Southern Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup

Why you will love this recipe:

1. It’s a flavorful and indulgent side dish that brings a sense of tradition and nostalgia when you serve it.
2. While you could save time using a recipe with canned ingredients, making this recipe without mushroom soup or canned green beans is easy. Plus, you won’t believe how much better it tastes with fresh ingredients.
3. Homemade green bean casserole can be made well before the big day, stored in the fridge, or freezer and baked when needed.

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Fresh green beans – frozen can be substituted. If using frozen, be sure to thaw first, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
• Butter – adds rich flavor and is used to saute the garlic, mushrooms, and onion. Either salted or unsalted works.
• Garlic and onions -adds another layer of flavor.
• Mushrooms – a classic ingredient in this dish. You can use white button mushrooms, cremini, or baby portabella mushrooms.
• All-purpose flour – is used as a thickening agent.
• Chicken stock – adds flavor to the sauce. You can substitute broth, and you can use homemade chicken stock, or purchase it.
• Whole milk – keeps the sauce creamy. Can substitute heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce – enhance all the flavors.
• Crispy fried onions – can usually be found in the canned vegetable section of your grocery store. Homemade onion rings can be substituted.
• Parmesan cheese – adds a bit of nutty flavor.

Complete measurements are in the recipe below.

What to serve with this classic green bean casserole:

At our house, depending on how many folks we are feeding, our Thanksgiving table usually features this casserole along with:

• The star of the show, Smoked Turkey or Fried Turkey.
• Old-Fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing or Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Pecans
• Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, Southern Candied Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans, Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole, or Potato Salad
• Turkey Gravy
• Baked Pineapple Cheese Casserole or Southern Cornbread Pudding
• Cranberry Sauce
• Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• For dessert – Sweet Potato Pie, Pecan Pie, or Pralines and Cream Ice Cream

Recipe variations:

Feel free to get creative and combine different variations to create a green bean casserole that suits your taste and your guests’ preferences.

• Instead of the traditional crispy French fried onions, try topping your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, bread crumbs, or panko mixed with butter. Crushed potato chips, croutons, or homemade onion rings make a unique topping too.
• Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or Monterey jack to the sauce.
• Top with cooked crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, or both.

Make it ahead:

Holiday meals are stressful, and this casserole can be made up to 24 hours ahead, stored in the fridge, and baked on the big day.

To make it ahead, make the casserole, but do not add the topping or bake it. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake it, add the toppings and bake as directed. If it’s cold, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

How to store leftovers and reheat them:

Allow the leftover green bean casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or put in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the uncovered casserole dish in the preheated oven and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through and the top is crispy.

If reheating a small portion, place the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with wax paper. Heat on high power for one to two minutes, checking after one minute.