Best Green Bean Casserole Recipes: Classic to Healthy

Editor: Arshita Tiwari on Apr 15,2025

 

Green bean casserole has become a beloved staple on American tables, especially during the holiday season. Originally introduced in the 1950s, this dish has stood the test of time and continues to evolve. Whether you're a fan of the classic creamy version, looking for healthy casserole recipes, or want to try something new and creative, this guide has something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore the best green bean casserole recipes, from traditional comfort food to modern, health-conscious, and gourmet twists. No matter your taste or dietary preference, you’re bound to find your new favorite green bean casserole recipe here.

1. The Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

The original green bean casserole recipe was first devised by Dorcas Reilly for Campbell Soup Company in 1955. It has since become quickly established among the many holiday staples enjoyed by many, thanks to its uncomplicatedness and warmth.

Ingredients:

  • Two cans of drained green beans (14.5 ounces each) (or 4 cups cooked fresh green beans) 
  • One can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) 
  • ¾ cup milk 
  • 1 tsp soy sauce 
  • ? tsp black pepper 
  • 1 ? cups French fried onions (divided) 

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 
  2. In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper until smooth. 
  3. Add green beans and ? cups of fried onions, stirring everything until combined. 
  4. Pour into a greased 1½-quart baking dish. 
  5. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. 
  6. Top with remaining onions and bake for 5 more minutes, until golden and crispy. 

This is the best casserole recipe for those craving nostalgic holiday flavors. It's rich, savory, and super simple to whip up. It is, without question, part of every guest-catering sensibilities. 

2. Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipes 

green beans

If you're aiming to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. There are many healthy casserole recipes that still deliver on taste and texture.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole: Lightened-Up

This version slashes fat and sodium by using fresh ingredients instead of canned soup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into halves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 

Instructions:

  1. Place the green beans in boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes; then place them in an ice bath. 
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until soft. 
  3. Add almond milk and cornstarch mixture and stir continually until thickened. 
  4. Add seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. 
  5. Mix with the green beans, then pour into the baking dish. 
  6. Topped with panko and Parmesan, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. 

This green bean casserole recipe is creamy and flavorful without the extra calories. Suitable for health-conscious eaters.

Explore more: Delicious Gluten-Free Casserole Recipes for Dietary Needs

3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

If you're looking for a plant-based twist, this easier version of green bean casserole cuts out dairy and meat but gives a punch of umami and texture.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb fresh green beans
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 
  • 1 small onion, chopped 
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced 
  • 1 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk 
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast 
  • 1 tbsp flour 
  • ½ tsp thyme 
  • Salt and pepper 
  • 1 cup crispy fried shallots or gluten-free fried onions

Instructions: 

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes and shock in ice water. 
  2. In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil. 
  3. Add flour, followed slowly by the plant milk. 
  4. Then, add nutritional yeast, thyme, salt, and pepper and let cook until thick. 
  5. Combine with green beans and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. 
  6. Sprinkle with crispy shallots and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

This vegan recipe for green bean casserole is comforting and creamy; and perfect when following a plant-based diet.

4. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

For those with gluten sensitivities, this casserole delivers flavor without gluten. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb green beans 
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil 
  • 1 small onion, diced 
  • 1 chopped cup of mushrooms 
  • 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) 
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch 
  • 1 tsp in garlic powder 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
  • Gluten-free fried onion or crushed rice cracker on top

Method: 

  1. Prepare green beans as usual (Blanch them and cool). 
  2. Cook onions and mushrooms in butter. 
  3. Add milk, garlic powder, and cornstarch and simmer until thick. 
  4. Season to taste. 
  5. Mix it in with green beans and transfer to dish. 
  6. Put toppings of gluten-free onions and bake for 20-25 min.

Another best green bean casserole recipe if you’re avoiding gluten but still want something indulgent.

5. Gourmet Green Bean Casserole with Gruyère and Shallots

If you want to make an impression, opt for a gourmet version loaded with cheese and shallots caramelized to sweet perfection.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb green beans, blanched 
  • 1 tbsp butter 
  • 2 large shallots, sliced thinly 
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced 
  • 1 tbsp flour 
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • 1 cup Gruyère, shredded 
  • Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste 
  • Soggy crispy fried shallots topping or Parmesan cheese crust 

Instructions

  • In a frying pan, sauté shallots and mushrooms in butter until golden in color. 
  • Then sprinkle flour, and pour in cream stirring all the while until it becomes thick.
  • Add Gruyère, and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 
  • Toss with the green beans. 
  • Pour into a baking dish, top up the shallots or cheese, and bake in a hot oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. 

This, indeed, is the best of the casserole recipes for the upscale endeavor. 

6. Spicy Green Bean Casserole

For those who love a little heat, this twist adds spice to the classic comfort. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb green beans 
  • 1 can cream of jalapeño soup (or use mushroom soup + hot sauce) 
  • ¾ cup milk 
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1 ? cups crispy onions

Instructions: 

  1. Mix soup, milk, chili flakes, and diced jalapeño. 
  2. Add green beans and half the crispy onions. 
  3. Pour into a dish, topping with remaining onions. 
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

This green bean casserole recipe's easy twist brings bold flavor and spice, ideal for adventurous eaters.

7. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar

Everything's better with bacon and cheese!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb green beans
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • One can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fried onions or breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  • Mix the soup, milk, cheddar, and paprika.
  • Add the green beans and bacon. Mix well.
  • Pour into a dish and top with fried onions.
  • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

This recipe is a meat-lovers version of green bean casserole and is truly one of the best!

Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

  • Fresh green beans provide a more appealing texture and blanching helps retain color and crunch. 
  • Make it ahead. Prepare the casserole (minus the crispy topping), store it in the refrigerator, and add the topping just before baking. 
  • Change it up with toppings. Fried onions can be replaced with panko, cheese, or nuts for a different texture. 
  • Add vegetables galore. Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers will only add nutrition and flavor.

You may like: Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving

Final Thoughts

From the beloved classic to modern healthy twists and gourmet creations, these green bean casserole recipes cater to every palate and dietary need. Whether you're looking for the best green bean casserole recipe to wow your guests or a green bean casserole recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner, there's a version here to inspire your next kitchen adventure.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your casserole. With a base as versatile and comforting as green beans, the possibilities are endless!


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