenly coated in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Onions: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, carefully add the onions to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
5. Drain the Onions: Remove the fried onions from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Season and Enjoy: Season the fried onions with a little extra salt and pepper, if desired. They’re best enjoyed immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Success Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving

Want to ensure your Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving is a guaranteed success? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Overcooked green beans will be mushy and unappetizing. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Make the Fried Onions Ahead of Time: You can make the fried onions up to a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will save you time on Thanksgiving Day.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your casserole will taste. Splurge on good quality cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and, of course, fresh green beans if possible.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to add your own personal touch to this recipe. Try adding different cheeses, spices, or vegetables to create a unique flavor combination. For example, some chopped pecans would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, especially if you’re a fan of Banana Cobbler and other pecan-infused desserts!
• Make it Ahead (Partially): You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Then, simply bake it according to the instructions on Thanksgiving Day, adding the fried onions during the last 20-25 minutes of baking. Or consider something else, maybe Chicken & Rice Casserole, that’s also simple to make ahead.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to take your Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving to the next level? Here are a few fun and delicious variations to try:

• Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.
• Mushroom Lovers’ Green Bean Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms to the green bean mixture for an extra earthy flavor.
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Use a combination of different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or Fontina, for a more complex and flavorful cheese topping.
• Ham and Green Bean Casserole: Add diced ham to the green bean mixture for a heartier and more filling casserole. This would be a great way to use up leftover ham from a previous meal.
• Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Brussels Sprouts: Add halved and roasted Brussels sprouts along with the bacon. Roast them until tender and slightly caramelized, then mix them in with the green beans and other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Your Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. It pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted Turkey
• Ham
• Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole (If you are looking for something a bit less traditional)

It’s also a great addition to any potluck, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner. This casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit wherever you serve it.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

As mentioned earlier, you can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Then, simply bake it according to the instructions on Thanksgiving Day, adding the fried onions during the last 20-25 minutes of baking.

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

The Recipe: Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cut green beans, thawed)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups homemade fried onions, divided (recipe follows)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Homemade Fried Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw slightly and drain.
2. Cook Bacon (Optional): Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet with bacon grease (or butter) and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make Cream Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat through, stirring constantly.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine green beans, crumbled bacon (if using), and cream sauce. Mix well.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with Cheese and Fried Onions: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and homemade fried onions over the top.
9. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. Let it Rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Homemade Fried Onion Instructions:

1. Slice Onions: Thinly slice the onions.
2. Soak Onions: Soak in ice water for 30 minutes.
3. Dredge Onions: Drain and pat dry. Toss with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Fry Onions: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
5. Drain Onions: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Season and Enjoy: Season with extra salt and pepper, if desired.

Final Thoughts: A Thanksgiving Tradition Reimagined

There you have it! My secret recipe for the Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving. It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a cherished tradition in your family as well. Remember, cooking is all about love and sharing, so don’t be afraid to put your own personal spin on this recipe and make it your own. And if you’re looking for another comforting Southern dessert, be sure to check out my Peach Cobbler Recipe – it’s the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving feast! Enjoy, y’all!

Lady Maria

Best Southern Green Bean Casserole

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this Southern-inspired green bean casserole! Featuring fresh green beans, a creamy homemade sauce, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and homemade fried onions, this dish is a flavorful twist on a classic that will impress your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups homemade fried onions, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Ice water

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• paper towels
• Cutting board
• knife
• Large bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• measuring cups and spoons
• slotted spoon
• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Mandoline slicer (optional)
• thermometer
• whisk

Method

 

1. Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw slightly and drain.
2. Cook Bacon (Optional): Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet with bacon grease (or butter) and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make Cream Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat through, stirring constantly.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine green beans, crumbled bacon (if using), and cream sauce. Mix well.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with Cheese and Fried Onions: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and homemade fried onions over the top.
9. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. Let it Rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Homemade Fried Onion Instructions:
12. Slice Onions: Thinly slice the onions.
13. Soak Onions: Soak in ice water for 30 minutes.
14. Dredge Onions: Drain and pat dry. Toss with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
15. Fry Onions: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
16. Drain Onions: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
17. Season and Enjoy: Season with extra salt and pepper, if desired.

Notes

For best results, make the homemade fried onions ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake according to the instructions on Thanksgiving Day, adding the fried onions during the last 20-25 minutes of baking. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce.