Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole is that cozy, old-fashioned side dish every Southern table deserves—especially when you make it from scratch. Forget the canned soup shortcut or those store-bought onions; this recipe is all about fresh, creamy comfort. Whether it’s a holiday spread or a weeknight dinner, this casserole hits that perfect sweet spot between nostalgic and downright delicious.
And the best part? You’ll actually know what’s in it. Made with real milk, butter, and fresh green beans, it brings that heartwarming “made with love” taste right to your plate. If you grew up with casseroles bubbling away in your grandma’s kitchen, this one will feel like a warm hug in a baking dish. Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole truly makes any meal feel special—without the fuss.
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What is Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole?
Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole is the made-from-scratch version of the classic American side dish that’s been gracing Southern tables for generations. Traditionally, the quick version uses canned soup and pre-fried onions, but this recipe takes a fresher, more flavorful route. Instead of condensed mushroom soup, we use a creamy, stovetop mushroom sauce thickened with cornstarch, seasoned with soy sauce, and poured over tender green beans.
The crispy, golden homemade French-fried onions on top give it that irresistible crunch we all crave. It’s the dish that bridges comfort and quality—rich, creamy, and packed with real, earthy mushroom flavor. This casserole doesn’t just taste better; it feels better, too, because it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Reasons to Try Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
There’s something downright satisfying about knowing you made a classic from scratch—and Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole is the perfect recipe for that. First, the flavor is fresher and bolder. No tinny canned taste—just buttery mushrooms, real onions, and the perfect balance of salty and savory. Second, it’s healthier than the traditional shortcut version, with less sodium and no processed soup.
Third, it’s easy to make ahead of time, which means one less thing to stress over during big gatherings. And finally, it’s the kind of side dish that gets people talking—“Did you really make this yourself?” Yes, ma’am, you did. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to bring a little Southern charm to your table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced thin
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen)
Homemade French Fried Onions:
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced thin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions to Make Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
Let’s walk through how to make this Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole step by step—no cans, no shortcuts, just good old-fashioned Southern comfort done right. Every part of this recipe adds flavor and texture, so take your time and enjoy the process.
Step 1: Cook the Green Beans Step by Step
Start your Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole step by step by prepping the star of the show—the green beans. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your green beans and cook for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender but not mushy. This quick blanch helps the beans keep their beautiful green color and a little bite even after baking. Once cooked, drain the beans well and spread them into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
If you’re using frozen beans, there’s no need to thaw them first—just add a couple of minutes to your boiling time. For a refresher on how to pick and prep fresh produce, check out my guide on flavorful vegetable cooking basics.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions Step by Step
In this next step by step, you’ll build the rich, savory base for your casserole. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and half of your thinly sliced onions. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms turn soft and the onions look translucent and golden around the edges. This step is where the real depth of flavor develops—skip rushing it. If you’re a fan of creamy, earthy flavors, you’ll love this part (and you might also want to bookmark my creamy mushroom wild rice soup for later).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce Step by Step
Now it’s time to make that luscious homemade sauce—no canned soup here! In a measuring cup, whisk together milk, cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until it’s smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture into the skillet with your cooked mushrooms and onions. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly. Within 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see the sauce start to thicken into a velvety texture that coats your spoon—this is when you know it’s ready. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. (If you enjoy homemade sauces, you might also love my creamy chicken Maryland soup for another cozy dinner idea.)
Step 4: Combine and Bake Step by Step
Pour your creamy mushroom mixture over the green beans in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly—the goal is to make sure every bean gets its fair share of that silky sauce. Smooth the top, then pop the dish into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. During this step by step, the sauce will bubble slightly, thickening further as it mingles with the green beans. The aroma filling your kitchen will make everyone wander in asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”
Step 5: Make the Homemade French Fried Onions Step by Step
While the casserole bakes, it’s time to make your crispy topping. In a medium skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, toss the remaining sliced onions in flour until they’re evenly coated. Once the oil is hot (you’ll know it’s ready when a bit of flour sizzles instantly), add the onions in batches. Fry them until they’re golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. These homemade onions are far crunchier and fresher than anything you’ll find in a can. If frying feels intimidating, check out my tips for easy stovetop cooking in hearty one-pot lentil stew.
Step 6: Finish and Serve Step by Step
Pull your bubbling casserole from the oven, and sprinkle the freshly fried onions evenly over the top. If you’re using store-bought fried onions instead, that’s perfectly fine—just layer them on and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and is easier to scoop. This step by step ending is where everything comes together—creamy sauce, tender beans, and those irresistible crunchy onions. It’s a dish that deserves a moment of quiet appreciation before the first bite.
Bonus Tip: Make It Ahead Step by Step
If you’re planning for a busy holiday meal, assemble your Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole step by step up through baking (before adding the onions), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven and top with fresh onions. This make-ahead method saves time without sacrificing flavor—so you can focus on the turkey, desserts, or maybe a warm drink like maple cranberry butter spread for your breadbasket.
Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole done step by step isn’t just about following directions—it’s about enjoying the rhythm of real cooking. From the first sizzle to the last crispy topping, each stage builds a story of flavor and comfort that tastes like home.
What to Serve with Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with hearty main dishes and comforting sides. Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or a honey-glazed ham for the ultimate Southern feast. It also shines next to classics like mashed potatoes or Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. For a cozy, balanced dinner, pair it with something lighter, like Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup or Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew. Don’t forget something a little sweet for dessert—like Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread. This dish fits seamlessly into any menu where comfort and flavor are the stars.
Key Tips for Making Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
- Use fresh green beans when possible—they hold their texture better and taste cleaner.
- Don’t rush the sauce. Let it thicken slowly over medium heat; that’s where the creamy magic happens.
- Homemade onions are worth the extra effort—they stay crisp longer and taste amazing.
- Make ahead: Assemble everything except the onions up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.
- Flavor twist: Add a dash of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole rewards patience and a bit of love—every creamy, crispy bite proves it.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 60–90 seconds. If the onions lose their crunch, pop the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up. For freezing, skip the fried onions and add them fresh after reheating. Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole holds up beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh or frozen gives the best texture. Canned beans can turn mushy.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap milk for almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
Can I use store-bought onions?
Of course. If you’re short on time, grab 2 ½ cups of crispy onions and sprinkle them on before the final bake.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole is the kind of side dish that never goes out of style. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting, yet surprisingly simple. Making it from scratch brings that extra layer of care—something you can taste in every bite. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Sunday supper, or just because you felt like treating your family to something special, this casserole is pure Southern comfort in a pan.
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Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The best green bean casserole recipe from scratch using fresh green beans, onions, and mushrooms. This homemade Southern green bean casserole skips canned soup and store-bought fried onions for a truly made-from-scratch holiday side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter, salted
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen)
- Homemade French Fried Onions:
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a sauce pan, add green beans and cover with water.
3. Place sauce pan with green beans on the stove and turn on high. Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain cooked green beans and place in a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish, set aside.
5. Slice the mushrooms and onion.
6. In a large skillet, melt butter on medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and half of the sliced onions. Cook until mushrooms are soft and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. In a measuring cup, combine milk, cornstarch, low-sodium soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk to prevent lumps.
8. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet with mushrooms and onions. Stir regularly until thickened, about 5–10 minutes.
9. Once thickened, turn off heat and pour the mixture over the green beans. Stir gently to coat.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. While casserole bakes, prepare homemade French fried onions. Fill a skillet with 1/2 inch of oil and heat on medium-high.
12. Toss reserved sliced onions in flour until coated.
13. Fry onions in hot oil until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
14. After 20 minutes, remove casserole from oven and top with fried onions. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you don’t want to make your own French fried onions, substitute 2 1/2 cups of store-bought crispy onions.
If using store-bought onions, sprinkle them on after baking, then return the casserole to the oven for 15 more minutes until browned.
Omit the salt if using regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium.
This makes a perfect side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
