Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Every holiday dinner spread needs a Creamy Green Bean Casserole, but let’s be honest, the traditional version with canned soup doesn’t exactly scream “special.”
This version skips the soup shortcut, comes together with simple pantry staples, and tastes richer thanks to a homemade cream cheese sauce and a crunchy almond and onion topping.
This is the recipe I bring to family gatherings when I want a nostalgic, holiday classic. My no-canned-soup green bean casserole recipe takes inspiration from a similar ground beef casserole I’ve been making since college. My family now requests this dish at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and after making it once, you’ll see why!
If you love Midwest-style comfort food, this casserole is exactly the kind of cozy dish you are going to love.
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Why Homemade Green Bean Casserole Sauce Wins
This green bean casserole skips the canned cream soups and uses a simple homemade sauce instead. With milk, flour, butter, and cream cheese, you get a rich, creamy base that’s fresher and more flavorful.
Making it from scratch means fewer preservatives, full control of seasonings, and a casserole that tastes homemade in the best way.
Canned vs. Frozen vs. Fresh Green Beans
I tested this recipe with canned, frozen, and fresh green beans. Frozen beans can make a casserole watery if they are not thawed beforehand, and fresh green beans need blanching and can can sometimes be a little waxy. I stick with canned green beans because they are convenient and hold up well in a casserole.
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Recipe Ingredients
Variations to Try
- Add bacon or pancetta for a smoky kick.
- Use panko + Parmesan for an extra-crunchy topping.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Swap in reduced-fat cream cheese or 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Go dairy-free with almond milk and lactose-free cream cheese.
- Picky eaters? Leave out the mushrooms and onions.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Saute the vegetables.
Step 3: Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Make the sauce.
Step 5: Season and simmer.
Step 6: Mix in green beans.
Step 7: Top with onions, almonds and bake.
What to Serve With This Creamy Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Turkey or ham for the holidays.
- Deliciously balanced mashed sweet potatoes.
- Pork loin or meatloaf for Sunday dinner.
- Cheesy hashbrown casserole as an extra comfy side dish.
- Classic mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce for the full spread.
Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!
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Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ½ Onion diced
- 1½ cups Mushrooms chopped
- 3 Tablespoons Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- ¼ cup Cream Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- 52 ounces Green Beans drained
- ½ cup Sliced Almonds
- ¾ cup Fried Onion Straws
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and mushrooms, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.½ Onion, 1½ cups Mushrooms, 2 Tablespoons Butter
- Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in milk and soy sauce, whisking continuously. Simmer for about 7 minutes until thickened.3 Tablespoons Flour, 2 cups Milk, 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- Stir in cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, ¾ teaspoon Salt, ¼ cup Cream Cheese
- Add drained green beans, stirring until coated in the creamy sauce. If using a regular casserole dish, transfer the mixture to it now.52 ounces Green Beans
- Sprinkle fried onion straws and almonds evenly over the top.½ cup Sliced Almonds, ¾ cup Fried Onion Straws
- Place in oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
This looks amazing!