Elegant Green Bean Casserole elevates the familiar classic by using fresh green beans sautéed in olive oil with garlic, then brightened with a splash of white wine and a touch of soy sauce. The result is a vibrant, elegant side dish with a rich, creamy sauce. Serve it alongside roasted or baked mains for a memorable meal.
Why You’ll Love this Green Bean Casserole
Elegant Green Bean Casserole is made with fresh green beans, which keeps the dish lively and slightly crisp compared with versions made from canned beans. Sautéing the beans with garlic, wine and soy sauce adds depth and a subtle savory brightness.
This casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes or other sides; it complements roast chicken, pork, or hearty casseroles and fits perfectly into a holiday spread.
Ingredients to Have on Hand
- fresh green beans
- canned water chestnuts
- white wine (or substitute)
- soy sauce
- cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- crispy fried onions
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full ingredient details.
How to Prep the Fresh Green Beans
Full-length green beans make an attractive presentation. Trim the ends if needed, but there’s no need to cut the beans into small pieces. When sautéing, use tongs to turn and coat the beans evenly in the olive oil and aromatics.
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First Sauté the Fresh Green Beans
To sauté means to cook quickly in hot oil. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or oven-safe Dutch oven until it shimmers, then add one teaspoon minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Stir the garlic for about a minute before adding the green beans, then use tongs to turn them so they cook evenly.
Recipe FAQs
Canned green beans are softer and will change the texture and presentation of this dish, so they are not recommended. Frozen green beans can be a reasonable substitute, though the flavor and texture will differ from fresh. Fresh beans from the produce section or a farmers’ market deliver the best results.
Yes. Sauté the green beans and mix them with the water chestnuts and soup, then refrigerate in a covered dish. Hold off on the final layer of crispy fried onions until just before baking; you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when starting from chilled.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute two tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth to provide liquid and flavor. Adjust soy sauce to taste for saltiness, or use a lower-sodium variety if desired. For a different texture, swap part of the crispy onions for toasted breadcrumbs or panko.
Use One Can of Soup
A single 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup is all that’s needed—no additional water or milk. The wine and soy sauce supply enough liquid and depth of flavor to create a creamy coating for the beans.
More Sides to Enjoy
Elegant Green Bean Casserole is a made-from-scratch favorite that works well for holidays and family meals. Consider pairing it with other classic sides for a balanced menu.
- Blue Cheese and Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Zucchini Stuffing
- Creamed Corn
- Cheesy Grits
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10 Dutch Oven Chicken Recipes
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Dutch Oven Pot Roast
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Easy Pork Tenderloin with Orange Sauce
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Recipe
Elegant Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4–5 cups fresh green beans (about 1½ lb)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons white wine (or broth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
Sauté Green Beans
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or oven-safe Dutch oven until shimmering. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Rinse and trim the green beans and add them to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then add the white wine and soy sauce. Cook over medium-high heat about 10 minutes, until the beans begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped water chestnuts, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions.
Bake and Serve
- If you sautéed in a skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish. If you used an oven-safe Dutch oven, you can leave the mixture as is. Top with the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbling at the edges. Serve warm.
Notes
Use a single 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup—no water or milk required. The wine and soy sauce provide the liquid and flavor needed. For an alternative pairing, try serving with creamed corn or a sweet corn pasta salad.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.