Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is one of my absolute favorite holiday side dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!

The crispy fried onions on top and the smoky bacon make every bite so comforting and rich. This version takes the classic up a notch with Gruyere, Gouda, and Boursin cheese for that extra creamy, gourmet touch.

More than just a side dish, green bean casserole carries a sense of nostalgia.

For many, it’s a reminder of family gatherings, handwritten recipes passed down through generations, and the warmth of the oven on a busy holiday morning.

Whether you make it completely from scratch or with the classic canned ingredients, this dish is loved for its comforting balance of texture and taste, and its ability to bring people back for seconds.

I highly recommend using fresh bacon and saving the bacon grease to make your roux. It adds a layer of depth that store-bought versions just can’t match.

You can use fresh or canned green beans, but if you go the canned route, you can skip blanching to save time.

What is Green Bean Casserole?

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved American comfort dish that first became popular in the 1950s.

Traditionally made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, it’s a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

The beauty of this dish is its balance of textures. The creamy sauce, tender green beans, and a crispy topping.

My version gives it a modern twist by adding real cheeses and fresh herbs, making it extra flavorful and homemade without losing that nostalgic holiday feel.

Ingredients

Fresh green beans– Fresh green beans provide a crisp-tender bite and bright, earthy flavor. They hold their shape better than canned beans and bring freshness and color to the dish. Blanching them before baking ensures they stay vibrant and cook evenly.

Heavy cream– Heavy cream adds rich, velvety texture to the sauce. It helps make the casserole extra creamy and luxurious, balancing the earthy greens and herbs.

Whole milk– Whole milk thins out the cream to create a smooth, pourable sauce while still keeping it rich. It combines with the flour and butter to form the base of the sauce.

Cream of mushroom soup– A classic shortcut ingredient that adds flavor, creaminess, and mushrooms without extra prep. It deepens the savory taste and blends effortlessly with the homemade sauce.

Fried onions– These give the casserole its signature crunch. They act as a topping and can also be mixed into the casserole for added flavor layers. Their salty, crispy texture contrasts perfectly with the creaminess underneath.

Bacon bits (optional)– Bacon adds smoky, savory richness. It balances the creamy sauce with a bit of saltiness and adds depth to every bite. Optional but a delicious upgrade.

Gruyère cheese -Gruyère melts beautifully and brings a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It gives the sauce an elegant twist and enhances creaminess without overpowering the dish.

Gouda cheese– Gouda adds mild, buttery creaminess. It melts smoothly and complements the Gruyère, adding another layer of rich flavor.

Garlic & fine herbs Boursin cheese– Boursin is creamy and well-seasoned with garlic and herbs. It adds instant flavor, creaminess, and a subtle tang, elevating the sauce with no extra effort.

All-purpose flour– Flour is used to thicken the sauce. Combined with butter, it forms a roux, giving the casserole body and ensuring the sauce clings to the green beans.

Salted butter– Butter is used to sauté and to form the roux with flour. It adds richness and a smooth base for the sauce, while also helping develop flavor when herbs are added.

Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance overall flavor and balance the richness of the cream, cheese, and mushrooms. Adjust to taste.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory depth and amplify the flavor of the sauce without needing fresh garlic or onion.

Rosemary & Thyme: Earthy, fragrant herbs that complement the creamy mushroom base and pair well with green beans. They add subtle warmth and a hint of freshness..

How To Make Green Bean Casserole

1. Prep the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender and bright green.

Drain and place in ice water to stop the cooking. (Skip this step if using canned beans.)

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan..

3. Make the Roux

Make the roux: Add butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant.

4. Add Liquids

Slowly whisk in milk, heavy cream, and cream of mushroom soup until smooth. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Season

Stir in rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the Boursin, 1.5 cup of Gruyere, and Gouda cheeses.

(Reserve remaining cheeses for topping) Mix until creamy and melted.

6. Combine

Fold in green beans, 1.5 cup fried onions and cooked bacon (reserve some fried onion and bacon for topping). Mix everything until evenly coated.

7. Assemble

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining fried onions, cheeses and remaining bacon bits.

8. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serving Ideas

Paired with Protein

Green Bean Casserole pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, baked salmon, meatloaf, or steak. It’s a comforting vegetable side that complements hearty main dishes.

Holiday Favorites

Green Bean Casserole shines on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables alongside cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Pair with Collard greens, Cornbread dressing, or Mac and Cheese, for a true soul food spread.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

1. Refrigerator

Let the casserole cool to room temperature (but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours). Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

2. Freezer

Green bean casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe dish or airtight container. For best quality, freeze before adding the fried onion topping, as the topping can become soggy. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Tip: Double-wrap with foil or place the container in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Tips for Reheating

In The Oven:

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and prevent the topping from burning.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to crisp the onions again.

In the Microwave

1. Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish.
2. Heat on medium power for 1–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Note: The topping may lose its crunch.

From Freezer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover with foil and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Add fresh fried onions on top in the last 10 minutes for crispiness.