French’s Green Bean Casserole

French’s Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday classic made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and the iconic crispy fried onions on top. First introduced in the 1950s, this simple yet flavorful side dish has become a staple on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables across America. It’s comfort food at its best—rich, crunchy, and always satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless classic that’s perfect for holidays or everyday dinners
• Made with just a few pantry staples
• Quick and easy—only 10 minutes of prep
• Creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy fried onions
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Can be doubled for larger gatherings
• Great make-ahead side dish
• Easily adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets
• Delicious year-round, not just at the holidays
• A nostalgic favorite with modern versatility

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned cut green beans (or fresh/frozen, cooked and drained)
• Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Ground black pepper
• French’s Crispy Fried Onions
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the green beans and ⅔ cup of French’s Crispy Fried Onions.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, stir the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly on top.
7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until onions are golden brown.
8. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Use fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched, for a fresher texture
• Add shredded cheese to the mix for a cheesier version
• Replace soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or tamari
• Stir in sautéed garlic, onions, or mushrooms for extra depth
• Use cream of chicken or celery soup as a substitute
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
• Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a homemade crunch

storage/reheating

To Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without fried onions) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Add onions just before baking.
To Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For single portions, microwave for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it without the fried onions and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add onions and bake when ready.

Can I use fresh green beans?

Definitely. Blanch them first in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and use as directed.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken, celery, or a homemade white sauce all work well.

Is French’s green bean casserole vegetarian?

It can be—just check the labels on your soup and onions to ensure no meat products are included.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free crispy onions or topping alternatives.

Why do I need to bake it in two steps?

Baking it first ensures everything is hot and creamy; adding onions later keeps them crispy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust baking time as needed.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely. Thaw and drain them well before using.

How do I keep the onions from burning?

Add them during the last 5–10 minutes of baking to keep them crisp and golden, not burnt.

What dishes pair well with green bean casserole?

It’s perfect with turkey, ham, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other classic sides.

Conclusion

French’s Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate classic side dish—easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and always a hit at the table. With its creamy filling and crispy onion topping, it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to bring everyone back for seconds.

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