Homemade Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch & Better Than Canned!)

Every holiday table needs a homemade green bean casserole, and this one—made entirely from scratch—puts every canned-soup version to shame. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and finished with that irresistible crunchy onion topping everyone loves.

This is the exact recipe my family makes every Thanksgiving and Christmas, passed down from my grandma and lovingly perfected over the years. Once you make it from scratch (it’s easier than you think!), you’ll never go back.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch & Better Than Canned!) | Skip the canned soup! This homemade green bean casserole from scratch is creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

This is the perfect holiday side to serve next to your Easy Cajun Turkey Brine Recipe for Thanksgiving or your Copycat Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole.

• No canned soup. Ever. This creamy sauce is made with real butter, flour, and sour cream—rich, tangy, and totally comforting.
• Perfectly balanced flavors. Sweet onions, tender green beans, sharp cheddar, and crispy onion topping all work together for classic holiday magic.
• Feeds a crowd (serves 12!). Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or your big Thanksgiving feast.
• Make-ahead friendly. Prepare it up to two days ahead—then bake when ready to serve!

Grandma’s Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Scratch | Bring nostalgia back to your table with Grandma’s green bean casserole — made completely from scratch with fresh ingredients and crispy onions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Roux (Creamy Sauce Base)

• Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 tbsp): Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• Salt (½ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Seasoning essentials to bring everything together.
• Sugar (¼ tsp): Balances the savory notes with just a hint of sweetness.

Filling

• Chopped Onions (1 medium): Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
• Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates that signature tangy, creamy texture.
• Green Beans (6 cups): Use fresh or canned—both work beautifully.

Topping

• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into a gooey, flavorful layer.
• French’s Fried Onions (1 ½ cups): The ultimate crunchy finish.

More of Our Favorite Holiday Side Dishes

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Creamy, Classic, and Perfect for Thanksgiving)

Easy No-Roll Press-In Pie Crust (All-Butter Recipe!)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping – Classic Holiday Side Dish

No-Bake Chocolate Silk Pie | Easy, Creamy Chocolate Dessert

Homemade Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch & Better Than Canned!)

Easy Cajun Turkey Brine Recipe for Thanksgiving

Siracha Deviled Eggs with Fried Green Onions Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Protein Pudding Recipe

Honey Butter Crescent Rolls Recipe

Easy Green Bean Casserole You’ll Make Every Thanksgiving | This no canned soup green bean casserole is a holiday must-have. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and rich, homemade flavor.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a large casserole dish.

2. Blanch the green beans (if using fresh):
   Trim and cut into bite-sized pieces. Boil for 2–3 minutes until bright green, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well.

3. Make the roux:
   In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly stir in sour cream (and a splash of milk if desired). Add salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Add onions & green beans:
   Stir in the chopped onions and the green beans until evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Assemble the casserole:
   Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

6. Add the crispy topping:
   Cover the cheese layer with French’s Fried Onions.

7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

8. Rest before serving:
   Let sit for about 5 minutes to set up beautifully.

Easy Green Bean Casserole You’ll Make Every Thanksgiving | Homemade green bean casserole with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions—made for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just double everything and use a deep 9×13-inch dish (or two medium dishes).

2. Can I use frozen green beans?
Definitely. Thaw and drain them well before using.

3. How long will leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, top with fried onions, and bake as usual.

5. My sauce came out too thick—what did I do wrong?
No problem! Next time, whisk in a bit more milk while making the roux to thin it out.

6. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or Swiss adds a rich, nutty note.

Holiday Green Bean Casserole Made with Real Ingredients | Comfort food at its best! This green bean casserole from scratch has creamy sauce and crispy onions in every bite.

There you have it—the ultimate homemade green bean casserole, made completely from scratch and brimming with rich, creamy, cheesy goodness.

It’s the kind of side dish that brings everyone back for seconds and earns its permanent spot on your holiday menu.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole is comfort food done right. ❤️

Continue to Content

The Best Green Bean Casserole

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Comfort food at its best! This green bean casserole from scratch has creamy sauce and crispy onions in every bite.

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Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chopped onions
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cans green beans, well drained
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French’s Fried Onion Rings

Instructions

1. Over medium heat in a large pot, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and sugar.
2. Working quicking so the flour-butter mixture doesn’t burn, mix in the chopped onions and then whisk in the sour cream. Remove from heat.
3. Fold in the green beans, half of the fried onions, and half of the cheese.
4. Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish (9×13). Spread the remaining cheese and onions on top.
5. Bake at 350ºF for 30 minutes.

Notes

Note: this can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to bake. But be sure to let it sit at room temp for an hour or so before baking OR allow for additional bake time if you put it in the oven straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 403mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g

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