This easy green bean casserole recipe features two cans of French-style green beans baked with a creamy sour cream sauce and topped with buttery Ritz crackers instead of traditional fried onions. The casserole bakes at 350°F for just 20 minutes, making it a stress-free holiday side dish.
Updated October 10, 2025: Optimized recipe instructions, added expert tips section, and expanded storage guidance. Originally posted November 15, 2023.
I'm LaKita, a food blogger and home cook sharing recipes since 2013. I discovered this family recipe in my mom's old recipe box and knew I had to share it, it's simpler than traditional versions but delivers the same comforting flavors everyone loves at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Uses pantry staples: Canned green beans mean no trimming, blanching, or prep work required.
- Ritz cracker topping: The buttery crackers create a golden, crispy layer that's more flavorful than traditional fried onions.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and add the topping right before baking.
- Minimal cooking time: Just 15-20 minutes in the oven means less stress on busy holiday cooking days.
Before You Cook
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- 8x8-inch square baking dish
- Small bowl for topping
- Strainer for draining green beans
Ingredient Tips
- Green beans: French-style cut green beans work best for texture. Fully drain and rinse both cans to remove excess sodium.
- Butter: Use salted or unsalted, you'll need 4 tablespoons total (divided).
- Ritz crackers: You'll need about 30 crackers (almost one full sleeve). Crush them to your preferred texture using a food processor, ziplock bag with rolling pin, or by hand.
- Cheddar cheese: Shred from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for better melting and flavor. Mild or medium cheddar works best; Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
- Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the best creamy texture. Greek yogurt can substitute in a pinch.
📖 Recipe
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 8x8-inch square baking dish
- 1 Small bowl for topping
- 1 Strainer for draining green beans
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) French-style green beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 30 crackers)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Mix casserole base: In a large bowl, combine 2 cans drained green beans, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons flour, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 ounce onion soup mix, and ½ cup sour cream. Stir gently until combined, avoid overmixing to prevent mushy beans.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread green bean mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated. Spread over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove carefully from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Don't overmix the green bean mixture, stir gently to keep beans intact
- For make-ahead: Assemble through step 4, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add cracker topping before baking
- Substitute any buttery crackers (Club, Town House) for Ritz if preferred
Expert Tips
- Don't skip rinsing the beans. Canned green beans contain excess sodium, rinsing reduces salt content by up to 40%.
- Add the cracker topping just before baking. If adding it too early (especially when making ahead), the crackers will become soggy instead of crispy.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for better flavor than pre-ground.
- Test for doneness by checking if the cheese is fully melted and edges are bubbling. The cracker topping should be golden brown, not dark brown.
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits or diced ham between the cheese and cracker layers.
- Crush crackers to medium-fine consistency, too fine and they'll become pasty, too coarse and they won't create an even topping.
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Recipe Variations
- Traditional style: Substitute French fried onions for the Ritz crackers and use cream of mushroom soup instead of sour cream.
- Fresh green beans: If using fresh instead of canned, trim 1 pound of green beans and blanch in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp before using.
- Lighter version: Use reduced-fat cheddar and light sour cream to reduce calories.
- Extra vegetables: Mix in sautéed sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the green beans.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Place in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the casserole through adding the cheese layer (step 4), then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, prepare the cracker topping and proceed with baking as directed.
Freezing
I don't recommend freezing this casserole. The sour cream and cheese can separate upon thawing, and the texture of canned green beans deteriorates when frozen.
FAQs
Yes, regular cut green beans work fine. French-style are thinner and more delicate, but regular cut will taste just as good.
Fresh green beans work well, trim and blanch 1 pound for 8-10 minutes first. I don't recommend frozen for this recipe as they release too much water and make the casserole watery.
Mix 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of parsley.
Make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse the canned green beans. Excess liquid from the beans is the most common cause of a watery casserole.
Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking dish. Baking time may increase to 25-30 minutes.
Club crackers, Town House crackers, or Keebler crackers all work as buttery substitutes for Ritz.
More Holiday Side Dish Recipes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Cornbread Dressing
- Easy Candied Yams
- Southern Mac and Cheese
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating and comment below! Tag @simplylakita on Instagram so I can see your creation.
Capelle says
This Recipe is Perfect !! I made this last week, but I will be making this for thanksgiving this year !!
LaKita says
That’s amazing to hear, thank you! So glad it was a hit, and I’m honored it’s making the Thanksgiving table this year!
Amy K. says
Can I use regular cut green beans instead of french cut?
LaKita says
Hi Amy! Yes you certainly can use regular cut green beans instead.