Can I Freeze Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze green bean casserole, and there are two ways to do it—before baking or after baking. Freezing green bean casserole can save you time during the busy holiday season or help you store leftovers without waste. Each method of freezing, either before or after baking, has its benefits and a slightly different process to ensure the casserole still tastes great when you reheat it.

First, if you need a great recipe, you’ll want to try my Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe. Green bean casserole is so divisive. Do you love it, or do you hate it?

How to Freeze Green Bean Casserole (Before Baking)

Freezing green bean casserole before baking is a great way to get ahead of your holiday meal prep. This is the preferred method if you want to maintain the texture of any crispy toppings, like French-fried onions or crispy fried onions, which tend to become soggy if frozen after baking.

Steps for Freezing Before Baking:

1. Prepare the Casserole: Follow your classic green bean casserole recipe, using ingredients like fresh green beans or frozen green beans, canned cream of mushroom soup, and a crispy topping such as French’s fried onions. Prepare the casserole mixture, but hold off on adding any crispy toppings.
2. Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: After combining the green bean mixture, creamy mushroom soup, soy sauce, black pepper, and any other seasonings, place the mixture into a freezer-safe baking dish. You can use a casserole dish or a disposable aluminum foil pan if you want to save on clean-up. Make sure to spread the green bean mixture in an even layer.
3. Wrap the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, add an extra layer of aluminum foil for additional protection. Label the dish with the name of the recipe and the date of freezing.
4. Store in the Freezer: Place the casserole in the freezer. It’s best to use the casserole within 2-3 months for optimal freshness and flavor.
5. When Ready to Bake: When you’re ready to serve the green bean casserole, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F, add the crispy topping (like crispy onions or Parmesan cheese), and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and heated through.

How to Freeze Green Bean Casserole (After Baking)

If you’ve already baked your green bean casserole for Thanksgiving dinner and want to freeze the leftovers, you can absolutely do that too. However, be aware that the crispy fried onions or any crispy topping will likely lose their crunch after freezing and reheating. To preserve the best texture, you may want to add fresh crispy onions after reheating.

Steps for Freezing After Baking:

1. Cool the Casserole: Allow the green bean casserole to cool to room temperature before freezing. Placing a hot casserole directly into the freezer can cause condensation and ice crystals to form, which may affect the texture when reheated.
2. Portion and Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: If you have a large casserole, consider portioning it into smaller sections for easier reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by an additional layer of aluminum foil.
3. Label and Freeze: Label the containers with the date and contents, and place them in the freezer. For the best results, try to use the frozen green bean casserole within 2-3 months.
4. Reheating: To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. If the casserole was frozen with the crispy topping already on it, consider adding fresh crispy onions or Parmesan cheese for a better texture before serving.

Tips for Freezing and Reheating

• Avoid Freezing with the Crispy Topping: If possible, freeze the casserole without adding crispy toppings like fried onions. Add these fresh just before baking or reheating for the best texture.
• Use a Freezer-Safe Container: Be sure to store the casserole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
• Label Properly: Always label the casserole with the date and contents to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze green bean casserole with the crispy onions on top?

Yes, you can freeze green bean casserole with the crispy onions, but be aware that they may lose their crispiness during the freezing and reheating process. For best results, add fresh crispy fried onions after reheating.

How long can green bean casserole stay in the freezer?

Green bean casserole can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months. After this time, the quality may begin to degrade, though it will still be safe to eat if properly stored.

How do I reheat frozen green bean casserole?

To reheat frozen green bean casserole, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until heated through.

Can I freeze green bean casserole with fresh green beans?

Yes, you can freeze green bean casserole made with fresh green beans. Blanch the green beans in a large pot of water before assembling the casserole to maintain their color and tenderness when reheating.

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, green bean casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. This is a great way to save time during busy holiday meal preparations.

Should I thaw green bean casserole before baking?

Yes, it’s best to thaw green bean casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents cold spots in the center.

Can I freeze green bean casserole that contains cheese?

Yes, casseroles that include cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan cheese, can be frozen. However, the texture of the cheese may change slightly after freezing and reheating.

Does freezing affect the flavor of green bean casserole?

The flavor of green bean casserole generally remains intact after freezing, though the texture of certain ingredients, like crispy onions, tender green beans, and creamy mushroom sauce may not be quite as perfect as prior to freezing. For best results, add the crispy topping fresh after reheating.

Using Frozen Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Meals

Freezing green bean casserole is a helpful trick when you’re planning for large holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas. By freezing the casserole ahead of time, you can save oven space and reduce the number of dishes you need to prepare on the big day. Simply make your green bean mixture, freeze it, and then bake it when you’re ready.

If you’re serving a traditional green bean casserole as part of your holiday table, consider pairing it with other favorite holiday dishes like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. You’ll have a fully prepared meal without all the last-minute stress.

If you’re looking for some great Thanksgiving side dishes, try my Classic Green Bean Casserole (of course), my Jiffy Corn Casserole, or my Easy Stuffing.

Best Tips for Storage

After the holiday dinner is over, storing leftover green bean casserole is simple. First, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze if you want them to last longer.

When reheating leftovers, use the oven to bring the casserole back to life. You can add extra crispy topping like fresh French-fried onions or Parmesan cheese to make it taste as good as new.

Whether you’re making homemade green bean casserole with fresh ingredients or sticking to the original recipe with canned soup, freezing your casserole is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Just remember to freeze it properly, either before or after baking, and enjoy the convenience of having a favorite holiday dish ready to go whenever you need it.

Final Freezing Tips

• Use fresh or frozen green beans: Whether you prefer using fresh or frozen green beans, both can be frozen in the casserole with good results.
• Store in an airtight container: Make sure your casserole is tightly sealed in a freezer-safe container to avoid any freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Label clearly: Always label your freezer containers with the date and contents to track how long they’ve been stored.

By following these simple freezing and reheating tips, you can enjoy green bean casserole anytime during the holiday season with minimal effort!