Southern Green Bean Casserole You'll Absolutely Love

Name: Southern Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions

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A Classic Southern Green Bean Casserole for Every Table

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of a southern green bean casserole bubbling in the oven. Growing up, it was the one side dish that never changed, always creamy, always crispy on top, and always the first to disappear. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole delivers that made-from-scratch flavor with simple pantry staples. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect southern-style green bean casserole, with tips for cheesy, gluten-free, and make-ahead variations.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This casserole is more than just a holiday side, it’s comfort food at its finest. With tender green beans, a rich mushroom cream sauce, and crispy fried onions on top, it hits all the right notes. Even better, you can prep it ahead, customize it easily, and serve it alongside any hearty entrée. It’s a dependable dish that works year-round, and it tastes just like home.

Ingredients for Traditional Southern Green Bean Casserole

Pantry & Fresh Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh green beans, trimmed	4 cups
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk	1/2 cup
Soy sauce	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
French-fried onions	1 1/2 cups

Ingredients laid out for southern green bean casserole including green beans, mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and crispy onions

Simple Substitutions and Dietary Options

If you’re short on time, use thawed frozen green beans instead of fresh. For a dairy-free option, swap the milk with oat or almond milk and choose a plant-based cream soup. Gluten-free versions of fried onions and mushroom soup are now widely available, so it’s easy to adapt this recipe to suit most dietary needs. The healthline offers helpful tips if you’re new to GF cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Green Bean Casserole

Making this beloved southern side dish is quick and satisfying. Follow these simple steps to achieve that signature creamy, crunchy texture every time.

Boil the Green Beans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then boil the green beans for about 5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Mix the Creamy Base
Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper until smooth. You’ll notice the aroma shift as the ingredients blend, this is the flavor foundation.
Combine and Assemble
Gently stir in the green beans. Next, pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Add the Crunch and Bake
Finally, top with crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling around the edges.

Green bean casserole mixture being poured into a baking dish before topping

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Green Bean Casserole

For crispy onions, wait until just before baking to add them. Want to prep ahead? You can refrigerate the assembled casserole (without onions) up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, add 5 extra minutes to the cook time. To deepen the flavor, add garlic powder, a dash of nutmeg, or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Casserole Variations: Cheesy, Bacon, and More

Love bacon? Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky boost. Want it cheesy? A handful of sharp cheddar turns it into a cheesy southern green bean casserole. To go gluten-free, just substitute both the soup and the onions with certified GF products. You can even toss in shredded chicken for protein. This recipe also works well with bacon and green beans or cranberry brie bites for a festive plate.

What to Serve with Southern Green Bean Casserole

This dish pairs beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or even meatloaf. It’s a holiday essential, but also perfect next to weeknight mains. For a full southern spread, serve with honeycrisp apple feta salad, perfect homemade stuffing, and root vegetable gratin.

Southern green bean casserole served on a plate with crispy onions and creamy filling

Storage, Reheating & Food Safety

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to revive the crisp topping. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts. For detailed safety tips, check the USDA guide to food safety.

Nutrition Facts for Southern Green Bean Casserole

Each 1-cup serving contains approximately 180 calories, 9g fat, 20g carbs, and 4g protein. Using low-sodium soup and plant-based milk can reduce the sodium and fat. For a full breakdown based on your custom ingredients, try the FDA nutrition calculator.

FAQs

Why do restaurant green beans taste so good?

Restaurants often use high-heat cooking, generous seasoning, and fats like butter or bacon grease to bring out flavor. This technique creates bold, savory beans that are both tender and flavorful.

How to make Paula Deen green beans?

Paula Deen’s signature green beans usually include canned beans, onion, sugar, and bacon. Everything simmers together until tender, creating a sweet and smoky side dish.

What is the main ingredient in the dish green bean casserole?

Green beans are the foundation. They’re combined with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, forming the creamy, crunchy texture that defines this dish.

What are southern style green beans?

Southern green beans are often simmered slowly with bacon or ham hocks. Unlike crisp-tender versions, they’re soft, flavorful, and steeped in savory broth or seasoning.

More Like This

Explore cozy, classic recipes like our Thanksgiving deviled eggs, perfect for any holiday spread. Add some baked cranberry brie bites as a sweet-savory starter. For more warm and filling dishes, try perfect homemade stuffing or our easy root vegetable gratin.