green bean casserole

Mouthwatering Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole

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Mouthwatering Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish that never fails to deliver creamy, comforting flavor. This timeless classic comes together with just a few simple ingredients, but the magic happens when you make it ahead. Letting the casserole rest in the fridge gives it even more depth, freeing up your oven and your time on busy days like Thanksgiving. With crispy onions, tender green beans, and a rich mushroom sauce, this is one dish your guests will always go back for seconds.

Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

green bean casserole
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it up to 2 days in advance
  • Minimal Ingredients – Only 5 pantry staples needed
  • Classic Holiday Favorite – Creamy, crispy, nostalgic goodness
  • Quick Assembly – Ready for the oven in under 10 minutes
  • Crowd Pleaser – Serves a group and reheats beautifully

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
    (or 4 cups cooked, fresh green beans)
  • ⅔ cup milk (any type)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1⅓ cups crispy fried onions (like French’s), divided

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Assemble the Casserole

  • In a casserole dish, combine soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 1 cup of the fried onions.
  • Mix well and spread into an even layer.

2. Optional: Chill for Make-Ahead

  • Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • When ready to bake, bring to room temp for 30 minutes before cooking.

3. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

4. Top with Crispy Onions

  • Sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup fried onions on top.
  • Return to oven for 5 more minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

⏱️ Recipe Details

green bean casserole
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55–65 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8
  • Difficulty: Easy

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Estimated – Whole Recipe)

  • Calories: 800–950
  • Protein: 14–18 g
  • Fat: 40–50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 85–100 g

(Values vary by brand of soup, onions, and milk used)

💡 Tips & Substitutions

  • Green Beans:
    • Fresh: Trim and blanch 4–5 mins, then pat dry
    • Frozen: Thaw, drain, and dry well
    • Canned: Rinse and pat completely dry
  • Cream of Mushroom:
    • Sub with cream of chicken, celery, or homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms
  • Milk:
    • Use dairy or non-dairy (just make sure it’s unsweetened)
  • Soy Sauce:
    • Can be swapped for Worcestershire or omitted
  • Crispy Onions:
    • French’s preferred, but store-brand or homemade work great too

❓ FAQs

Why pat the green beans dry?
Moisture leads to a watery casserole. Dry beans = creamy, cohesive texture.

Can I make this fully ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything but the topping, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and add fried onions just before baking.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh or refrigerated. The fried onions can get soggy after freezing and reheating.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two standard ones. Adjust bake time as needed.

🍽 What to Serve With Green Bean Casserole

green bean casserole

Mouthwatering Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole

This classic green bean casserole is creamy, crispy, and ideal for make-ahead holiday meals. Just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

  • – Casserole dish
  • – Mixing bowl
  • – Foil or plastic wrap (for make-ahead option)

Ingredients
  

  • – 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • – 2 cans 14.5 oz cut green beans, drained and dried
  • – ⅔ cup milk
  • – 1 tsp soy sauce
  • – 1⅓ cups crispy fried onions divided

Instructions
 

  • In a casserole dish, combine soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 1 cup fried onions. Mix well.
  • (Optional) Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup onions on top. Bake 5 more minutes.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

– Use fresh or frozen beans for better texture
– Don’t add fried onions until ready to bake
– Add a splash of milk after chilling if mixture thickens too much
Keyword green bean casserole

🔚 Conclusion

This Mouthwatering Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole delivers rich, creamy flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy holidays or Sunday dinners. Its make-ahead flexibility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a guaranteed favorite at every gathering. Assemble in minutes, pop it in the oven, and enjoy more time with your family while dinner practically makes itself.