Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with golden fried onions, Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a casual potluck, or a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole delivers Southern flavor in every bite. The green beans are cooked to tender perfection, smothered in a rich, velvety sauce with melted cheese, and topped with crispy onions that add the perfect crunch.

What makes this dish stand out is its nostalgic charm with a gourmet twist. Paula Deen’s version upgrades the classic by layering flavors and textures—melding the freshness of green beans with indulgent creaminess and irresistible crispy onion rings. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean every time it hits the table.

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Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

• 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup French-fried onions (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for added richness

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, gather all your ingredients so they’re ready to go.

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Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is smooth and evenly mixed.

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Step 3: Fold in the Green Beans

Gently add the cooked green beans into the creamy mixture, folding them in with a spatula to coat them well without breaking them apart.

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Step 4: Add Fried Onions

Fold in about 1 cup of French-fried onions. These give the dish a delightful crunch and savory depth as they bake into the casserole.

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Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish (about 9×9 inches or similar). Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.

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Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

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Step 7: Top and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the top generously with additional fried onions, and return it to the oven for another 5–10 minutes. Bake until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

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Step 8: Serve Hot

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or enjoy it as a standalone comfort dish.

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Storage Instructions

Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole before adding the fried onion topping. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding the onions toward the end.
• Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, but note the onions may soften.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned or fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before mixing. Blanching for 2–3 minutes helps maintain texture.

2. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare up to the point before adding the final onion topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add onions and bake before serving.

3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a homemade roux with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms for a fresh alternative.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as your soup and fried onions are vegetarian. Double-check labels to be sure.

5. Can I add protein like chicken or bacon?

Definitely! Diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon blend wonderfully with the creamy base.

6. How do I keep the onion topping crispy?

Bake the casserole uncovered during the last few minutes after adding the onion topping. Avoid reheating in the microwave for crispness.

7. What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Mozzarella for a stretchy melt, or Gruyère for a nutty twist. Mix and match to taste!

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and a creamy mushroom alternative like cashew cream or almond-based soup.

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