Best Southern Green Bean Casserole

Name: Best Southern Green Bean Casserole – A Timeless Holiday Classic for Your Table
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (about 900g); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk (240ml); 1 cup heavy cream (240ml); ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)

Posted on August 16, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

southern green bean casserole recipe in a white dish with the title overlay

Dinner

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There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy, and crispy-topped green bean casserole—and this Best Southern Green Bean Casserole takes that timeless classic to a whole new level. Whether you’re planning your Southern Thanksgiving menu or looking for the perfect side for a Sunday dinner, this old-fashioned dish delivers on flavor, texture, and Southern soul.

Why This Is the World’s Best Green Bean Casserole

Most green bean casseroles use canned soup and limp green beans. Not this one. This Southern Living-style green bean casserole ditches the shortcuts and builds flavor from scratch. With tender-crisp green beans, a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy topping, this recipe is rich, savory, and unforgettable. It’s no surprise why some call it the world’s best green bean casserole.

Ingredients for Southern Green Bean Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this from-scratch classic:

2 tablespoons butter
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
1 1/2 cups French-fried onions (plus extra for topping)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To get that perfect creamy consistency and crispy golden topping, make sure you have the following on hand:

Large skillet
Whisk
Saucepan
9×13 casserole dish
Colander

How to Make Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Blanch the green beans: Cook them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms and onions: In a large skillet, melt butter, then cook mushrooms, onion, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Make the creamy sauce: Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in broth and cream until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Combine everything: Add the green beans and fried onions into the sauce and mix well.
Bake: Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Top and crisp: Sprinkle with more fried onions and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden.

Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Use fresh green beans for the best texture.
Don’t overcook your sauce—keep it thick but pourable.
Add extra fried onions on top just before the final bake for ultimate crunch.

Looking for other festive sides? Pair it with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta or a scoop of Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking green beans: Blanching should keep them tender yet firm.
Using canned soup: The homemade sauce is what makes this dish truly Southern.
Skipping the topping: The crispy fried onions are non-negotiable.

Variations: Green Bean Casserole Recipe No Mushrooms

Not a fan of mushrooms? No problem! Try these swaps:

Substitute mushrooms with sautéed bell peppers or caramelized onions.
Use cream of chicken or cream cheese for a mushroom-free but still creamy base.

Need to make it dairy-free? Swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the fried onions for crispy shallots or breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Living Green Bean Casserole

This dish fits in perfectly with holiday spreads or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve it with:

Pumpkin Twists as a fun seasonal appetizer
Slow Cooker Chicken, Potatoes & Green Beans for an easy one-pot dinner
Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake for a sweet autumn dessert

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without topping) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add fried onions before baking.
To Store: Cover leftovers and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What Makes a Southern Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Unique?

It’s the love that goes into every layer. Using fresh ingredients, a from-scratch sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning, this casserole honors its roots while elevating flavor. It’s exactly what a Southern Thanksgiving recipe should be—comforting, simple, and deeply satisfying.

Green Bean Casserole FAQ

Can I use canned green beans?
You can, but for the best texture, stick with fresh.

How do I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

Final Thoughts: Bring This Best Rated Green Bean Casserole to Your Table

Whether you’re feeding a crowd for the holidays or simply craving a classic Southern comfort side, this Best Southern Green Bean Casserole is guaranteed to please. It’s rich, creamy, crunchy, and packed with homemade flavor. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your Thanksgiving tradition.

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