Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate upgrade on a holiday staple, you can’t beat this Smoked Green Bean Casserole. Imagine the creamy, savory goodness of classic green bean casserole, but with a subtle smokiness and the perfect crunch of crisp fried onions. This recipe brings together just a handful of familiar ingredients, transformed through the magic of your smoker. Each bite is a celebration of comforting flavors, with a smoky twist sure to win hearts at any potluck, holiday, or backyard feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Smoked Green Bean Casserole is short and sweet, but every component brings big impact. From tender green beans to the crispy golden topping, each element works its magic to build rich, savory, and vibrant flavors.

• Green Beans (4 cans, 14.5 oz each): Opt for canned for convenience or use fresh for extra snap; just make sure to drain well to avoid sogginess.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): This is the base for our creamy, comforting sauce—go for a good-quality brand for maximum flavor.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds richness and helps bind everything together for that perfect, silky texture.
• Soy Sauce (1 1/2 tablespoons): The secret boost of savoriness that makes the casserole sing; don’t skip it.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Both are essential for balancing all the bold flavors and adding just the right amount of seasoning.
• Garlic Powder (3/4 teaspoon): Lends a subtle garlicky punch without overwhelming the casserole.
• Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances depth without the need for chopping or sautéing.
• French Fried Onions (2 2/3 cups): These bring iconic crunch—add some to the mix and pile the rest on top for contrast and wow factor.

How to Make Smoked Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Mix Up the Base

Start by combining your drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the french fried onions right in a disposable 9×13-inch aluminum baking dish. Stir everything thoroughly until it’s all coated in the creamy sauce, then use your spoon to level it out into an even layer. This step ensures every bite has a little of everything!

Step 2: Get Smoking

With your smoker preheated to 350 degrees, place the uncovered casserole dish right on the grates. Let it smoke for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the heat infuses those classic flavors with that irresistible smoky aroma, giving the Smoked Green Bean Casserole its signature flair.

Step 3: Top and Crisp

After the first 30 minutes, carefully take out the casserole (a double layer of pans can make it easier if your dish is heavy!). Sprinkle the remaining french fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the smoker for another 15 minutes, just until the onions are extra-golden, crispy, and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Allow your Smoked Green Bean Casserole to cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This short rest lets the sauce thicken just a bit and makes scooping much neater—and safer for eager eaters.

How to Serve Smoked Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

Before bringing your Smoked Green Bean Casserole to the table, try sprinkling a little fresh cracked black pepper or a scatter of freshly chopped parsley across the top. The herbs add beautiful color and a pop of freshness. For a special touch, add a few extra crispy onions right before serving for maximum crunch factor!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a superstar alongside juicy smoked meats like turkey breast or ham, but it also shines as a part of a vegetarian spread. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bright winter salad for a complete meal. The smokiness pairs well with both classic holiday dishes and summer barbecue favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, portion the Smoked Green Bean Casserole into individual ramekins before smoking for personalized servings. You can also bake it in a cast iron skillet for rustic, picnic-ready style. And if you’re serving a crowd buffet-style, a sprinkle of fried onions just before guests arrive makes sure every bite is picture-perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Smoked Green Bean Casserole cool fully before covering the dish with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making leftovers just as tempting as the first bite!

Freezing

For longer storage, spoon the cooled casserole into a freezer-safe container, omitting the crispy onion topping until ready to serve. It will freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add a fresh layer of fried onions to revive that signature crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for 15‒20 minutes, until heated through. For that irresistible crispy topping, remove the foil near the end or add a fresh handful of fried onions. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the oven yields the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just blanch your fresh green beans in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain and proceed with the recipe. The result will be a bit more tender-crisp and even more vibrant in color.

What’s the best wood for smoking this casserole?

For Smoked Green Bean Casserole, mild woods like pecan, apple, or cherry are favorites because they don’t overpower the delicate flavors of the casserole. Hickory works if you love bolder smokiness.

Can I prep this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the topping) and refrigerate it, covered, up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to smoke, just add the onions on top and bake as usual.

Is it possible to make this in the oven if I don’t have a smoker?

Of course! You can bake the casserole uncovered at 350 degrees for the same amount of time, adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture for a smoky touch. The rest of the steps stay the same.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and swap the regular french fried onions with gluten-free ones—most grocery stores offer both these days. It’ll taste just as fantastic!

Final Thoughts

Smoked Green Bean Casserole is a joyful mashup of tradition and bold flavor, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving nostalgia or just looking for a new favorite side, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the most-requested dish at your table. Gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and savor the smoky, creamy goodness—you’ll want to make it part of every gathering!

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