Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you’re hunting for a new twist on a nostalgic favorite, Smoked Green Bean Casserole will absolutely win your heart (and your taste buds). Classic comfort meets backyard BBQ in this unforgettable side dish, where tender green beans are wrapped in a creamy, savory mixture, then kissed by smoke before a final crown of crispy onions. Each forkful celebrates why simple American casseroles are treasured, but with layers and flavors that turn Sunday dinner or holiday tables into something extraordinary. Trust me, you’ll never look at the humble green bean the same way again after experiencing it smoky and bubbling from the smoker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Smoked Green Bean Casserole comes from its straightforward pantry staples, each playing a vital role for classic taste and texture. These ingredients balance convenience and big, cozy flavor, making the dish both easy to throw together and absolutely irresistible.

• Green Beans (4 cans, 14.5 oz each): Prepped and ready, these are the backbone of the casserole, delivering vibrant color and a wholesome, familiar bite.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): Creamy, umami-rich comfort that brings everything together—don’t skip it!
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds silkiness and thins the soup slightly for the perfect luscious texture.
• Soy Sauce (1 and 1/2 Tbsp): The secret ingredient for deep savory notes; a little goes a long way in rounding out the flavors.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the ingredients—taste as you go!
• Garlic Powder (3/4 tsp): A gentle boost of garlicky goodness in each bite.
• Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Complements the fried onions, infusing subtle sweet onion flavor throughout.
• French Fried Onions (2 and 2/3 cups): The unmistakable finishing touch—half get mixed in for texture, and the rest crisp on top just before serving.

How to Make Smoked Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Mix Everything in the Pan

Grab a sturdy 9×13-inch disposable aluminum baking dish (doubling up if you want extra strength for moving later). Pour in the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper, and half the french fried onions. Stir it all together gently but thoroughly, spreading the mixture into an even layer. This simple assembly keeps the dish blissfully easy while maximizing those classic flavors.

Step 2: Get the Smoker Ready

Preheat your smoker to 350°F. The smoky infusion is what takes this casserole straight to the next level! Make sure your smoker is set for indirect heat and add your favorite wood chips—hickory or pecan are especially good for this recipe, providing a mild, aromatic smoke that flatters the creamy green bean base.

Step 3: Smoke the Casserole

Place the casserole on the smoker, uncovered. Let it smoke for 30 minutes, which allows all the flavors to meld and soak up that woodsy aroma. The edges should be bubbling gently, and you’ll start to notice the scent wafting through your backyard—one of the perks of making smoked casseroles!

Step 4: Add the Crispy Onion Topping

Carefully remove the pan, then sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top. Pop it back into the smoker for another 15 minutes. This last step ensures the onions get crispy and golden brown, while the casserole itself becomes piping hot and invitingly bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Smoked Green Bean Casserole is hot and the onions are perfectly crisped, it’s ready to serve. Let it cool for just a few minutes, then scoop generous helpings onto plates while it’s still wonderfully warm. This is where all your patience pays off—each bite is perfectly smoky, creamy, and crunchy at once.

How to Serve Smoked Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top gives your Smoked Green Bean Casserole a touch of color and brightness right before serving. For a pop of flavor, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dusting of cracked black pepper as a finishing flourish. These little touches make the casserole even more inviting, both visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside just about anything you’d find on a holiday or Sunday dinner table. It’s especially tasty with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or smoked brisket. Add a scoop next to mashed potatoes or cornbread for a truly comforting spread, or pair it with grilled portobello mushrooms for a balanced vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the dish! Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic, personal touch, or ladle it into mason jars for a fun picnic or outdoor BBQ presentation. Smoked Green Bean Casserole also makes a showstopping addition on buffet tables—just arrange garnishes and extra french fried onions in small bowls for guests to build their own perfect bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious (if not even better) the next day. Just be sure to keep those crunchy onions on top!

Freezing

To freeze Smoked Green Bean Casserole, let it cool completely after smoking. Wrap the casserole dish or divided portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—the topping will become crispy again, and the creamy interior will be just as satisfying. A quick run under the broiler for a minute or two at the end really perks up any leftover onions. Individual portions can also be microwaved, but the topping will lose some crunch.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just steam or blanch fresh or frozen green beans until crisp-tender before mixing them in—they’ll add a wonderful snap and brighter green color to your Smoked Green Bean Casserole.

What type of wood chips work best for smoking this casserole?

Hickory and pecan are favorites for their mild, sweet smokiness, but apple wood is great if you prefer a fruitier aroma. The smoke softens the richness of the casserole, adding subtle barbecue notes that make this dish extra special.

Is it possible to make Smoked Green Bean Casserole in the oven?

Yes! You won’t get the same smoked finish, but adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the mix before baking creates a lovely approximation. Bake at 350°F, uncovered, following the same directions for timing and the crispy onion finish.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time for a party?

Sure thing. Assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to a day in advance, cover and refrigerate it, then top with onions and smoke or bake before serving. It’s perfect for holiday prep!

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This one’s an easy tweak—just double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian (or use a homemade version) and swap in low-sodium tamari for soy sauce if needed. The rest of the recipe stays just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Smoked Green Bean Casserole is my go-to for a crowd-pleasing, crave-worthy side that feels both familiar and surprising. If you’re ready to shake up your comfort food routine, toss this on the smoker next time—it’s bound to become a requested favorite at every family feast. Give it a try, and let the smoky aroma and comforting flavors speak for themselves!

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