Green beans, string beans, snap beans, haricots verts—whatever you like to call ’em-are the simple, stringy veggies that have graced practically every dinner table. Especially around the holidays.

Except for French fried onions, there's nothing canned in this green bean casserole recipe. The green beans are fresh and crispy. Super creamy, the sour cream sauce has a little zing from lemon zest.

Add the green beans and 1 cup of the fried onions; mix to combine ... Use just as the fried onions are used, mixing 1 cup into the casserole and using the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping.