Green bean casseroles have been a Thanksgiving staple since the 1950s. Something about the trifecta of tender beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and fried onions continues to capture our imaginations (and taste buds!) Year after year. While the original recipe included both frozen and canned ingredients, here at Martha Stewart, of course, we take it to the next level by making all components start from scratch. If you’re serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, pick our classic recipe – it’s all nostalgic, but it tastes so much better. If you want to take Thanksgiving in a newer direction, try one of our delicious variations. Here are our five favorite ways to make this vacation reservation.
1. Green bean casserole
Fresh green beans, homemade mushroom sauce, and crispy fried shallots – there is some kind of alchemy that happens when these three ingredients come together.
Get the quintessential green bean casserole recipe

2. Bacon and Green Bean Casserole
If you’re one of those “everything is better with bacon” people, this recipe is for you! Smoking adds another layer of flavor, as does Dijon, cayenne, and Worcestershire in the mushroom sauce.
Get the Green Bean Casserole with Bacon Recipe
3. Green beans with creamy mushrooms and shallots
In our healthy green bean casserole take, the rich béchamel sauce is swapped out for spicy Greek yogurt, and the shallots are sautéed instead of fried. The result? A creamy, best-for-you side that is just as satisfying.
Get the Green Beans with Creamy Mushrooms and Shallots Recipe
Green Bean and Artichoke Casserole
Earthy artichoke hearts and crunchy croutons fill perfectly for mushrooms and onions in this green bean casserole riff. It will work just as well with your Thanksgiving meal, we promise.
Get the Green Bean and Artichoke Casserole Recipe
5. Green bean casserole with bell peppers and Parmesan breadcrumbs
Red bell pepper adds a welcome touch of color and flavor to this traditional green bean casserole recipe. A shower of Parmesan breadcrumbs joins the fried shallots to make an extra special crunchy filling.
Get the Green Bean Casserole with Peppers and Parmesan Breadcrumbs Recipe