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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

In this post I am sharing my Ultimate Green Bean Casserole recipe.

Hey Y’all! Easter dinner is coming up soon and you might be thinking of adding a green bean casserole to your menu. This classic dish is a favorite for holidays and celebrations.

 

I’ve worked to update my original green bean casserole, which I did consider to be a flavored up version. I’d always considered green bean casserole to be bland. 

So here we are a few years later and I’ve perfected this casserole so that it is not only delicious but feeds a crowd. Ultimate green bean casserole is amazing!

I tested my newer version back at Christmas dinner and everyone loved it. Since then I’ve made it a couple more times to make sure I’ve got it just right to share with you.

Green Bean Casserole for 20

As I mentioned before, this casserole is more suited to feeding a crowd and will easily serve twenty to twenty five people. Leftovers are no problem either because it reheats beautifully.

Easter Side Dish Recipes - Best Green Bean Casserole for a crowd

Here’s what I did…throw out the French cut green beans. It is not that I don’t like them but I think they don’t hold up well in a casserole and I want my green beans to have a little bite and texture to them.

Just use regular “cut” green beans instead. Problems solved. Next, add loads of flavor with pepper jack cheese, cream of mushroom and cream of onion soup, cheddar flavored and original fried onions, sauteed onions, and a bit of seasoning. 

By the way….while I am thinking about it, I want to mention something. I’ve heard a lot of folks have to ask about whether or not you dilute cream of whatever soup when using it in a recipe. The answer is no, not unless the recipe specifically states to do that.

Easy Side Dish Recipes

Serving of the best green bean casserole - tasty

Okay y’all, let’s put this absolutely delicious green bean casserole together!

Step 1: Saute the diced onion in a tablespoon of butter until it begins to soften then add it to a large mixing bowl along with the green beans, canned soups, about 3/4 of the grated pepper jack, the French’s cheddar fried onions, salt and cracked black pepper. Mix to combine.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C)

Step 2: Add the green bean mixture to a large casserole dish then top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 45 minutes. Top the casserole with French’s original fried onions the last ten minutes of baking. 

Green Bean Casserole Add Ins: Other ingredient options you might like are cooked sausage or bacon, mushrooms, nuts or peppers….spice it up with diced jalapeno.

You might also like these green bean recipes: Country Green Beans, Fresh Green Beans with Mushrooms, or a Classic 3 Bean Salad.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

The Ultimate Holiday Green Bean Casserole Recipe - So delicious and easy
4.45 from 40 votes
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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

The ultimate delicious green bean casserole for holiday gatherings and celebrations
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 1 Casserole
Calories: 192kcal
Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern

Ingredients

  • 2- 50 oz Cans of Cut Green Beans drained
  • 2- 10.5 oz Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 10.5 oz Cream of Onion Soup
  • 8 oz Pepper Jack Cheese grated and divided
  • 1/2 c Sauteed Diced Onion
  • Salt and Cracked Black Pepper to taste
  • 6 oz French’s Cheddar Fried Onions
  • 6 oz French’s Original Fried Onions

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, creamed soups, ⅔ grated pepper Jack cheese, salt, pepper and cheddar fried onions.
  • In a small pan, saute the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter then add it to the green bean mixture and combine.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Pour the green bean mixture into a rectangle casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
  • Top the green bean casserole with original fried onions the last ten minutes of cooking.
  • Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To reheat green bean casserole, cover with foil and bake in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 478mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g

What to serve with my amazing Ultimate Green Bean Casserole?

The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

  1. Roast Turkey: This casserole is a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and complements roast turkey perfectly.

  2. Baked Ham: The sweet and savory flavors of baked ham go wonderfully with the creamy and savory green bean casserole.

  3. Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast or thigh is a versatile choice that works well with the casserole.

  4. Beef Roast: Whether it’s a tender roast beef or a succulent prime rib, the richness of beef pairs nicely with the creamy green bean casserole.

  5. Pork Chops: Pan-seared, classic fried, or oven-baked pork chops with a flavorful sauce make a great accompaniment to the casserole.

  6. Meatloaf: A classic meatloaf is a comfort food favorite that pairs harmoniously with green bean casserole.

  7. Salmon: If you’re looking for a seafood option, grilled or baked salmon with lemon and herbs can provide a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness.

  8. Vegetarian Options: For a meatless meal, you can serve the casserole with a hearty salad, quinoa, or a vegetarian lasagna.

  9. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another classic side dish that complements the casserole’s flavors.

  10. Cornbread: Cornbread is a Southern favorite and pairs well with the green bean casserole, offering a mix of textures and flavors.

With these options, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal to enjoy alongside your Ultimate Green Bean Casserole.

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“Weather means more when you have a garden. There’s nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans.” ~ Marcelene Cox

See this recipe at: Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday

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Well, y’all, I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey with me today as we whipped up the ultimate green bean casserole!

It’s a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and warmth to your family gatherings, just like a big ol’ hug from Grandma. So, don’t forget to sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top and let the flavors meld together.

Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a weeknight supper, this casserole is a true Southern favorite that’ll have everyone saying, “Y’all, that’s some mighty fine eatin’!”

Thanks for joining me in my kitchen today, and remember, love and butter make everything better! Y’all take care now!

Julia - author and publisher of Julia's Simply Southern Food Blog Recipes

About Julia

Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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4.45 from 40 votes (39 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




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Sunday 31st of December 2023

1

mb

Thursday 24th of November 2022

So happy to find your recipe! I was sitting here with a 50 oz can of beans and not sure of ratios for the infamous Thanksgiving green bean casserole.. I also happened to buy cream of onion soup, and always have pepperjack on hand..so I'm encouraged here! :-) I don't think I see what to do with the remaining 1/3 cheese? Assume it goes on top ~ thank you so much for this inspirational recipe!

Julia Jordan

Thursday 24th of November 2022

Yes, sprinkle on top. I am so happy that you'll be trying this recipe. It truly is the best green bean casserole that I've ever had...if I do say so myself. Happy Thanksgiving! ~Julia

Marianne

Saturday 12th of February 2022

For some reason I have a pantry full of canned green beans (of which i'm not a fan) that I needed to find something to do with. I found your recipe and decided to try it tonight. I cut the recipe in half since I only had 7 for dinner. I made it exactly as written except for the cheddar fried onions - I didnt have any so I left them out. It was really delicious. If I ever need / want to make green bean casserole I would make this recipe. It was really good and everyone that ate it enjoyed it.

Julia Jordan

Sunday 13th of February 2022

Marianne, Thank you so much for stopping by and letting me know how much y'all enjoyed this casserole. Your kind words made my day. ~Julia

Sandra L Mance

Tuesday 26th of October 2021

Looks so good but how in the world can I reduce it to feed 8 to 12 people? Can't figure it out can anyone help?

Julia Jordan

Wednesday 27th of October 2021

Sandra, This makes a rectangle casserole and that might just work for 12 people. Serving sizes are always a guestimate on those nutrition cards and given that this was served along with a big holiday meal, you figure that folks only get a serving spoonful when there's so much food. With a regular meal a serving might be a bit more. It is so good though that folks will want leftovers too. ~Julia

Renee

Friday 13th of November 2020

Is that a misprint on the size of can green beans? Should it be 2- 15oz cans?

Julia Jordan

Friday 13th of November 2020

Renee, The correct amount is listed. You will need two 50 ounce cans of green beans. You need a lot to make a casserole. The 15 oz. cans are the small ones. This casserole is delicious and I hope that you enjoy it.