Green bean casserole might just be the most underrated dish at the holiday table—until you try Paula Deen’s Southern Green Bean Casserole. This classic recipe is loaded with buttery sauteed mushrooms and onions, creamy mushroom soup, crispy French-fried onions, and melted sharp cheddar cheese that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting Sunday dinner, this Southern-style casserole is the kind of dish that disappears fast.
In this article, you’ll get step-by-step instructions, smart ingredient tips, crockpot variations, and expert answers to the top questions people ask about green bean casserole. You’ll also find make-ahead tricks and suggestions for how to double the recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd. Looking for inspiration? Try our Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe to compare variations and serve the best version at your next meal.
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Why This Southern Green Bean Casserole Is a Must-Have Side Dish
The comfort of tradition in every bite
Southern cooking is rooted in tradition, and this casserole captures everything nostalgic and homey. The tender green beans simmered in broth, the crispy fried onions, and that creamy, cheesy base are what make this dish a time-honored favorite in Southern kitchens.
Paula Deen’s signature flavor profile
Paula Deen is known for big, bold, buttery flavors—and this casserole lives up to that standard. With fresh sauteed mushrooms, rich cream of mushroom soup, and a sharp cheddar cheese finish, this isn’t your average green bean side. It’s Southern comfort food at its best.
Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond
This casserole’s versatility makes it perfect for any holiday. It’s make-ahead friendly, pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast beef, and is just as delicious as leftovers. Discover great ideas like our Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe to complete your holiday spread.
Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole
Fresh vs. canned green beans: which to use and why
This recipe works well with either, but each has its perks. Fresh green beans provide a firmer bite and fresher taste. Just trim and boil them in chicken broth for full flavor. If you’re short on time, canned green beans work just fine. Just drain and skip the boiling step. Don’t miss our Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans for another easy way to enjoy green beans year-round.
| Type | Prep Needed | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Trim + boil | Firm-tender |
| Canned | Drain only | Soft |
| Frozen | Boil lightly | Tender |
The role of mushrooms, onions, and seasoning
The savory depth comes from buttery sauteed mushrooms and onions. Seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper gives it the Southern flair. This savory blend creates the umami base that keeps people going back for seconds.
Cheese matters—why freshly grated cheddar is better
Skip the pre-shredded bag. Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese melts more smoothly and tastes richer. It gives the casserole that golden, gooey top that’s hard to resist. Mild cheddar or Swiss can be used if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Craving more cheesy goodness? Don’t miss our Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin—another side dish showstopper.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole
Prep and boil the green beans
Start by boiling trimmed green beans in chicken broth. This step infuses them with flavor and softens their texture just enough. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Saute the onion and mushroom blend
Melt butter in a skillet and saute diced onions and sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and onions are translucent. This mix forms the flavorful base of your casserole.
Bake to cheesy, golden perfection
Combine the beans, sauteed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, French-fried onions, and seasonings in a bowl. Pour the mix into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Sprinkle freshly grated cheddar on top, bake another 10 minutes, and serve hot.
Check out our Creaminess Baked Mashed Potatoes for another crowd-pleasing comfort side.
Recipe Tips, Substitutions & Make-Ahead Tricks
Make it vegetarian or low-sodium
If you’re cooking for vegetarians, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Want a lower-sodium option? Go with low-sodium soup and unsalted broth. You’ll still get that creamy, savory base without overwhelming salt.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Vegetarian Zucchini Cornbread Casserole for a no-meat, full-flavor dish.
Make-ahead and freezer tips
This casserole is one of the best make-ahead dishes for busy holidays. Prepare the full filling mix up to 2 days ahead, but hold off on the cheese and French-fried onions until baking. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge, and you’re good to go.
Want to freeze it? Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish without the fried onions and cheese. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, top, and bake fresh.
How to double the recipe for large gatherings
Feeding a crowd? Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13” baking dish. It may need an extra 10 minutes in the oven. Cover it with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to let the top brown and crisp up beautifully.
Discover great ideas like our Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe to serve alongside this dish for a complete Southern-style table.
Crockpot Version of This Green Bean Casserole
Best time and temperature for crockpot cooking
Making this in a slow cooker is ideal for saving oven space. Set your crockpot to LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1 hour. Keep an eye on the texture—it should be creamy and hot, not mushy.
Ingredient adjustments for slow cooking
Use drained canned green beans or lightly boiled frozen ones to avoid sogginess. Also, reduce the butter slightly, since moisture won’t escape during crockpot cooking like it does in the oven.
Looking for more cozy crockpot ideas? Don’t miss our Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe for another comforting winner.
Keeping the onions crispy until serving
This part is key: never mix in the French-fried onions during crockpot cooking. Instead, sprinkle them on top just before serving to preserve their signature crunch. You can even toast them separately in the oven for a few minutes to boost flavor and crispiness.
FAQs About Southern Green Bean Casserole
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This is one of the best make-ahead casseroles. Assemble everything but the fried onions and cheese, store covered in the fridge for up to 48 hours, and bake it just before serving. It’s a game-changer during busy holidays.
What’s the best type of green beans to use?
It depends on texture preference. Fresh green beans offer a firmer, vibrant bite. Canned green beans are softer and more nostalgic. Frozen green beans fall somewhere in the middle and are great if you’re prepping ahead.
Can I leave out the mushrooms?
Yes, and the casserole will still be delicious. Mushrooms add an earthy depth, but if your guests aren’t fans, skip them or replace with more sautéed onions or chopped celery for texture. Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs if you’re customizing your menu with allergy-friendly options.
Final Thoughts: A True Southern Classic to Share Year After Year
Paula Deen’s Southern Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a holiday tradition. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family Sunday dinner, this creamy, cheesy, crispy-topped classic always delivers. It’s the dish that brings comfort, conversation, and second helpings.
With simple ingredients, flexible prep options, and make-ahead convenience, it deserves a permanent place in your recipe box. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from turkey to ham, or even as a hearty vegetarian entrée when adapted.
Don’t miss our Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe if you’re building a full festive table with Southern flair.
PrintPaula Deen’s Southern Green Bean Casserole
Paula Deen’s Southern Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy-topped side dish that’s perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and French-fried onions, it’s a Southern classic loved by all.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 small or 4 large servings
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups green beans (washed and trimmed, ~3/4 pound)
- 1/3 stick butter
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup, diced)
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (2.8 oz) can French-fried onions
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart (6-cup) oven-safe baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, boil the green beans in chicken broth for 10 minutes, then drain.
- While beans cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute diced onions and sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked green beans, sautéed mixture, cream of mushroom soup, French-fried onions, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and onion powder.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
- Use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans depending on your texture preference.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Do not mix in French-fried onions if making ahead—add just before baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings using a 9×13” baking dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 269
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Sodium: unknown
- Fat: 21.3g
- Saturated Fat: unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: unknown
- Trans Fat: unknown
- Carbohydrates: 14.6g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 7.9g
- Cholesterol: unknown
