Green Bean Casserole Southern Style

Classic Southern-style green bean casserole loaded with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a crunchy French fried onion topping with optional pecans for extra Southern flair.

Perfect holiday or comfort food side dish that’s easy to make ahead and always a crowd favorite.

Green Bean Casserole Southern Style

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword casserole,, green bean

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 can 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a little kick
1 can 6 ounces French fried onions divided
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
½ cup chopped pecans optional for Southern crunch

Instructions

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or 2 quart casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and crisp tender. Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir until smooth.
Add the blanched green beans, half the French fried onions, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans if using. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top. Return to oven and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until the onions are golden and crisp.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.