Southern Green Bean Casserole (2024)

What sets this Southern Green Bean Casserole apart is its 5 layers of irresistible taste! A layer of green beans is topped with a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Then, add a layer of sliced Velveeta cheese (oh yeah!) and a layer of crushed Ritz crackers drizzled with melted butter!

With only 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, you can create a Southern Green Bean Casserole that elevates your Thanksgiving feast to the next delicious level. Its creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness will make it an unforgettable classic side dish that's as irresistible as it is easy to prepare.

Don't forget the Sweet Potato Casserole, too! They're the perfect side dishes for any holiday meal.

Well, I love this Southern Green Bean Casserole because my sister gave it to me, and I happen to think it's the best! This is the second recipe of hers that I've featured on my blog. She's a great cook, and I'm proud to share it with you!

If you're here, then you probaby love Green Bean Casserole! And if you do, then I'm certain you'll also love my Ultimate Chicken Casserole! It's like a chicken noodle casserole and green bean casserole combo; it's very creamy, comforting, and delicious!

As you probably know, when it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone anticipates the hearty feast that brings family and friends together. While the turkey often takes the spotlight, it's the delicious side dishes like this one that truly complete the holiday spread.

Cut green beans - canned green beans are a convenient option that still delivers the classic taste and texture you're aiming for in this dish. I like the regular cut but you can use French style green beans if that's all you have.

Sour cream - adds a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor to the casserole's sauce.

Cream of mushroom soup - when mixed with sour cream, forms a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats every green bean! This sauce is what gives the casserole its signature comforting and indulgent flavor.

Velveeta cheese - serves as a star ingredient in a green bean casserole, adding a rich smooth texture and melty cheesy flavor! Instead of slicing the Velveeta cheese into cubes, it's cut into slices. This way, it melts into each and every nook and cranny!

Seasonings - garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. That's it! No need to add salt because the soup, cheese, and crackers already provide enough salt for this casserole.

Ritz Crackers and butter - A buttered Ritz cracker topping serves as the proverbial cherry on top of a green bean casserole! It's crunchy, buttery, salty goodness that bakes up golden brown. It's perfect!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• You can use fresh blanched green beans instead of canned, or use frozen green beans. If you use frozen green beans, let them thaw first and drain off the excess moisture.
• Opt for a different type of cheese, such as cheddar cheese, if Velveeta isn't your preference.
• Instead of Ritz crackers, use corn flakes or French fried onions. The flavor will be totally different but will still work.
• Cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup are good replacements if you don't like the flavor of mushrooms. Mushroom gravy is also a good choice if you just don't want to use the soup.
• Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for the sour cream.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits to the casserole before baking.
• Add slivered almonds for added crunch!

How to Make Southern Green Bean Casserole

Be sure to follow the recipe card when making this recipe!

Layer 1 - spread drained green beans in the bottom of a casserole dish.

Layer 2 - combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Spread on top of the green beans.

Layer 3 - add a layer of sliced Velveeta cheese.

Layer 4 - add crushed Ritz crackers.

Layer 5 - drizzle melted butter on top of crackers. Bake!

How do you make green bean casserole not runny?

Make sure the green beans are thoroughly drained of all liquid. You can also blot the green beans with a paper towel to ensure they are completely free of excess liquid.

Can you freeze green bean casserole?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the casserole may change due to the moisture content in the ingredients. If you choose to freeze it, avoid adding the topping until you're ready to bake. Freeze for up to 2 months.

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

Absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans until slightly tender before using them in the casserole. This might require a slightly longer baking time.

How do I prevent the Ritz cracker topping from getting soggy?

To maintain the crunchiness of the topping, add it just before baking. If you're concerned, you can also slightly pre-toast the Ritz crackers before crumbling them over the casserole.