Creamy & Crispy Green Bean Casserole

Elevate your holiday feast with our creamy and crispy Green Bean Casserole! Made with a creamy homemade mushroom soup and topped with crispy French fried onions, this simple yet flavorful side dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re pairing it with our Herb Butter Roast Turkey for Thanksgiving or serving it at a cozy family dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to shine on your table!

What Sets This Creamy and Crispy Bean Casserole Apart?

If you’re searching for the ultimate side dish to complement our beloved Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey, look no further than this irresistible Bean Casserole.

What sets our Casserole apart? It all begins with the base—a luxuriously creamy homemade mushroom soup made with fresh brown or cremini mushrooms. Prepared in advance, this flavorful soup saves you time when holiday crunch hits, without compromising on taste.

Loved in countless homes across the country, this casserole is a Thanksgiving classic. Its secret? A perfectly crispy, golden topping that’s delightfully crunchy and incredibly simple to make. Add it to your menu alongside staples like Mashed Potatoes or Honey Roasted Carrots, and make your holiday feast one to remember!

Creamy & Crispy Bean Casserole: Key Ingredients

Save this recipe!

Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Email *

Save

The secret to this Crispy Bean Casserole is all in the ingredients. Tender green beans bring vibrant freshness, creamy homemade mushroom soup adds rich depth, and crispy fried onions create a crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible. Simple staples, unforgettable flavor!

• Fresh Green Beans: Choose green beans with a vibrant, deep green color and a crisp texture—they should snap easily when bent. Fresh beans deliver unbeatable flavor and crunch, but properly thawed frozen beans work wonderfully too for convenience. If you have left over grean beans check out my Buttery Sautéed Green Bean Recipe recipe
• Brown or Cremini Mushrooms: Pick mushrooms that are firm, plump, and free from damp spots. Cremini mushrooms bring a rich, earthy depth to the casserole, and their natural moisture is perfect for creating a creamy soup base.
• Garlic Cloves: Opt for fresh, firm garlic bulbs with tight skins for the best flavor. Minced fresh garlic adds a bold aromatic punch that transforms the dish into something truly special.
• French Fried Onion Rings: For maximum crunch and flavor, use fresh onion rings or a trusted store-bought brand. They add a savory, crispy topping that balances the creamy texture of the casserole beautifully. If you’d like to make your casserole a little lighter and completely from scratch, check out our Stove Top Green Bean Casserole!

*Pro Note – See recipe card at the bottom for full list of ingredients and measurements

Additions And Substitutions

When it comes to Crispy Bean Casserole, the charm is in its adaptability. Out of an ingredient? No stress—easy substitutions will keep the creamy goodness and crispy crunch intact!

• Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a slightly lighter version that doesn’t sacrifice creaminess.
• Add a Cheesy Touch: Mix some grated parmesan or sharp cheddar into the creamy soup base for an extra layer of richness. If cheesy dishes are your thing, you’ll love my Cheesy Roast Green Beans recipe! Perfect for satisfying those cheesy cravings.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and swap cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly casserole. Keep in mind that using coconut cream will alter the final taste of the recipe.
• Crunchy Topping Alternatives: If you’re out of French fried onions, panko breadcrumbs toasted with butter or crushed potato chips make great substitutes with a similar crunch.

How To Make Perfect Green Bean Casserole: Step-By-Step

Let’s get cooking! With just a few easy steps, you’ll be serving up a creamy, crunchy Bean Casserole that’s bound to steal the spotlight at your table. Let’s make it happen!

1. Prepare Fresh Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes. Drain immediately, transfer to ice water to cool, then drain again and set aside.

2. Start the Mushroom Soup: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and juicy.

3. Add Wine: If using Marsala wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This adds depth of flavor and deglazes the pan, incorporating those caramelized bits. These bits enhance the sauce with a savory, robust taste.
   

4. Make the Soup Base: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, stirring well to combine, and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.

5. Season the Soup: Add a crumbled beef bouillon cube, season with salt and pepper, and stir in heavy cream (or your chosen alternative). Let the soup cook until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 4-5 minutes.

6. Combine Beans and Soup: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the blanched green beans. Mix in half of the French’s fried onion rings for added crunch and flavor throughout.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish & Add Topping: Pour the green bean and soup mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining fried onion rings over the top to create a crispy, golden topping.

8. Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole until bubbling and golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

This Creamy & Crunchy Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with hearty mains like our Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket or Honey Baked Ham. For sides, try our creamy Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes—they’re a match made in comfort food heaven! Together, these dishes create a truly indulgent feast perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations. Explore these recipes and make your meal unforgettable!