Green Bean Casserole with Onion Rings

(2 votes)
32 Comments
5 minutes
October 28, 2024
Andi GleesonJump to Recipe

This savory Green Bean Casserole is made with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy onion rings for a Thanksgiving side dish to remember!

Green Bean Casserole with Onion Ring Topping

Green Bean Casserole: a Thanksgiving Tradition

Do you cook the same things year after year for Thanksgiving or change it up? We have our standards like ground turkey and green beans, dressing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole, but sometimes I try making them in different ways.

I think this green bean casserole is going to be the winner for this year’s Turkey Day. The sauce is made from scratch instead of the good ol’ cream of mushroom soup version (although I love that classic one too!), and the crispy onion rings on top are way better than canned fried onions.

You could add diced chicken to this casserole to make it a full dinner, serve it as a side for a holiday meal, take it to a potluck, or just have it on the side any time of year. Whenever you decide to enjoy this green bean casserole, I hope your family loves it!

Green Bean Casserole with Onion

Using Canned vs Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

When making green bean casserole I would say people are pretty split as to if you should make it with canned cream of mushroom soup or make your own soup. Here are some of the pros and cons of canned and homemade to consider when deciding between the two.

Canned Soup ProsCanned Soup ConsHomemade Soup ProsHomemade
Soup Cons
Fast and easyHigh salt/sodium contentFlexibility in thickness and flavorMore time and work
Distinct flavorBasic flavor, less interestingMore mushroomsCan be inconsistent in flavor, thickness and size
Consistent productLess mushroomsAbility to add creativity and adjust seasoningsMore expensive

At the end of the day I think the decision between using canned or homemade soup should really be based on two factors: time and personal taste preferences. When it comes to Thanksgiving so much is about tradition so keep that in mind. If your mother-in-law always makes green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup, maybe you should do the same…

Green Bean Casserole

Why I love this Green Bean Casserole Recipe

For me, this green bean casserole is a must-make because it is perfect for Thanksgiving and for enjoying the rest of the year. The use of onion rings instead of French’s Crispy Fried Onions really improves and changes the dish. I think the onion rings almost make it into two sides. Because the onion rings are bigger and more flavorful they really stand out when topping the green bean casserole.

I also like to make my own cream of mushroom soup and use frozen green beans instead of canned. I find the frozen green beans have more texture but are still easy to use. My cream of mushroom soup recipe is easy and adds only a little bit of extra time, however, the additional flavor is well worth it.

Green Bean Casserole with Onion Ring

Green Bean Casserole Tips and Tricks

When making green bean casserole with onion rings or with regular French’s Crispy Fried Onions, there are a few things I always like to keep in mind.

  • Watch that it does not come out watery. You want to ensure your soup is nice and thick as the green beans will add some water. If you use milk your will want to add a little extra flour. If you use canned green beans make sure you drain them well. If you use fresh green beans I recommend quickly blanching or steaming them first.
  • Do not skimp on the onion rings or fried onions. I believe you cannot have too many onion rings or crispy onions. They add a lot of texture and flavor and because the green beans tend to be on the soft side the extra crunch really enhances the dish.
  • It’s ok to season the dish. When using canned soups or, in this case, making the soup from scratch, we sometimes are hesitant to add any extra salt and pepper. I always recommend tasting the soup before mixing in the green beans and not worrying if it is just the slightest bit salty as the frozen green beans will not be seasoned and will need some extra flavoring.
  • Add a little extra flavor. I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a couple dashes of Tabasco. The lemon juice helps brighten up the dish, and the tabasco gives a little kick without making it spicy.
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Green Bean Casserole with Onion Ring Topping - This delicious casserole is made with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy onion rings for a holiday side dish to remember!

Green Bean Casserole with Onion Rings

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5 from 2 reviews

This creamy green bean casserole is topped with onion rings instead of the traditional fried onions.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or crushed
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded Italian blend cheese Swiss or monterey jack would also be great
  • 16 ounces frozen French cut green beans (not canned!)
  • 13 ounces frozen onion rings

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in mushrooms and garlic, and saute for about two minutes. Stir in flour until smooth. Stir in milk about ¼ c. at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  3. Add half and half, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in frozen green beans, and transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
  5. Arrange onion rings over the top, and bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.
  6. Press onion rings down into the casserole a bit about halfway through baking.
  7. Casserole is done when it is bubbly and onion rings are golden brown.

Notes

You can use all milk instead of milk and half and half if you prefer, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

  • Author: Andi
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30

How did rolling the clocks back go for you? I can tell you that the fall time change is pretty brutal when you have early birds. My boys were up at 4am that first day! At least I went to bed early the night before, so it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. I’m sure we’ll all adjust soon enough.

When you wake up early, it is nice to not have to wait until 7:30am for the sun to come up. It’s hard to spring out of bed when the sun won’t be shining for hours.

I actually really like this time change once we’re settled into it because the early sunset makes me finally feel like fall is here. The boys and I suddenly feel like we have a nightlife when it’s dark at 5pm since that’s about as late as we’re ever out. I’m also excited to think about the upcoming holidays, especially the Thanksgiving feast.

Green Bean Casserole with Onion Ring Topping Recipe

Want more green bean recipes? Give these a try!

Andi Gleeson, food blogger

Andi Gleeson

Andi Gleeson is a passionate blogger and mom based in San Francisco who focuses on easy and delicious dinner recipes.

32 comments

danleep11
5 years ago

This is a great recipe. I transformed it into vegan which is generally easy for many if not most non-vegan recipes. I also trimmed down the baking time by simply pot heating the mushroom mix, dumping into the casserole dish with the onions on top and then baking just a few minutes until browned (maybe 5). The mushroom gravy/soup is simply wonderful. Thanks…

Staci Anderson
5 years ago

Is there a good way to prepare this the night before or morning of Thanksgiving? I want to take it to our gathering but will be traveling 2-1/2 hours and I don’t want to take up valuable cooking space in the host’s kitchen to prepare it at her house.

Sammy Garcia
7 years ago

Do you have to use half and half?

vanesss
7 years ago

I make this recipe for thanksgiving every year
but i use broccoli instead of green beans
let me tell you it’s soooo good
even on other holidays or potlucks I have people asking me can you bring your onion ring casserole
one of my favorite recipes ever

Mel Raschke
7 years ago

Such a good idea. I am saving this for Christmas Eve.

Mel Raschke
7 years ago

Such a great idea with the onion rings. Not cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, but will use this for Christmas Eve.

Melissa
9 years ago

“Onion ring topping” is one of the most beautiful sentences I’ve ever heard.

Andi Gleeson
9 years ago

Haha thanks, Melissa! Glad you like it :)

Brittany B
10 years ago

This is such a good idea! Onion rings are the best. I’m definitely pinning this one.

Andi
10 years ago

Thanks a lot, Brittany! Hope you had a nice weekend :)

Jennifer Edsall
10 years ago

How would you adapt this to use fresh green beans? THANKS

Andi
10 years ago

Hi, Jennifer. Sorry it took me a couple days to get back to you! Usually fresh and frozen beans cook similarly, but this recipe uses french cut beans. If you want to take the time to cut fresh beans that way, you could keep the recipe the same. If you want to use kitchen-cut green beans, you might want to lightly steam them first so they don’t turn out too crisp. Hope that helps!

Justine@CookingandBeer
10 years ago

I was SOOO ready for the clocks to change! I hate waking up in the dark! Onion rings on green bean casserole!? Why have I never thought of this?! Genius!

Andi
10 years ago

I like the time change except for the insane waking hours of my precious children. Hopefully they’ll adjust soon! Thanks about the casserole, Justine :)

Annie @Maebells
10 years ago

This is so fun! I love the twist with onion rings on top, why has this not been done before! Genius!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you, Annie! Unfortunately the onion rings aren’t GF, but maybe you could make your own :) Whole Foods might have some GF onion rings! I’m going to check.

Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
10 years ago

4 am? Oy! My kids slept till about 6:15, instead of their usual 7:15, which I can totally handle. I hope yours adjust to the time change soon! I love how you made homemade mushroom sauce for your casserole, and that is just brilliant to top it with onion rings!

Andi
10 years ago

Today they made it to 5am, so I think we’re moving in the right direction! 7:15 sounds heavenly to me. Thank you, Kristine!

Jamie | Jamie's Recipes
10 years ago

ONION RINGS! Brilliant!! I always eat the fried onions off first anyway so making them giant onion rings seems like the most natural progression for me. I can’t wait to try this!

Andi
10 years ago

Thanks a lot, Jamie! I think you’ll love it this way!

Julie @ This Gal Cooks
10 years ago

Why have I never thought to do this? Onion rings > French Fried Onions. Great recipe, Andi!

PS, I love the extra hour in the day but hate that it’s dusk when I leave work!

Andi
10 years ago

Thanks so much, Julie! Maybe you can leave work earlier since it will seem like night at about 4:45 soon :)

Sara @ Bitz & Giggles
10 years ago

Oh my, Andi. Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite sides of ALL TIME. The fact that you put onion rings on top is pure genius. Pinning and sharing!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you so much, Sara! I appreciate it!

Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy
10 years ago

Oh my, Andi. You are so creative! What a great use of frozen onion rings! I love this version of green bean casserole. I’m going to have to try this soon, I can’t wait until Thanksgiving!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you, Jen! I’m so excited for Thanksgiving too!

Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector)
10 years ago

Yummo! I have such a weakness for onion rings and Green Bean Casserole is always my favorite side dish!! I can’t wait to try this one!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you, Jaren! Maybe you can try it this way this year :)

Carol at Wild Goose Tea
10 years ago

What a wonderful enhancement to this tried and true recipe. I am liking it. If this doesn’t show up on the holiday table, there are some unhappy diners. So what a good way to change it up a bit.

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you, Carol! Your Thanksgiving must be so fun because YOU’RE there! :)

Gina
10 years ago

Holy SMACKERS!!!!!!!!! I could eat this whole thing – YUM!!!!!

Andi
10 years ago

Haha you are so cute, Gina. Thank you!

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