When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the sound of family laughing, the warmth of the kitchen, and a table loaded with familiar favorites. It’s a tapestry of flavors and memories. And right in the center of that tapestry, you’ll almost always find a bubbling, creamy, crunchy green bean casserole. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug.
We are making more than just a side dish today. We’re creating the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving has ever seen. This recipe holds onto all the classic comfort you remember but adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness that makes it truly special. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it always gets rave reviews. Let’s get cooking!
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving deserves? Let’s talk about it. First off, this recipe is incredibly easy. We’re talking about a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to nail this dish. It is a true lifesaver on a busy holiday cooking day.
The flavors are just so comforting and classic. The tender green beans mixed with the rich, savory cream of mushroom soup creates a base that is wonderfully satisfying. It’s the taste of tradition. Every bite feels familiar and festive, which is exactly what you want on a holiday.
Then there’s the cheese. Oh, the cheese! We add shredded cheddar not just on top, but right into the mix. This creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the entire casserole. It turns a standard side into a deliciously decadent Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that people will be talking about long after dinner is over.
And we can’t forget the star of the show for many folks. The crunchy French fried onions. They provide the great texture contrast to the creamy casserole. We put a generous layer on top, so every single serving gets that satisfying crunch. It really completes the whole experience.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can stick to the classic version, or you can use it as a base to get creative. Want to add some bacon? Go for it. Prefer a different kind of cheese? No problem. It’s easy to customize to your family’s tastes, making it your own special version of the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving tradition.
Finally, it’s a total crowd pleaser. From picky kids to traditional grandparents, everyone loves this dish. It’s one of the first things to disappear from the table. When you bring this casserole, you know you’re bringing a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create this masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need to grab.
- Canned Green Beans: Two 14.5 ounce cans, drained. They provide the classic soft texture.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: One 10.5 ounce can. This is the creamy, savory heart of the casserole.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One cup, divided. It makes this a truly wonderful Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.
- French Fried Onions: One 6 ounce can. For that essential crispy, savory topping.
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients stand between you and the most requested side dish at your holiday gathering. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so delicious.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to assemble the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving table has ever seen? Following these simple steps will ensure your casserole comes out bubbly, cheesy, and delicious every single time. It’s almost foolproof.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready. You’ll want to preheat it to 350 degrees F, or 175 degrees C. Getting the oven to the right temperature ensures everything bakes evenly and the cheese melts just right. This is a simple but important step.
Step 2: Mix And Heat The Base
Now for the main mixture. Grab a large, microwave safe bowl. It’s time to combine the drained green beans and the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir them together until the green beans are fully coated in that creamy soup. You want a nice, even mixture.
Once everything is mixed, pop the bowl into the microwave. Heat it on high for about 3 to 5 minutes. The goal here is just to get the mixture warm. This little head start helps the casserole bake more quickly and evenly later on.
Step 3: Stir In The Cheese
Here comes the cheesy part! After you take the warm green bean mixture out of the microwave, it’s time to add the cheese. You’ll stir in half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it well so that the cheese starts to melt into the warm base. This step is what creates that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
After stirring in the cheese, put it back in the microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes on high. This helps all the flavors meld together and gets the cheese nice and melty before it even hits the oven. This is a great little trick for a superior Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.
Step 4: Assemble The Casserole
Now it’s time for assembly. Take your cheesy green bean mixture and transfer it to a casserole dish. An 8×8 inch dish or a similar 1.5 quart baking dish works wonderfully. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom. This ensures everyone gets a good ratio of all the ingredients.
Next, sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the green bean mixture. Try to get an even layer for that beautiful golden crust. After the cheese, it’s time for the grand finale. Sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Be generous!
Step 5: Bake To Bubbly Goodness
Carefully place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven. You’ll bake it for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for two key signs. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly, and the onions should be just starting to turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as those onions can brown quickly.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up just a bit. And there you have it, the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving has been waiting for!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of this delicious Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dish leftover, storing it is a breeze. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down to room temperature. You never want to put a hot dish directly into the refrigerator.
Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 or 4 days. This makes for some very happy next day meals.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it a couple of ways. For the best results, reheat it in the oven. Place the casserole in a 350 degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This helps the onions crisp up again.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just place a serving on a microwave safe plate and heat it for a minute or two. The onions won’t be as crispy, but it will still be incredibly tasty. A perfect and easy leftover lunch.
Tips
Want to take your Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving experience to another level? Here are a few simple tips and variations you can try. These ideas are great for customizing the dish to your liking.
For the bacon lovers out there, creating the Best Green Bean Casserole With Bacon is so easy. Simply cook up about a half pound of bacon until it’s crispy. Crumble it up and stir most of it into the green bean mixture along with the cheese. Sprinkle the rest on top before baking. The salty, smoky flavor is a fantastic addition.
Planning a busy holiday? A Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a total game changer. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Just follow the steps right up until baking. Instead of putting it in the oven, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to leave the French fried onions off until you are ready to bake.
When you’re ready, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to take the chill off. Then, add the onions and bake as directed. You might need to add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s hot and bubbly all the way through. This is a fantastic way to simplify your holiday cooking schedule and still serve a fresh tasting Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dish.
Feel free to get creative with your cheese. While cheddar is classic, other cheeses work great too. Try Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or Monterey Jack for an extra creamy melt. A mix of cheeses can also be really delicious. This is an easy way to put your own spin on this classic Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.
If you prefer fresh or frozen green beans, you can absolutely use them. You will need to cook them first. For fresh green beans, trim them and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. For frozen green beans, cook them according to the package directions. Drain them well before mixing with the soup.
Don’t be afraid to add a little extra seasoning. A pinch of black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or even some chopped mushrooms sauteed with a little onion can add another layer of flavor. These small additions can make your version of the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving recipe truly stand out.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, straightforward path to the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving has to offer. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a dish that is filled with flavor and nostalgia. It is a true holiday classic for a reason.
This creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole is more than just food. It’s a part of the celebration. It’s a dish that brings people together and has them coming back for seconds. We hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your family’s holiday traditions for years to come.
So go ahead, give it a try. We are certain you will agree that this is the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dish you have ever made. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful holiday!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans Instead Of Canned?
Yes, you certainly can. You will need about one and a half pounds of fresh green beans. Just be sure to trim them and cook them before adding them to the casserole. Blanching them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender crisp is the best method. Then, drain them well and proceed with the recipe as written.
How Do I Make This A Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole?
This is a great option for saving time. You can fully prepare the casserole mixture, place it in the dish, and cover it. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the French fried onions until just before you bake it to keep them from getting soggy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I Add Bacon To This Recipe?
Absolutely! To make the Best Green Bean Casserole With Bacon, cook about 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Crumble them and mix them into the casserole along with the cheese. It adds a wonderful savory and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
What Other Cheeses Work Well In This Casserole?
While cheddar is a classic choice for this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, feel free to experiment. Gruyere adds a nice nutty flavor, Colby Jack is extra melty, and a smoked gouda could add a delicious twist. Using a blend of your favorite cheeses is also a great idea.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free. Both the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the French fried onions typically contain wheat. However, you can find gluten free versions of both of these products in most major grocery stores. With those simple swaps, you can easily make a gluten free version of the Best Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving dish.
Classic Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
A comforting and classic Thanksgiving side dish. This easy green bean casserole recipe is made extra delicious with pockets of melty cheddar cheese and a crunchy fried onion topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the drained green beans and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well-coated.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 3 to 5 minutes until warm.
- Carefully remove the bowl and stir in half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it begins to melt.
- Return to the microwave and heat on high for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer the cheesy green bean mixture to a 1.5-quart casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of the French fried onions.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a half-pound of cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the onions, cover, and refrigerate. Add onions just before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Feel free to swap cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
