
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Kaeli Bennett here, and I’m thrilled to share with you a collection of mouthwatering green bean casserole recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance. As we all know, green bean casserole has been gracing American dinner tables since the 1950s, becoming a beloved staple, especially during the holiday season. But why limit this creamy, crunchy delight to just Thanksgiving?
The story of green bean casserole is as heartwarming as the dish itself. Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s Soup Company employee, this simple yet satisfying recipe quickly captured the hearts (and stomachs) of families across the nation. Its genius lies in its simplicity – tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. But don’t let tradition hold you back; there’s so much room for creativity!
So, whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, I’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive into these 10 fantastic green bean casserole recipes that’ll add a spark to your next family gathering or cozy night in.
1. The Classic Green Bean Casserole
Let’s kick things off with the OG – the recipe that started it all. This version stays true to its roots while ensuring maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Stir in the green beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling.
- Stir the bean mixture and sprinkle with the remaining onions.
- Bake for 5 more minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Pro tip: For an extra punch of flavor, add a dash of garlic powder to the soup mixture!
2. Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Because let’s face it, cheese and bacon make everything better. This indulgent twist on the classic is perfect for those days when you need some extra comfort.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, and 3/4 cup of the cheese.
- Stir in the green beans and half of the bacon.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then top with fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Variation: Try using different cheese varieties like Gruyère or smoked Gouda for a gourmet twist!
3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Who says vegans can’t enjoy this classic dish? This plant-based version is so creamy and delicious, even non-vegans will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (check for vegan-friendly brands)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, sauté mushrooms and garlic until soft.
- Add coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and cornstarch. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine sauce with green beans in a casserole dish.
- Top with fried onions and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Note: For a gluten-free option, ensure your fried onions are gluten-free or make your own using gluten-free flour.
4. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious side dish without the fuss. Let your slow cooker do all the work!
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- In your slow cooker, mix soup, milk, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Stir in green beans until well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the fried onions.
- Top with remaining onions and cook uncovered on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Pro tip: For a crunchy topping, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
5. Mediterranean Green Bean Casserole
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this flavorful twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch green beans for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, olives, feta, and oregano.
- In a small pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Mix half into the bean mixture.
- Transfer to a casserole dish. Mix remaining garlic oil with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Variation: Add some pine nuts to the breadcrumb topping for extra crunch and Mediterranean flair!
6. Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole
Kick things up a notch with this zesty, Southwest-inspired version that’ll have your taste buds doing the salsa!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder.
- Stir in green beans and half of the cheese.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Pro tip: Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for the full Southwest experience!
7. Asian-Inspired Green Bean Casserole
East meets West in this fusion version that brings a delightful twist to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 cup water chestnuts, sliced
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix soup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Stir in green beans and water chestnuts.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Variation: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving for extra crunch and flavor!
8. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Who says comfort food can’t be nutritious? This lighter version doesn’t skimp on flavor but keeps things on the healthier side.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam green beans until tender-crisp.
- In a pan, sauté mushrooms until soft.
- Mix yogurt, mushrooms, broth, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Combine with green beans and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Mix almond flour and Parmesan, sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Note: This version is lower in calories and higher in protein than the traditional recipe!
9. Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Green Bean Casserole
Elevate your green bean casserole game with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pan, slowly caramelize onions in butter and oil, about 30 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Blanch green beans for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
- Mix beans, onion mixture, cream, and half the cheese in a casserole dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro tip: For an extra luxurious touch, drizzle with truffle oil before serving!
10. Pesto Green Bean Casserole
This Italian-inspired version brings a fresh, herby twist to the classic casserole.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch green beans for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
- In a bowl, mix pesto and cream.
- Toss green beans and tomatoes with the pesto mixture.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with Parmesan and pine nuts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variation: Try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for an intense flavor boost!
Wrapping Up Our Green Bean Casserole Adventure
Wow, what a journey through the world of green bean casseroles! From the classic recipe that started it all to exciting international twists, we’ve explored a whole range of flavors and techniques. I hope these recipes have inspired you to !
Enjoy, Kaeli !