Green bean casserole. It's one of my absolute favorite holiday side dishes that I just can't get enough of. I love it so much that I actually make it all year long, no matter the time of year.
And I definitely passed on my love of the Thanksgiving favorite to my kiddo. So much so that he asked for me to make it on his birthday! What 10 year old asks for green beans for their birthday dinner? Only mine.
The thing is, I haven't always had this love.
In fact, as a kid, I hated green bean casserole, and it's kind of a strange series of events that got me to this love now.
Basically, my mom would make a huge pan of her special "Green Bean Supreme" for the holidays. It wasn't your classic recipe that everyone makes with a can of cream of chicken soup or whatever. It was slightly different.
Although I wouldn't know it because I had never had the classic recipe before.
All I knew was that I hated my mom's green bean recipe so I must hate all green bean casseroles. Blegh. Pile my plate high with mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls, and jello salad. But no green beans for me!
About 10 years ago, I was invited to a friend's Thanksgiving dinner and they served green bean casserole. The classic recipe that everyone makes and loves. I didn't want to seem rude, so I put a little bit on my plate.
What do you know, I absolutely loved it! I gobbled it all up and had to have more. Where had this been all my life?!
I remember telling my mom about my new love for green bean casserole, and she said, "Yeah, but do you remember how good MY casserole was?"
Nope!
No way.
No how.
Yet somehow she convinced me to try it out again now that I was an adult with more grown-up tastebuds.
And try it I did!
How did I not like Mom's Green Bean Supreme? It was laden with super stringy Swiss cheese that just added a whole new level of flavor to an already delicious dish.
PLUS there is no cream of anything soup, which is a major point in my recipe book.
This holiday season, you can enjoy your classic Green Bean Casserole like you do every year. Or you can take Thanksgiving to the next level with my MOM's Green Bean Casserole.
Besides, the classic recipe won't give you that perfect melty cheese shot you know you're trying to get for your Instagram and Snapchat feed during the big feast... Just sayin'.
[Tweet "A classic Thanksgiving side totally kicked up a notch... with CHEESE!"]
And be sure to round out your Thanksgiving meal with a couple more classics:
This Caramel Apple Pie is the one I make every single year. Not only because I love it, but because my family can't imagine a Thanksgiving without it. This is the pie my dad said was better than any Sara Lee he's ever tasted!
My Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower will probably fool just about everyone at the table. They'll think they're eating mashed potatoes. No joke. They taste just as good as your favorite mashed potatoes, but are light, fluffy, and guilt-free!
Want your apple pie in cocktail form? These Caramel Apple Pie Cocktails are the way to go!
Thanksgiving leftovers are the best and it's no different for vegetarians! This Thanksgiving Leftover Veggie Burger has all the fixin's from your meal the day before, but takes a veggie twist. And you can top it with this amazing green bean casserole too!
Or wait! Maybe you're looking for something a little healthier like my Vegan Green Bean Casserole. My family is in LOVE with this plant-based version of a holiday staple and can't even tell it's healthy!
Ingredients
- ½ small yellow onion , diced
- 2 Tablespoons butter (vegan)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup vegan sour cream
- 2 cans green beans
- 1 cup non-dairy swiss or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven for 400 degrees F.
- In a skillet, cook onion in butter slightly, for just about a minute.
- Whisk in the flour and salt. Add milk gradually and cook until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and beans.
- Spread ⅓ of bean mixture in 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle ½ of the swiss cheese over the beans. Repeat layers, ending with the beans. Top with fried onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a picture, upload it to Instagram and tag me (@happyfoodholly) and use the hashtag #inspiredbyholly
Erin says
I have made this many times and everyone always loves it. Great recipe.
Holly Waterfall says
I'm so happy to hear that! It's always a hit!
Natasha says
Can this made the night before?
Holly Waterfall says
Yes, you can assemble the whole thing overnight and just bake when it's time. Enjoy!
Alyson says
Should the green beans be drained?
Holly Waterfall says
Yes drain the beans. Enjoy!
Nadine says
Can you prep this the night before?
Holly Waterfall says
Yes, you can prep the night before and just put it in the oven when it's time to cook.
Linda Hall says
I haven't made this yet. But I'm going to try it this thanksgiving. I've got a huge group coming (my kids and grandkids) so I'll be making 2 pans. And sense I've got the ingredients for the other one I'll conduct a little experiment. Yours or the other? I totally agree yours has to be!!! Like you, as a kid I hated green beans with a passion. Still don't like them unless it's the casserole. But, this recipe sounds way to good to pass up!!
Can't wait to try it.
Holly Waterfall says
Oh I cannot wait to hear which recipe wins!! (I sure hope it's mine!) Just note that this recipe makes 3 cups, so if you're looking to make a 9x13 pan, you may want to at least double the recipe.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and please report back with the results 🙂
Alyssa says
How big of a serving does this recipe make?
Holly Waterfall says
This makes about 3 cups of green beans, so maybe 4-6 servings. You can easily double or even triple it in a 9x13 pan if you need to. I hope you try it out!