French’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe: When it comes to classic American comfort food, French’s Green Bean Casserole stands in a league of its own. This dish is the unsung hero of holiday feasts, family dinners, and potlucks across the country. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and surprisingly easy to make. The iconic recipe dates back to 1955 and has stood the test of time for good reason—it’s simple, quick, and irresistibly tasty.
If you’ve never made it before or want to perfect your version, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every step to ensure your casserole turns out golden and delicious. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s start with the basics. These ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and you might already have most of them in your pantry.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked green beans (about 2 cans or 1 lb. fresh)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 ⅓ cups French’s® Crispy Fried Onions (divided)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesier version)
- Cooked bacon bits (for a smoky kick)
- A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
Ingredient Notes:
- Green beans: You can use fresh, canned, or frozen. If using fresh, blanch them first. Canned should be drained, and frozen should be thawed and patted dry.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This is the classic base, but feel free to use cream of chicken or a homemade version if preferred.
- French’s crispy onions: These give the dish its signature crunch. No substitutes here—they’re a must.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, make sure you’ve got the right tools. You don’t need fancy equipment—just the basics:
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 casserole dish (8×8 or 9×13 inches)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
- Can opener (if using canned beans and soup)
How to Make French’s Green Bean Casserole – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Here’s how to put together the perfect green bean casserole, step-by-step:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when the casserole goes in.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is your flavor-packed sauce that holds everything together.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Fold in your cooked green beans gently to avoid breaking them. Make sure each bean is coated in the creamy mixture. This step is where the magic starts happening.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. You want it evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly.
Step 5: Bake It
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This allows everything to heat through and get bubbly.
Step 6: Add the Crunch
After the initial bake, carefully remove the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy onions evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5–10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Before digging in, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps everything set and keeps your serving tidy and delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Everyone wants that picture-perfect casserole—golden on top, creamy in the middle, and full of flavor. Let’s go over some expert tips that’ll take your green bean casserole from good to unforgettable.
1. Don’t Overcook the Green Beans
If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, it’s important to only blanch or lightly steam them. Overcooking can make them mushy, and no one likes a soggy casserole. You want them to stay slightly firm so they hold up during baking.
2. Use the Right Baking Dish
Choose a baking dish that gives your casserole enough room to bubble without overflowing. An 8×8-inch dish works fine for a smaller batch, but a 9×13-inch pan is better if you’re doubling the recipe. Glass or ceramic dishes distribute heat evenly and are perfect for that nice crust on top.
3. Don’t Skip the Crispy Onion Topping
The crispy onions are non-negotiable. They add that much-needed crunch and contrast to the creamy base. Make sure to add the majority at the end of baking to keep them from getting soggy or too dark.
4. Season Smartly
While the canned soup already has salt, a splash of soy sauce or a dash of garlic powder can add depth. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust if necessary. But go light—it’s easier to add seasoning than to fix an over-salted dish.
5. Keep an Eye on the Bake Time
Ovens vary, so check your casserole after 20 minutes. If it’s bubbling and hot in the center, it’s ready for the onion topping. Bake it just enough to toast those onions without burning them.
Making It Ahead of Time
Planning a holiday meal? You’ll love how easy it is to make this casserole in advance. Here’s how to prep it like a pro without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Assemble the casserole: Follow all the steps up to baking. Mix the ingredients, spread them in the baking dish, and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the fridge: You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- When ready to bake: Take the dish out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. Then bake as usual. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the initial baking time.
Freezing Tips:
- While this dish can be frozen, the crispy onions may not hold up well. If you plan to freeze it, do so without adding the topping.
- Store in a freezer-safe dish and tightly wrap it. It’ll last for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through. Add crispy onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this classic? There are plenty of ways to personalize French’s Green Bean Casserole. Whether you’re looking to make it healthier, heartier, or spicier—there’s something for everyone.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Add ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture before baking. It creates an ultra-creamy, gooey texture that cheese lovers will adore.
Bacon Lovers’ Twist
Crispy, crumbled bacon takes this dish to another level. Stir in cooked bacon bits with the green beans, or sprinkle some on top with the onions.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your crispy onions are gluten-free (some brands are). You can also make your own crispy onion topping with gluten-free flour.
Healthier Swap
Replace the canned soup with a homemade mushroom sauce using low-fat milk and sautéed mushrooms. You can also use low-sodium broth and almond milk for a lighter touch. Skip the crispy onions for toasted panko breadcrumbs for crunch with fewer calories.
Pairing Suggestions
French’s Green Bean Casserole may be a side dish, but it often steals the spotlight. That said, it pairs beautifully with all kinds of mains and sides.
Perfect Main Dishes:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Grilled pork chops
- Baked salmon
Great Side Companions:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Stuffing or dressing
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cranberry sauce
Drink Pairings:
- A crisp white wine like Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Apple cider (hot or cold)
These combinations make any dinner feel like a feast!
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you—this casserole is just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.
Refrigerator Storage:
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Leftovers:
- Place portions in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. If the onions lose crunch, top with fresh ones before serving.
FAQs about French’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
1. What is French’s Green Bean Casserole?
French’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy French’s fried onions. It’s especially popular during Thanksgiving and holiday dinners.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the fried onions on top right before baking to keep them crispy.
3. What kind of green beans should I use?
You can use canned, frozen, or fresh green beans. For best texture and flavor, blanch fresh green beans or thaw frozen ones before mixing them in.
4. Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Absolutely. While cream of mushroom is traditional, cream of chicken or cream of celery are tasty substitutes for a slightly different flavor profile.
5. How do I keep the fried onions from getting soggy?
Only add the French’s fried onions just before baking. If you’re reheating leftovers, sprinkle a fresh layer of onions to restore that signature crunch.
6. Is French’s Green Bean Casserole vegetarian?
It can be! Just make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly mushroom soup and confirm the ingredients in your fried onions.
7. How long does it take to cook?
It usually bakes for about 25–30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture, especially the crispy topping. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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