Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole stands as an iconic American side dish that has graced holiday tables since its creation in 1955. Developed by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working in the Campbell’s Soup Company test kitchen, this simple yet delicious casserole quickly became a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations across the United States.
The genius of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements, all achieved with just a handful of accessible ingredients.
What makes this casserole truly special is its remarkable staying power. For nearly seven decades, families have passed down this recipe through generations, with many considering Thanksgiving incomplete without it.
The dish’s enduring popularity stems from its convenience, affordability, and consistent deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or a small holiday dinner, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite, bringing together the humble green bean with creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions in perfect harmony.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 dash black pepper
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans (about 2 cans, 14.5 oz each, drained)
- 1 1/3 cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin assembling your casserole. This ensures the oven is properly heated when your dish is ready to bake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended, creating the creamy base for your casserole.
The soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor that enhances the mushroom taste without being overtly noticeable.
Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture and fold them in gently to ensure they’re evenly coated without breaking them.
If you’re using fresh green beans instead of canned, make sure to blanch them first by boiling for about 5 minutes and then immediately placing in ice water to stop the cooking process.
Stir in 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions, reserving the remaining amount for the topping. If you’re using any of the optional ingredients like cheddar cheese, garlic powder, or thyme, mix them in at this stage.
Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish or a 9-inch pie plate, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving, as this helps the sauce to set up a bit and makes serving easier.
FAQs
1. Can I make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the recipe as directed, but don’t add the remaining onions on top and don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator. Add the remaining onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
2. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans. Trim the ends, cut them into 2-inch pieces, and blanch them by boiling for 5 minutes and then immediately placing them in ice water. Drain well before adding to the recipe.
3. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can use Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup, which has less sodium and fat. You can also use low-fat milk, increase the amount of green beans, or try baked onions instead of fried ones for the topping.
4. My casserole turned out watery. What went wrong?
This typically happens when the green beans weren’t drained properly. Make sure to drain canned green beans thoroughly, or if using fresh or frozen beans, ensure they’re cooked and drained well before adding to the casserole.
5. Can I freeze leftover green bean casserole?
While you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in an airtight container, the texture of the onion topping will not be as crispy when thawed and reheated. For best results, consume leftovers within 3-4 days, stored in the refrigerator.
CONCLUSION
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole continues to earn its place on holiday tables because it perfectly embodies what we love about comfort food: simplicity, accessibility, and delicious flavor.
This humble dish brings together ordinary ingredients to create something truly special, proving that sometimes the most beloved recipes are the ones that don’t require culinary expertise or exotic ingredients.
Whether you’re making it exactly as Dorcas Reilly originally intended or adding your own family’s special twist, this casserole connects generations through shared food traditions.
As you serve up this creamy, crunchy side dish at your next gathering, you’re not just offering a tasty accompaniment to the main course—you’re serving up a piece of American culinary history that continues to bring joy to tables across the country.
Happy cooking, and may your green bean casserole always have perfectly crispy onions on top!
