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Southern green bean casserole, ready for Thanksgiving dinner.
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.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
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
  • 9x13 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 9x13 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.