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Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole Recipe

4.6 from 68 reviews

This Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is easy to prepare in advance, helping you manage multiple dishes effortlessly on the big day. Crisp-tender green beans are coated in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

Sauce

  • 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Topping

  • 1 (6-ounce) can crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. This ensures the beans are partially cooked but still retain a fresh snap.
  2. Shock the Beans: Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Beans and Sauce: Add the cooled green beans to the soup mixture and gently stir to coat all the beans evenly with the creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
  6. Refrigerate the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This make-ahead step allows the flavors to meld and frees up time on cooking day.
  7. Baking and Serving Tips (for reheating): When ready to bake, uncover the casserole and bake in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly. Add an additional layer of fresh crispy onions on top before serving to maintain the iconic crunch.

Notes

  • The green beans can be blanched and the casserole assembled up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
  • If baking ahead of time, reheat thoroughly before serving and add extra crispy onions for freshness.
  • Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor, but frozen green beans can be used if trimmed and thawed.
  • Adjust soy sauce for sodium preference or dietary restrictions.
  • Storing leftovers in an airtight container helps maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

Keywords: green bean casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, make-ahead casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions