Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just blanch them in boiling water for 5–6 minutes first so they soften up before baking.

Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole (minus the fried onions), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the onions right before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy on top.

You sure can! Freeze before baking (without the fried onions). When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add onions, and bake as directed.

Green Bean Casserole: 6 Tips for Perfect Creaminess

Description

This Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. Made with bacon, mushrooms, and Monterey Jack cheese, it’s rich, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

6 strips bacon
1 yellow onion, diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white button or baby bella)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
1 ½ cups French fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté the onions in the bacon grease for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes, until golden brown.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and crumbled bacon. Mix well, then add milk and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold in green beans gently until coated in the sauce.
Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with French fried onions.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer casserole, substitute heavy cream for the milk.
If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5–6 minutes before adding to the casserole.
Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance (without onions), cover, and refrigerate. Add onions and bake just before serving.
To add extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: side dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg