Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Side

As seen on: Easy and Flavorful Side Dish Recipes

Tender green beans get covered in a creamy mushroom sauce and finished with crunchy fried onions for the side everyone expects during the holidays. Toss it in the oven or use your air fryer.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:55:32 GMT
A warm, bubbly green bean casserole topped with golden brown onions sits in a white dish, with bright yellow bananas in the background. Save this
A warm, bubbly green bean casserole topped with golden brown onions sits in a white dish, with bright yellow bananas in the background. | emilyscooks.com

I can’t count how many times I’ve whipped up this green bean casserole and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at my holiday get-togethers. You get creamy mushroom soup, soft green beans, and those crunchy onions that make it pure comfort. Whether you stick it in your oven or pop it in the air fryer, this Campbell’s classic never lets you down.

Inviting Holiday Magic

It’s wild how a dish can take you down memory lane with every forkful. Just five everyday things turn into a creamy side that wins over even those who don’t usually touch veggies. It’s always on my Thanksgiving menu, but honestly, we dig in whenever the mood strikes.

Pantry Staples

  • Fresh ground black pepper—just a shake is all you want
  • Whole milk for that extra smooth bite
  • French fried onions pre-made makes things go faster
  • Soy sauce—grab a good one for more flavor
  • Green beans use fresh and crisp if you can canned totally works frozen is good too
  • Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup I never use another brand
Bubbly green bean casserole with crispy onion topping in a white pan, yellow peppers sitting behind it. Save this
Bubbly green bean casserole with crispy onion topping in a white pan, yellow peppers sitting behind it. | emilyscooks.com

Everyday Kitchen Magic

Oven Method
Spread in a greased pan bake at 350°F for 25 minutes throw on more onions and give it about 5 minutes more until everything’s crunchy on top
Air Fryer Fun
Pour it into a greased pan set air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes stir it up add the rest of the onions let it finish until the top turns gold
Throw It Together
Dump your green beans in with half the onions and fold them all together
Sauce Time
In another bowl stir up the cream of mushroom and milk until it’s nice and smooth add the soy sauce and pepper
Get the Beans Ready
Fresh ones just need a quick cook in boiling water canned ones just dump and drain frozen beans can go straight in

Add Your Twist

I like to toss in bacon crisped up or a handful of sharp cheddar for a switch up try cream of celery soup or throw some toasted almonds on top if onions aren’t your thing. Go with what you like best.

Common Questions

→ Is it possible to prep this in advance?

Totally. Build it without the onion topping, stash it in the fridge, then sprinkle on the onions and bake when you're set to serve.

→ What's the top choice for green beans?

Fresh (just blanched), canned, or frozen beans all work. Fresh gives a little extra bite, but you'll spend more time prepping them.

→ How do I make sure the onions stay crisp?

Only toss them on for the last few minutes in the oven. They'll get nice and crispy and avoid going soft.

→ Should I add more salt?

The soup and soy sauce usually add enough salt. Give it a taste, then toss more in if you think it needs it.

→ Can I toss this together with an air fryer?

Yep, just go at 350°F for 10 minutes, then top with onions and pop back in for 2 more minutes for that golden crunch.

Green Beans Casserole

This go-to holiday side has fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom base, and loads of crunchy onions. It's awesome for Thanksgiving or any cozy get-together.

Preparation Time
5 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Overall Time
20 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 6 Portions (6)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 and 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, split.
02 items 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
03 items 4 cups chopped green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen).
04 items 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed mushroom soup.
05 items 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
06 items Half a cup of milk.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Pop in leftover onions and air fry 2 minutes longer.

Step 02

Air fry it at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Step 03

Pour the rest of the onions on top and stick it back in the oven for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.

Step 05

Scoop everything into your baking dish.

Step 06

Toss in beans with 2/3 cup onions and give it a quick pepper shake.

Step 07

Stir together soup and milk till nice and even, then mix in soy sauce.

Step 08

Blanch fresh beans for 2 minutes or just drain the canned ones well.

Step 09

Grease your square baking pan with cooking spray.

Extra Notes

  1. Between the soup and soy sauce, you probably won't miss more salt.
  2. If your oven's loaded, cooking could take a few more minutes.
  3. Low salt versions work fine if you want to cut it back.

Essential Tools

  • Square baking pan, 9x9.
  • Big bowl for mixing.
  • Colander for canned beans.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat or gluten.
  • Soy.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat Content: 12 grams
  • Total Carbs: 15 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams