Holiday Green Bean Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds—maybe even thirds. It’s cozy, creamy, and filled with the nostalgic flavors we all crave around the holidays. Whether you’re feeding a big Thanksgiving crowd or just adding something special to a Sunday dinner, this recipe is your secret weapon.
With a rich, cheesy sauce, tender green beans, and a golden, crunchy topping, this Holiday Green Bean Casserole is comfort food at its finest. The best part? It’s simple enough for even the busiest cooks (yes, even you, juggling the turkey timer and your kid’s craft project). So grab your 9×13 dish, a whisk, and let’s make some magic happen.
Table of Contents
What is Holiday Green Bean Casserole?
Holiday Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish that’s been showing up on dinner tables since the mid-20th century. Traditionally made with canned soup and fried onions, this updated version keeps the spirit of the original but turns the flavor dial way up. Fresh green beans (or canned, if you’re pressed for time) meet creamy, cheesy goodness in a sauce made from scratch. Then, it’s all crowned with a buttery panko-Parmesan topping that’s baked to golden perfection.
This casserole strikes the perfect balance between old-fashioned comfort and modern flair. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—the kind that makes family dinners feel extra special, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day that calls for a little bit of delicious nostalgia.
Reasons to Try Holiday Green Bean Casserole
Why make Holiday Green Bean Casserole when you could just grab the can of soup and call it a day? Because this version is what comfort food dreams are made of. First off, it’s homemade, which means no mystery ingredients—just real, fresh, flavor-packed goodness. Second, the cheesy sauce with cream cheese and sharp cheddar adds a rich, luxurious layer you just don’t get from the traditional version. And that crunchy topping? Pure heaven. It’s buttery, crispy, and adds the perfect contrast to the creamy interior.
Plus, this dish feeds a crowd—eight generous portions—so it’s ideal for gatherings. Whether you’re a lifelong casserole lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe will win you over bite after bite. For another cozy favorite, check out this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe—a perfect comparison for how far a little homemade touch can go.
Ingredients Needed to Make Holiday Green Bean Casserole
For the green beans and sauce:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or two 14-oz cans, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the crunchy topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions to Make Holiday Green Bean Casserole
Ready to bring this Holiday Green Bean Casserole to life? Follow this detailed step-by-step guide that walks you through every delicious moment — from prepping your veggies to pulling a bubbling golden casserole out of the oven. This version is foolproof, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to earn you some serious “Can I get the recipe?” moments at the table.
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans (The Foundation of Flavor)
Start this step by step process by prepping your green beans — they’re the star of the show, after all. If you’re using fresh beans, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed beans and let them cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process (a trick that keeps them crisp and vibrant).
If you’re going the canned route, no judgment — simply drain and rinse the beans under cold water to remove excess sodium and that “canned” taste. Want more tips on how to make fresh produce shine? Check out our Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole for inspiration on using fresh ingredients to level up your casseroles.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics (Building the Base)
In this next step-by-step stage, it’s time to create that rich, savory base. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so give them a good 6 minutes to cook down until the pan looks dry again and the mushrooms have turned golden brown.
This process builds a deep, umami-rich flavor that gives your casserole that “homemade from scratch” taste. Feeling adventurous? You can swap mushrooms for a mix of cremini and shiitake for an earthy twist—learn more about creative swaps like this in our Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce (The Heart of the Casserole)
Now comes the most satisfying part of this step-by-step recipe — the sauce. Push the mushrooms and onions to one side of the pan. Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter on the empty side, then whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to create a smooth paste, also known as a roux. Cook it for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. The sauce will thicken beautifully after about 3–4 minutes. Turn the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
Finally, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar and stir until everything melts together into creamy, cheesy perfection. This sauce is what makes your Holiday Green Bean Casserole irresistibly rich and comforting. Want to experiment? Our Creamy Corn Casserole for Thanksgiving offers a similar method for making velvety sauces from scratch — it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of creamy side dishes.
Step 4: Combine Beans and Sauce (The Ultimate Marriage of Flavors)
In this step-by-step stage, you’ll bring everything together. Gently fold the cooked green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce, making sure each bean is fully coated in that luscious mixture. Don’t rush this part — the goal is even coverage and a smooth, cohesive filling. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’re craving something a little heartier, you can toss in 2 cups of small boiled potato chunks for a green bean and potato casserole variation that’s both rustic and satisfying. It’s a cozy twist that’s especially loved in winter gatherings — for more hearty comfort food ideas, take a peek at our Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish (Ready for the Oven)
Now, this step-by-step process gets exciting — it’s time to assemble! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the creamy bean mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll want an even layer so every bite has that perfect balance of sauce, beans, and topping. Set the dish aside while you make the crunchy topping.
Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Topping (That Golden, Buttery Finish)
In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and lightly moist. The butter not only helps the topping brown beautifully but also adds that irresistible toasty flavor. If you love experimenting with textures, try adding a handful of crushed fried onions for extra crunch — a trick inspired by our nostalgic Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole, covering every corner for consistent crispiness.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection (The Grand Finale)
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, broil it for 1–2 minutes — but stay close! It can go from perfect to burnt faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.” The aroma at this step-by-step moment will fill your kitchen with pure holiday magic.
Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve (The Rewarding Last Step)
You’ve reached the final step-by-step stage — the moment you’ve been waiting for. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few flakes of sea salt over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Then, grab a serving spoon and watch as that creamy sauce meets the crunchy topping in each delicious bite.
Serve your Holiday Green Bean Casserole warm alongside your favorite mains. It pairs wonderfully with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan, creating a feast that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
What to Serve with Holiday Green Bean Casserole
This Holiday Green Bean Casserole is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. For a traditional Thanksgiving spread, serve it alongside Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan. If you’re planning a simpler dinner, it complements roast chicken, baked ham, or even meatloaf perfectly. For a more creative twist, pair it with a light soup like Creamy Corn Casserole for Thanksgiving or a crisp salad. This dish is rich and comforting, so it loves being balanced with something fresh or tangy—like cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables.
Key Tips for Making Holiday Green Bean Casserole
- Use fresh green beans if possible—they hold their shape better and have a satisfying bite.
- Don’t skip the roux—it’s the key to that thick, luscious sauce.
- Add cream cheese while warm so it melts smoothly.
- Make the topping last minute—it stays crispier.
- Taste as you go—this dish shines when perfectly seasoned.
And here’s a little insider trick: if you love experimenting, try mixing in a few cooked potato chunks for a heartier version. You’ll get a delicious cross between Holiday Green Bean Casserole and green bean potato casserole—comfort food fusion at its finest.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Holiday Green Bean Casserole
If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but possible), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, but the topping won’t be quite as crunchy. To restore crispiness, pop it under the broiler for a minute. If you’re prepping ahead for the holidays, assemble the casserole (without topping), refrigerate overnight, then add the topping right before baking. It’s a game-changer for stress-free entertaining.
FAQs
Can I make Holiday Green Bean Casserole ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the sauce and beans, refrigerate overnight, then top and bake the next day.
Can I use canned soup instead of homemade sauce? You can, but trust me—the homemade version is miles better.
How do I make it gluten-free? Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I freeze it? Yes, just bake it fully first, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Green Bean Casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s the heart of the table. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden perfection, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together and keeps them smiling. Whether it’s your first time making it from scratch or your tenth, this recipe will quickly become a must-have on your holiday menu. And if you’re in the mood to keep that cozy casserole energy going, don’t miss our Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole for another Southern-inspired favorite.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Holiday Green Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 generous side-dish portions
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and crispy-topped green bean casserole made for holiday gatherings. Features fresh or canned green beans, rich mushroom cream sauce, and a buttery panko-Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
For the green beans and sauce
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved, or two 14‑oz cans green beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the crunchy topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. If using fresh beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and blanch for 3–4 minutes until crisp‑tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
2. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water, then set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once foaming, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic, and sauté until mushrooms release and evaporate their liquid—about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Push veggies to one side of the skillet; melt additional 2 tablespoons of butter beside them. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Stir until sauce thickens—around 3–4 minutes.
5. Mix in softened cream cheese and Dijon mustard until fully melted. Season with garlic and onion powders, plus extra salt and pepper as desired. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Gently fold in the prepared green beans, making sure they’re evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. (Optional) For a heartier variation, add 2 cups of small boiled potato chunks to the bean and sauce mixture before baking.
8. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
10. In a medium bowl, combine panko, melted butter, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
11. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
12. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce settle. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This recipe works great with either fresh or canned green beans—adjust your prep accordingly. To save time, canned beans are a solid shortcut. For an extra savory twist, try adding chopped cooked bacon to the filling. The cheesy sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. If preparing the full casserole ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then add topping and bake just before serving for the best texture.
