Easy Green Bean Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Make this Easy Green Bean Casserole with the buttery flavor of Ritz crackers for a crispy topping. This recipe requires minimal effort but provides the same great flavors that you love about classic green bean casserole. It's the perfect side dish to add to your holiday table. 

If you're craving more green bean recipes, then try making some Garlic Green Beans and a pot of Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. For a complete meal in the pressure cooker, try making Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans. 

I did not intend to share a recipe for green bean casserole, but here we are. It's never been something that made an appearance during holiday dinner so I didn't ever really try making it. However, recently I stumbled upon an old recipe box at my mom's that was full of handwritten cards of recipes. One recipe that surely caught my eye was a recipe for a green bean casserole. 

I'm not sure which family member this recipe belongs to, but I love that it doesn't require a time-consuming process to make and the best part is it's topped with my beloved buttery crackers. 

Let's get started!

What Kind of Green Beans Should Be Used? 

For this particular recipe, we're going to keep it simple by using canned green beans. These pantry staples are the easiest way to make this casserole dish. You will need to fully drain and rinse each can of green beans before using. There is no need to precook these as they will warm in the oven while baking. 

I do not recommend using frozen green beans for this particular recipe, but if you prefer to use fresh green beans, which are commonly used in traditional green bean casserole, then you may substitute those instead. However, you will have to cook them in advance on the stovetop over medium heat using a saucepan. Cook them for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. 

Ingredients You'll Need 

1. French Style Green Beans - The key ingredient in this green bean casserole recipe! You will need two whole cans of French-style green beans that you will drain and rinse before combining with the rest of the ingredients. No need to cook them in advance. 
2. Butter - Salted or unsalted butter in your favorite brand is needed to melt and add to the green bean mixture. More melted butter will also be combined with the crushed Ritz crackers to create a crispy topping. 
3. All-Purpose Flour - Plain flour with nothing added to it is combined with the green bean mixture to thicken the casserole mixture and give it a great texture. 
4. Sugar - A small amount of granulated or cane sugar is added to balance the sour flavors in the recipe. 
5. Salt - Brings out the other ingredients in the casserole and prevents them from tasting flat. Use any brand that you prefer and adjust if needed. 
6. Ground Black Pepper - Adds a slight amount of spice to the recipe. Try to use freshly ground black pepper if you have it available. 
7. Onion Soup Mix - Adds dry onion flavor and seasoning to the casserole mixture. You will need the contents of one whole packet. May use onion or golden onion soup mix whichever you prefer. 
8. Sour Cream - Provides a slightly sour, creamy, and tangy flavor to the side dish. 
9. Cheddar Cheese - Use shredded mild cheddar cheese to add a melted layer of cheese on top of the casserole dish. Mild cheddar cheese isn't overpowering and pairs well with the other ingredients, Swiss cheese could be used instead if you prefer. Opt to grab a block of cheese and shred it yourself using a box grater for better melting and flavor. 
10. Ritz Crackers - You will need almost a full sleeve of crunchy Ritz crackers to crush up and combine with melted butter to create a golden brown, crispy, and butter Ritz cracker topping with great texture. You may crush the cracker up as fine as you prefer. Crush them up by hand or add them to a food processor. This is used instead of French fried onions. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the creamy green bean casserole by grabbing a large mixing bowl and an 8x8-inch square baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

To the large bowl, add the drained and rinsed cans of green beans. Add two tablespoons of melted butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground black pepper, onion soup mix, sour cream, and gently stir to combine.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. 

Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and spread it out in an even layer. 

Using a small bowl, stir together the Ritz cracker crumbs and two tablespoons of melted butter until combined.

Add on top of the casserole in an even layer. Place into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top has a beautiful golden-brown hue, and is hot and bubbly.

Careful remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips to Make the Best Green Bean Casserole 

• Try not to overmix the green bean casserole mixture. Mix it gently just enough for it to come together and stop to prevent it from becoming mushy. 
• You may substitute the Ritz crackers for any buttery crackers that you prefer. 
• For a recipe variation try adding a layer of bacon bits or chopped ham on top of the layer of shredded cheese. 
• Mash the crackers by hand, using a food processor, or place them in a ziplock bag and use a food mallet to crush them up. 

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover green bean casserole, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve it again, reheat it by placing it in the oven at 300 degrees F. until warm. You may also reheat it in the microwave for a quicker option. 

This casserole can also be made ahead of time a day in advance. Assemble the green bean casserole in the baking dish up to the point of spreading on the shredded cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top the casserole with crushed crackers and melted butter before placing it in the oven to bake per the recipe instructions. 

I do not recommend freezing this particular recipe. 

More Side Dish Recipes You'll Love 

• Sweet Potato Casserole 
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes 
• Easy Cornbread Dressing 
• Garlic Green Beans 
• Easy Candied Yams 
• Ham Green Beans and Potatoes 
• Southern Mac and Cheese 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Beloved Green Bean Casserole? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe