Green Bean Casserole Ideas
Let’s be honest—green bean casserole isn’t exactly rocket science, but damn if there aren’t a million ways to make it better than your aunt’s soggy disaster!
I’m partial to jazzing up the classic cream of mushroom version with some cheesy variations (seriously, when has cheese ever made anything worse?), but throw in some bacon, crispy onions, or garlic parmesan and you’ve got a side dish that might actually get eaten before the leftovers grow fur.
Whether you stick with Campbell’s or go all fancy-pants with homemade sauce, these five variations will make people forget they’re eating vegetables!
Classic Cream of Mushroom Green Bean Casserole

The iconic green bean casserole with crispy fried onions that’s a must-have for any holiday table.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix the soup, milk, pepper, garlic powder and soy sauce in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions, then stir everything together.
- Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbling in the center.
- Take it out and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
- Return to oven for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving… it’s super hot right outta the oven!
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This delectable twist on the classic green bean casserole adds a heavenly layer of melted cheese that will have your family begging for seconds!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder and black pepper.
- Stir in half of the French fried onions until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions and the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving… this gives the cheese time to set up a little but its still gonna be hot enough to burn the roof of your mouth if your not careful!
Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole elevates the classic dish with rich cheese flavors and crispy toppings for a showstopping side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook green beans for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream while continuing to whisk, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pat the green beans dry and add them to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese, crispy fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the green beans.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so nobody burns their mouth… we’ve all been there!
Bacon Green Bean Casserole

This mouthwatering bacon green bean casserole combines the classic comfort of traditional green bean casserole with the irresistible flavor of crispy bacon for an upgraded holiday side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook green beans until crisp-tender, about 5-6 minutes, then drain and place in ice water to stop cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove most of the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add diced onion to the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, half the cheddar cheese, half the bacon, half the fried onions, salt and pepper.
- Drain the green beans well and add them to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Pour everything into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and top with the remaining bacon and fried onions.
- Return to oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving… trust me its gonna be hot!
Crispy Onion Green Bean Casserole

This classic green bean casserole with crispy onions is a perfect side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving some comfort food.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper and soy sauce until smooth.
- Add the drained green beans and 1/2 cup of the fried onions to the mixture and stir until everything is coated real good.
- Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling on the edges.
- Take the dish out and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of fried onions on top.
- Put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until the onions get nice and crispy.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving… it’s super hot coming out of the oven!
Your gonna love how the crunchy onion topping contrasts with the creamy green bean mixture!
This recipe is super adaptable too, you can always add some bacon bits or sliced mushrooms if you want to take it to the next level.
Ranch Green Bean Casserole

This creamy green bean casserole with a tangy ranch twist will quickly become your family’s new favorite holiday side dish.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ranch seasoning packet, sour cream, milk and black pepper.
- Stir in the drained green beans, 1 cup of the fried onions and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and fried onions on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving so nobody burns their mouth!
Creamy Alfredo Green Bean Casserole

This indulgent twist on the classic green bean casserole combines tender green beans with creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich and satisfying side dish that will wow your dinner guests.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add green beans to boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the beans and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process then drain again.
- In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in alfredo sauce, half the parmesan cheese, pepper and nutmeg.
- Fold in the green beans until well coated with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving… it’ll be super hot from the oven!
Jalapeño Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

Jalapeño Cheddar Green Bean Casserole is a spicy twist on the classic holiday dish that adds a kick of heat and cheesy goodness to your table.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, sautéed vegetables and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold in the drained green beans and mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and top with the french fried onions.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving… it’s super hot coming out of the oven!
One-Pan Green Bean Casserole

This delicious one-pan green bean casserole combines crispy fried onions, creamy mushroom soup and fresh green beans for a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, mix together the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, garlic powder and salt until well combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of the fried onions and the shredded cheese if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
- Take the skillet out and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions on top.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving, cause it’s gonna be super hot!
Mushroom & Swiss Green Bean Casserole

This delicious twist on a classic green bean casserole combines earthy mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese for a flavor explosion that’ll make your holiday guests beg for seconds.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add green beans, cooking for about 5 minutes until bright green but still crisp then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook onions until they’re starting to get soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, around 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, then add heavy cream and continue to stir until sauce thickens.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the Swiss cheese, thyme, salt and pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely.
- Drain your green beans good and mix them with the mushroom sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining Swiss cheese and the fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving so you dont burn your mouth!
Truffle Green Bean Casserole

This luxurious green bean casserole brings a touch of elegance with the rich, earthy flavors of truffle that will impress even the pickiest dinner guests.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Add green beans to boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain beans and plunge into ice water to stop cooking process then drain again.
- In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat and add shallots, cooking until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and continue to simmer until sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in truffle oil, half the parmesan cheese and season with black pepper.
- Fold in the green beans and half of the fried onions.
- Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish and top with remaining parmesan and fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving so your guests dont burn their mouths!
Vegan Green Bean Casserole

This creamy vegan green bean casserole combines fresh vegetables, homemade mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping for a plant-based twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and blanch green beans for 5 minutes, then drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Slowly add vegetable broth while stirring, then pour in the almond milk and continue stirring until smooth.
- Mix in nutritional yeast, thyme, salt and pepper, then simmer until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and mix them with the mushroom sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and top with 1 cup of the fried onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions on top and bake for 5 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving… your guests won’t even know its vegan!