Double-Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Holiday Dinner

Your favorite Thanksgiving side gets even better. Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole doubles the French fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.

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Original post November 2016. Updated November 2019.

Some Thanksgiving classics are best left mostly unchanged, and green bean casserole is one of them. The familiar mix of green beans, creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions is comfort food at its finest. Over the years I’ve tried variations — making my own fried onions and substituting the soup — and each time I came back to the same conclusion: this dish works because of its simplicity. That said, there’s one small improvement I happily recommend: add more fried onions. Hence, Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole.

Onions Make the Dish

If we’re honest, the crunchy fried onions are the real star. They add texture, savory flavor and the signature finish that everyone reaches for first. This recipe follows the classic formula but simply doubles the fried onions: one can mixed into the casserole, and another sprinkled on top near the end of baking so the topping stays crisp and golden.

After a friend called it the best green bean casserole they’d ever tasted, I decided it was time to share this easy twist.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides. On my table it complements make-ahead sweet potato casserole, slow-cooker sausage and cornbread stuffing, citrus cranberry sauce and a cheesy corn casserole. The extra onions give this dish a place of honor year-round — it’s just as satisfying for a Sunday family dinner as it is at Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

This recipe is simple and relies on pantry staples. I prefer frozen green beans to canned: they hold their texture better during baking and avoid a mushy result. And of course, use two cans of French fried onions — one stirred into the casserole and one reserved for the crispy topping.

• 4 (12-ounce) bags frozen green beans
• 2 (10.75-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 (6-ounce) cans French fried onions

How to Make Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the frozen green beans according to package instructions. TIP: I like Bird’s Eye microwave-in-bag green beans for convenience.
3. In a 9″x13″ baking dish or 3-quart casserole, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper.
4. Add the prepared green beans and one can of French fried onions; stir until just combined.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining can of French fried onions over the top and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the casserole through step 4 the day before serving. Cool it completely, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the casserole, then add the second can of French fried onions and bake for about 5 minutes until the topping turns golden and crunchy.

If you try this Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole, please share your feedback in the comments. I read and respond to them all.