The Secret to Grandma’s Best Green Bean Casserole Is Already In Your Refrigerator

Thousands of reviewers agree that it’s worth skipping condensed soup for.

Meredith Food Studios
Meredith Food Studios

Green bean casserole is a staple on holiday tables. Since the classic recipe was introduced by Campbell's Soup Company in 1955, chefs and home cooks have made an endless number of variations to the now-ubiquitous Thanksgiving staple. But Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole recipe, submitted by Allrecipes Community Member Amy, is one of our favorites. That’s because instead of condensed mushroom soup, the recipe calls for sour cream, which adds both richness and bright tanginess to every bite. With more than 2,000 positive reviews, the test-kitchen approved recipe is an easy yet refreshing take on the classic.

What You’ll Need:

  • Sauce: The sauce comes together quickly with a simple roux of butter and flour combined with sour cream, diced onion, salt, and sugar.

  • Green beans: While the recipe calls for French-style green beans, feel free to use any variety you like, such as cut, whole, or Italian style.

  • Topping: The green bean casserole is crowned with a decadent and crunchy mixture of shredded Cheddar, crumbled crackers (such as Ritz), and butter.

Dotdash Meredith Studios

Dotdash Meredith Studios

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole Variations

  • Use fresh veggies: Swap out the canned green beans for fresh or frozen ones. If you use fresh green beans, some Allrecipes members recommend steaming or blanching them.

  • Mix up the topping: Make the topping extra cheesy by swapping buttery crackers for cheese-flavored ones such as Cheez-Its. You could also swap out the Cheddar for Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses.

  • Add bacon: A tablespoon (or three) of crumbled bacon adds an extra layer of crunch to the casserole.

What the Allrecipes Community Has to Say

  • “Love this recipe. My family always requests it on Thanksgiving and Christmas.” —Tammy

  • “I cannot stand the traditional mushroom soup recipe, and found this. It tastes amazing - my kids love it so much I have to double the recipe for leftovers. Anyone invited to dinner raves over it - I have made this for years now and the skeptical who are used to the traditional recipe are always won over. Always use thick cut green beans, it works best. Excellent and tasty recipe - I would not dream of omitting this from Thanksgiving or Christmas - there would be war, lol!” —Allrecipes Member

  • “I thought that this casserole was so much better than the Campbell’s traditional green bean casserole and I will not be making that one any longer. It is also really delicious with any other dinner whenever you want a good side dish.” —justme624

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Get the recipe: Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole

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