The ultimate green bean casserole recipe with no mushroom soup is ready for the oven in 20 minutes! With fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, crispy bacon and fried onions or crispy panko topping!
Like this recipe? Try these winners: Southern Green Beans with Bacon, Potatoes au Gratin, Easy Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Recipeand Easy Corn Casserole.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- From Scratch | No canned cream of mushroom soup or canned green beans used in this green bean casserole recipe.
- A Holiday Classic | A staple at holiday meals, perfect Thanksgiving dinner or the Christmas table.
- Make Ahead | This casserole is perfect for the busy holiday season. You can easily make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven before you serve it up.
I love Thanksgiving and it’s not Thanksgiving without green bean casserole — but no mushroom soup, please! We love Thanksgiving, and this year since we are recent empty nesters, we can’t wait to have our boys home and enjoy this time with family and friends.
I am all about the juicy turkey, stuffing and this amazing gravy, but my family prefers this copycat Honeybaked Ham, Funeral potatoes and this amazing Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie!
Healthy Twists
- Optional Topping | You can omit it and save a few carbs and calories.
- No Canned Cream Soups | Omitting canned soups removes preservatives and fillers.
Simple Ingredients Green Bean Casserole No Mushroom Soup
- Green Beans | Use fresh green beans for the most authentic flavor rather than the french cut canned beans.
- Bacon | Fry up some diced thick-cut bacon. Choose your favorite brand and bring this green bean casserole to the next level.
- Yellow onion & Garlic | Finely diced yellow onion will bring a sweet yet savory flavor to the casserole, garlic adds loads of flavor.
- Mushrooms | Use shitake, cremini, baby bella, or button mushrooms.
- Flour | All-purpose flour thickens the sauce naturally! Or use AP Gluten-Free flour if desired.
- Half and half | Adds the perfect creamy touch to this easy green bean casserole.
- Chicken broth | Chicken broth or if preferred use turkey broth or vegetable broth.
- Whole milk | Rich and creamy whole milk works with the half and half to complete the delicious gravy.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese | Adds creaminess and the right bite.
- Worcestershire sauce | Worcestershire sauce adds a little something special!
- Thyme | I suggest using fresh thyme leaves. However, you may also use dried thyme.
- Salt and Pepper | Sprinkle a little kosher salt and pepper to your liking.
- French fried onions | Use quality French fried onions for a salty and sweet crunch on top of the green bean casserole. I like the Trader Joes’ brand, or Sprouts, which has an organic and gluten-free product.
Optional Toppings for Green Bean Casserole with No Mushrooms
- Breadcrumbs | Panko breadcrumbs are very crunchy and crisp. If you prefer, you can use normal breadcrumbs or the gluten-free version.
- Butter | Tasty butter acts like the glue to hold together the panko breadcrumbs.
- Salt and pepper | Add some kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
If you are cooking for two, cut this recipe in half (leftovers are great) and serve with this Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast or Air Fryer Turkey Thighs for a simple meal for two!
Gluten-Free Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free cup-for-cup flour and find gluten-free crispy fried onions or omit it altogether.
- Make sure the bacon package you choose is gluten-free as well as the chicken broth.
- For the remaining ingredients, double-check to ensure they are gluten-free, particularly the dried seasonings and Worcestershire sauce and fried onions. Usually, these products are naturally gluten-free, but it’s wise to confirm.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup
Step 1 | Prep the Green Beans and Preheat the Oven
Start this traditional holiday recipe by preheating the oven to 350° F (175° C) and spraying the baking dish with cooking spray or rub with butter. Then, wash, trim, and cut the green beans in halves or smaller pieces, if desired.
Step 2 | Blanch the Green Beans
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add a tablespoon of kosher salt to season them subtly.
Toss the green beans into the boiling water and blanch for about three to five minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, remove the tender green beans from the pot and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water.
Step 3 | Cook the Remaining Ingredients
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and crispy. Then, remove the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onions to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and just starting to brown; do not drain bacon grease unless a large amount.
Next, add the mushrooms and sauté for another four to five minutes until soft. Toss in the minced garlic cloves during the last minute of sautéing and stir until fragrant. Then, remove onion mixture from the skillet.
Fresh Tips
- Using the same large skillet for many ingredients will blend the flavors and season each as you go. While you can certainly switch skillets and make more dishes, why not use the same one all the way through and boost the flavors?
- Blanching the green beans brightens their color but also keeps their crisp and tender texture.
Step 4 | Create the Sauce
Now, for the creamy mushroom sauce! In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour, continually stirring for at least 2 minutes. You should notice the mixture darkening in color.
Slowly whisk the half and half, milk, and chicken broth into the flour mixture. Whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly. Stir in the fresh or dried thyme, as well as the Worcestershire sauce. Then, whisk in the cheese until melted, creamy, and smooth.
Step 5 | Combine and Bake until crispy
Finally, add the onion and mushroom mixture along with the bacon pieces and allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes over medium-low heat. Drop in the blanched green beans and stir for the sauce to cover them. Then, add salt and pepper to taste.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×13 greased casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle the casserole with French onions. Then, bake in a preheated oven uncovered for 30-40 minutes. You want the green bean casserole to be bubbly and golden brown and the onions to be crispy.
Optional Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Panko Topping
If you’d like to add a crispy buttery topping, here’s how. First, in a mixing bowl, combine the panko, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Then, spread the mixture on top of the casserole and sprinkle with a handful of French Fried Onions.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try Different Cheeses – Use a mix of mild and sharp white cheddar or some Monterey jack. Include parmesan cheese, or get creative and try gouda or something with a bold flavor like gruyere!
- Keep it Simple – Especially for picky eaters, you can keep the recipe basic and leave out fresh mushrooms.
- Creole Green Bean Casserole – Sprinkle in some thinly sliced Cajun sausage, Creole seasoning, and diced pimentos. Make it spicier with some red pepper flakes.
- Worcestershire – You can switch the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce. Get the gf version.
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Make Ahead instructions: Prepare green bean casserole and make sure the casserole is completely cooled. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add crispy panko or fried onion topping just before baking. Remove casserole from the fridge 30-60 minutes to allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
How to Freeze Green Bean Casserole | Cool completely, press plastic wrap firmly onto the mixture, ensure the green beans are submerged and cover tightly with foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
How to reheat Green Bean Casserole
When you’re ready to serve, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cream mixtures sometimes change in texture when frozen, but it will still taste the same; check out my post on the best way to freeze cream casseroles.
Then, when ready to bake, remove the thawed casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes to come to room temperature. Remove plastic wrap, add the crunchy topping, and bake covered (350° F (175° C) with foil for 20 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Then, it’s ready for the holiday table!
Use your leftover Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Worcestershire Sauce in this divine Leftover Ham pot pie! Or add to this Turkey Divan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh green beans are always best, but you can certainly make this the best green bean casserole recipe with canned or frozen green beans if you prefer. If you use frozen green beans, remember to thaw them before adding them to the recipe. Drained green beans would be best to avoid a watery casserole.
By quickly blanching fresh green beans (submerge them in salted boiling water for a few minutes, then shock in an ice water bath). The time in the oven is not enough time to properly soften and cook the green beans. Plus, blanching them makes the green beans bright green for a much prettier and more tasty presentation.
Using flour in the sauce should keep this from happening. If you are concerned about the sauce being too runny be sure to drain the green beans well and cook your roux (flour, butter, cream mixture) until it’s nice and thick. Using flour in the sauce should make the bacon green bean casserole thick enough, so the topping lays on top without sinking into the moist casserole.
Classic Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe is made with canned soup. And it is still tasty, for sure. However, when the creamy sauce is made from scratch, there’s no competition—homemade green bean casserole is the winner. There’s so much more authentic flavor that makes a massive difference, plus no preservatives or MSG!
More recipes that are great for a traditional Thanksgiving side dish
- Easy Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
- Holiday Praline Yams (Sweet Potatoes)
- Fresh Cranberry Relish
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze
- Cheesy Asparagus Bake {No Fail!}
- Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
What to serve with green bean casserole without mushroom soup?
- Best Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe or try my Air Fryer Turkey breast
- Love dark meat, try these Turkey thighs or Air Fryer Turkey Legs instead!
- How about these Crispy Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- For dessert, try our classic Pumpkin Custard pie or these Shortbread cookies.
Best Side Dishes to go with Green Bean Casserole
Try my classic Potatoes Dauphinoise, or this Broccoli Au Gratin and this fabulous holiday salad.
The Best Festive Holiday Christmas Salad Recipe
For a beautiful Holiday Salad Recipe this year, add a healthy punch of bold flavors to your holiday menu. Simple greens, fruits, and veggies topped with goat cheese and crunchy nuts — it is a festive Christmas Salad topped with pomegranate arils and a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
This creamy and cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe is made with fresh and tender broccoli florets, sharp white cheddar, nutty gruyere cheese, and seasoned with minced garlic and fragrant herbs. The perfect holiday side dish.
Potatoes au Gratin (Potatoes Dauphinoise)
Potatoes au Gratin are the best!! This classic French potato side dish is also known as potatoes Dauphinoise. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy herb and garlic infused sauce, studded with rich and nutty Gruyère cheese; baked to golden, creamy, bubbly perfection! Oh and they are naturally gluten-free!
Don’t skip blanching the green beans. Otherwise, your green beans will be too raw and crispy for most people’s preferences. And be sure to toss them into an ice bath after boiling them for a few minutes. This ensures the beans stop cooking.
I hope you loved this green bean casserole without mushroom soup — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole (no mushroom soup)
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Print Pin Save RateEquipment
- STAUB Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green beans fresh, cut, blanched* see notes
- 4 slices bacon thick cut, diced
- ยฝ cup yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces mushrooms chopped (cremini, button, shitaki, baby bella, your favorite)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour use gluten-free AP flour if GF
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ยฝ cup whole milk
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 sprigs thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can French fried onions
Optional Topping
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
- ground black pepper
Instructions
How to Blanche Green Beans
- Trim and cut the green beans into halves or smaller pieces if desired. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat, add a tablespoon of kosher salt (adds flavor to the green beans), but adjust your salt according to taste in the cheesy mixture.
- Toss prepared green beans into boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally (on the longer side for high altitude). Then using a slotted spoon or a spider, remove the green beans from the pot and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water.
Green Bean Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease the casserole dish with spray oil or rub with butter.
- Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, remove to a paper towel lined plate. Add onions and saute until soft and just starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute another 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic during the last minute of sauteing and stir until fragrant. Remove onion mixture.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, continually stirring for at least 2 minutes. The mixture will darken in color, you are making a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the half and half, milk and chicken broth into the flour mixture, whisking constantly until thickened slightly and smooth. Stir in thyme and Worcestershire sauce, then whisk in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Finally, add the onion/mushroom mixture along with the bacon, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir in the blanched green beans, stirring to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste either before or after adding the green beans.
- Pour green bean mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and if desired, sprinkle with French onions. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until it is bubbly and golden and onions are crispy on top.
Make Optional Panko Topping
- Mix together panko, melted butter, salt and pepper, spread on top of the casserole, then sprinkle with French Fried Onions.
Linda
Love this and you can make it ahead!!!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much, Linda!!
Stephanie
I’m really excited to try this recipe. I always make the green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, eat my obligatory helping, and then throw out the rest of the casserole. I just make it for tradition at this point. No one even likes it! Definitely time to change up the recipe!
Kathleen Pope
You will hopefully love it!
Nathan
As a massive fan of green bean casserole, I can’t believe I’ve never made it with bacon! Definitely going on my list to make for Thanksgiving this year.
Kathleen Pope
Hope you love it Nathan!
Mirlene
I’m saving this recipe to make for Thanksgiving. I love the addition of the bacon. It’ll give off some savory flavors so my kids can have their veggies too!
Kathleen Pope
Veggies you feel good about! Thanks Mirlene!
veenaazmanov
This dish looks so tempting. Bursting with flavors and veggies and cheesy too. Have to make this dish for the weekend.
Kathleen Pope
Its sooo good!!
Amy
This was absolutely delicious! What a tasty version that really had all the flavors melding!
Kathleen Pope
So glad you liked it!!
Anjali
Adding bacon to this traditional green bean casserole was genius!! It totally elevated this dish and added so much flavor!
Kathleen Pope
I agree! Amazing how it enhances the flavors!
Gina Abernathy
Amazing flavors! Added this to my menu for Thanksgiving Day.
Kathleen Pope
Fantastic!
Aimee Mars
Incredible! Making this for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen Pope
Thank you Aimee!!
Kathleen Pope
Thank you so much!
Charles
Your Classic Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is definitely a keeper. I will be making this one on Thanksgiving! Thank you very much!
Kathleen Pope
Thank you so very much!
Jess
This is THE ultimate green bean casserole. No more canned soup for me!
Kathleen Pope
Yes!! I love it when it get a convert!! Thank you Jess!
Tasia
Yes!!! My dad always wants green bean casserole for Thanksgiving and I struggle to make it with canned soup. Cannot wait to make this homemade version!
Kathleen Pope
Me too Tasia, this recipe has taken me a few years to get right, but I think it’s spot on!
Tasia
Goodness girl!! I made this green bean casserole for Thanksgiving and it was INCREDIBLE!! So good that I had it warmed up for breakfast the last two mornings. I did use 1% milk instead of whole and didn’t add the optional panko. It has been added to my Thanksgiving notebook and will definitely be making more appearances on my table. Thank you for another winning recipe!
Kathleen Pope
Wahoo, I love hearing that Tasia and thank you for the tip on the 1% milk, that is great info for future readers! You are the best and I am so glad you and your family loved it!