Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Clara Nour
Posted on October 10, 2025
October 7, 2025
by

The first time I stepped into my grandmother’s kitchen, I was greeted by the warm, savory aroma of her famous Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole. The smell of melting cheese, crispy onions, and tender green beans filled the air. That moment sealed my love for this dish. It’s not just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

When family gathered for celebrations or simple Sunday dinners, this casserole proudly took its place on the table. It was a staple, a dish that brought everyone together, and it always sparked joyful conversations. Each bite was a delightful blend of flavors, a little crunch paired with creamy goodness. This casserole is about more than ingredients; it’s about tradition, love, and memories made over shared meals.

Why You’ll Love Making This Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

This Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is easy to make, yet it brings a touch of elegance to your table. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds! It combines the earthiness of green beans and the rich, creamy flavor of mushroom soup, topped with crispy fried onions that give each bite a satisfying crunch.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly forgiving for newcomers in the kitchen. You don’t need to be an expert cook to serve this delicious dish. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be creating a comforting meal in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner when you need a comforting dish.

Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Imagine the joy on your friends’ and family’s faces when they take their first bite. The warmth of the casserole will embrace you like an old friend. This dish celebrates home cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Making Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is straightforward and fun. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 can of green beans
  • 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup of French fried onions
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup of milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delightful together!

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. Preheat the Oven

First, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the temperature just right to ensure our casserole bakes beautifully.

2. Mix the Base

Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the can of green beans with the cream of mushroom soup and the milk. You’ve got the creamy base right here!

3. Add Crunch and Seasoning

Now, add in half of your tasty French fried onions. These will add a lovely crunch to the dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add a little extra if you love a bit of spice!

4. Combine Everything

Mix everything together well. You want every green bean to be coated in that luscious mixture.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish

Time to transfer this delicious mixture to a baking dish! Spread it out evenly. This helps it cook uniformly.

6. Bake the First Round

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This will let all those beautiful flavors meld together as it heats.

7. Add the Topping

Once the time is up, carefully remove it from the oven. Now, sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top. This will create a crispy, golden layer that’s irresistible!

8. Final Bake

Pop it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want those onions to turn a lovely shade of golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve

When it comes out, let it cool slightly. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in with joy! Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.

How to Serve Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole and Make It Shine

When it comes to serving this Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole, you can dress it up or keep it simple. Serve it hot, right out of the oven! You’ll want to showcase that golden topping. Present it in a lovely dish that highlights its inviting colors.

Pair this casserole with roasted chicken, turkey, or a hearty meatloaf. Its creamy texture complements meat beautifully. Also, don’t hesitate to round out your meal with some fluffy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad.

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Place the casserole in the center of the table, and let everyone serve themselves, passing the warmth and comfort around. It’s perfect for those cozy family dinners and gatherings.

How to Store Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole for Later

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can easily store your Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.

You can also freeze this dish! Just be sure to let it cool before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost it in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until bubbly and warm.

easy Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

Clara’s Tips for Success

1. Choose Quality Ingredients

High-quality canned green beans and soup can make a big difference in flavor. Look for brands you trust!

2. Don’t Overmix

When combining the ingredients, be gentle. You want the green beans to stay intact for that lovely texture.

3. Customize Your Cheese

Feel free to swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy kick!

4. Mix in Additional Flavor

If you’d like to amp up the flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or some sautéed mushrooms in with the mixture.

5. Taste Along the Way

Don’t be shy! Taste the mixture before it goes into the oven. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your personal preference.

Simple Variations to Try

This Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole is versatile. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

Add Bacon

For an extra layer of flavor, cook and crumble some bacon, and mix it in before baking. It adds a crackling texture and smoky taste.

Change the Veggies

Swap out green beans for fresh asparagus or broccoli for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Spicy Flair

Mix jalapeños into the mix for a spicy kick. It’s a great way to shake things up!

Herb Infusion

Add some fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch that adds depth and flavor.

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is a great base to build upon.

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Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

A comforting classic dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Casserole Ingredients
  • 1 can can of green beans Use high-quality canned green beans for better flavor.
  • 1 can can of cream of mushroom soup Opt for a trusted brand.
  • 1 cup French fried onions Half for the mixture and half for topping.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Customize with other cheeses if desired.
  • 1/4 cup milk Use whole milk for creaminess.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Feel free to add more for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
  3. Add half of the French fried onions to the mixture along with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Mix well to coat all the green beans.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining French fried onions on top.
  4. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Serving
  1. Allow to cool slightly before serving hot.
  2. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for later use. Serve with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

2. Can I use fresh green beans?

Yes! Just blanch them first by boiling them for a few minutes. This will help them retain their color and texture during baking.

3. How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole should be bubbling, and the onions should be golden and crispy on top. A good rule of thumb is to check after 35–40 minutes of baking.

4. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it only contains plant-based ingredients (unless you choose to add meat).

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely! Just make sure to cool it completely, wrap it well, and store it in the freezer. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready for more deliciousness!

Enjoy making your Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole! I can’t wait for you to taste the layers of love, warmth, and incredible flavor in every bite. It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles and joyful memories. Happy cooking!

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Author

  • Clara Nour

    Hi, I’m Clara! I believe the best meals are felt, not just made. Here, I share soulful, heritage-inspired recipes designed to bring confidence and joy to your modern kitchen.

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