If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels both classic and fresh, this French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine tender green beans wrapped in a creamy, savory combination of mushroom soup and French onion dip, all topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions that bring an irresistible crunch. This dish turns the humble green bean casserole into a luscious, flavor-packed star at your dinner table, perfect for holiday feasts or anytime comfort food cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe plays a vital role, layering flavors and textures that come together seamlessly. The combination is simple yet essential—fresh green beans provide a crisp base, creamy mushroom soup and French onion dip add richness and umami, cheddar cheese introduces gooey indulgence, and crispy fried onions finish it all with that perfect crunch.
- Green beans (4 cans, 15 oz each, drained): The star vegetable that holds everything together with its tender bite and bright color.
- Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds that buttery, earthy mushroom flavor and creamy texture that ties the casserole to tradition.
- Refrigerated sour cream based French Onion Dip (1 cup): Brings a tangy, savory twist with real onion flavor for an elevated taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts beautifully to build a rich, cheesy layer that complements the green beans perfectly.
- French fried onions (1 container, 6 oz): Delivers a satisfyingly crispy topping to contrast the creamy layers beneath.
How to Make French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for an easy clean-up later. Setting up a warm oven creates the perfect environment for a golden, bubbly bake.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the French fried onions in a large bowl. Mixing these elements well ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, creaminess, and a touch of savory onion goodness.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Pour the creamy green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This sets the foundation for even cooking and a balanced texture. Bake it for 25 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Topping and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese along with the rest of the French fried onions on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This final step melts the cheese into a gooey, golden layer and crisps the onions to perfection.
How to Serve French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of fresh brightness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. These accents add a pop of green and a subtle herbal note that complements the deep, savory flavors without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside classic comfort mains like roasted turkey or baked ham, but it’s equally fabulous next to simple grilled chicken or pork chops. The hearty creaminess and crisp textures make it a versatile, crowd-pleasing companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone loves a personal portion. You can also layer it in a trifle dish for a fun, visual twist, showing off those inviting layers of cheese, green beans, and onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making perfect leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For baked leftovers, freeze in airtight containers with a layer of foil on top to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. To bring back some crunch, sprinkle extra French fried onions on top before the final few minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them first until tender-crisp, then proceed with the recipe. It adds a fresher texture though requires a bit more prep time.
Is there a dairy-free version of this French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the cream of mushroom soup and French onion dip with dairy-free alternatives, use vegan cheese, and choose crispy fried onions that are dairy-free to keep the textures and flavors intact.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses vegetable-based ingredients—just double check that the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions don’t contain any meat-derived additives.
How can I add more flavor to this casserole?
Try adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the mix, or toss in cooked mushrooms for added depth. A handful of crispy bacon on top after baking can also be delicious for those who enjoy a meaty twist.
What can I serve if I want to turn this into a full meal?
Add a protein like roasted chicken or turkey along with a fresh salad or crusty bread, and you have a well-rounded, satisfying meal featuring the beloved French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe really is a heartwarming dish that effortlessly combines creamy, cheesy goodness with that iconic crispy onion topping we all adore. Whether it’s for a holiday spread or your next family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to comfort side dish that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
French Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic green bean casserole, enhanced with sour cream-based French onion dip and topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight side dish, it combines tender green beans with savory mushroom soup and cheddar cheese for a rich, flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
Green Beans and Soup
- 4 (15-oz) cans green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup refrigerated sour cream based French Onion Dip
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 (6-oz) container French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Stir well to evenly coat the green beans.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the green bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Add Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the French fried onions evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the onions turn golden and crispy.
Notes
- For a fresher twist, try using fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned; blanch them before mixing.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-sodium French fried onions.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; add crispy onions just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- For a vegan version, replace sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a mushroom soup without dairy.
