The holidays bring with them a unique sense of warmth, tradition, and, of course, delicious food. Among the festive culinary staples gracing millions of tables across the nation, one dish stands out as a true icon: the **Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole**. More than just a side, this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful vegetable casserole embodies the spirit of gathering and celebration. It’s the classic green bean casserole we all grew up with, a recipe that has consistently delivered comfort and satisfaction for generations, making it the perfect holiday companion or a delightful addition to any family meal.
The Enduring Legacy of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
While the **Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole** is undeniably synonymous with holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas, its appeal extends far beyond special occasions. This versatile dish is so straightforward to prepare that it can easily become a regular fixture at your family dinner table any day of the week. Its timeless combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures makes it a universally loved vegetable side.
What truly sets this particular recipe apart is its elegant simplicity, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients. For over 60 years, this humble creation has reigned as a holiday classic, a testament to its perfect balance of flavor and convenience. The enduring popularity of this easy vegetable casserole is truly remarkable, with statistics suggesting that over 20 million families serve this classic green bean casserole during the holidays. It’s a cherished staple on countless family holiday tables, creating memories and fulfilling appetites year after year.
A Glimpse into its Inventive Origins
The story behind the **classic green bean casserole** is as heartwarming as the dish itself. Originally known as “Green Bean Bake,” this beloved recipe was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a dedicated staff member in the Campbell test kitchen. Her ingenious creation aimed to develop a savory side dish using readily available ingredients that most American households had on hand, particularly Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and canned green beans. It’s a fascinating piece of culinary history that her original recipe card is now preserved in the National Inventors Hall of Fame, celebrating her contribution to American cuisine.
One notable distinction some home cooks observe is the subtle difference between Campbell’s and French’s versions of the green bean casserole, primarily involving the inclusion of soy sauce. While traditional French’s recipes often omit it, the Campbell’s version frequently suggests a dash of soy sauce. This addition provides an unexpected depth of flavor and a touch of umami that beautifully complements the other ingredients. However, if soy sauce isn’t to your taste, it can easily be left out without compromising the casserole’s overall deliciousness.
This classic recipe holds a special place in many hearts, including ours, as one of our most treasured side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. Its comforting presence and irresistible taste make every holiday meal feel complete.
Essential Ingredients for Your Classic Green Bean Casserole
Creating an epic **Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole** is surprisingly simple, thanks to its minimal ingredient list. Below is an overview of the core components. For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to the full recipe card included at the end of this article.
- Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Milk (whole milk or a heavier cream for extra richness)
- Soy Sauce (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Green Beans (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- French’s French Fried Onions (the indispensable crispy topping)
Let’s delve deeper into each ingredient to ensure you achieve the best possible results for your **easy green bean casserole**:
- Green Beans: You have several options here. You can use two 14.5 oz cans of cut green beans, thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole. Alternatively, 16 to 20 oz of thawed frozen green beans work wonderfully, or you can opt for 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched until tender-crisp. While we often use canned green beans for convenience and consistent texture, feel free to use whichever type of green beans you prefer or have on hand.
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the cornerstone of the casserole’s creamy base. Its rich, earthy flavor is quintessential to the classic profile. However, if cream of mushroom soup isn’t a family favorite, you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a dairy-free cream soup alternative to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Milk: The type of milk you choose will directly impact the casserole’s creaminess. For a lusciously thick and rich casserole, opt for whole milk or even half-and-half. If you prefer a lighter texture, lower-fat milk can be used, though it might result in a slightly less decadent finish.
- Soy Sauce: As mentioned, soy sauce is a distinctive element in the Campbell’s version, offering a savory umami kick that enhances the overall flavor profile. If you’re new to this addition, start with a small dash and adjust to your liking. If you’re not a fan of its flavor, you can certainly omit it entirely.
- French’s French Fried Onions: These crispy fried onions are non-negotiable for the iconic texture of this **holiday casserole**. They provide that essential crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy green beans. A pro tip: always buy a larger container than the recipe calls for. These irresistible fried onions often become a snack, and you wouldn’t want to run out just before the final sprinkle!
Optional Additions to Customize Your Casserole
While the traditional recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize your **easy green bean casserole** with these delightful additions:
- For cheese lovers, stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) into the green bean mixture for an even richer, gooier casserole.
- To add a festive touch, especially for Christmas, stir in ¼ cup of finely chopped red bell peppers for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- If you crave an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor, fold in ¼ cup of toasted slivered almonds along with the fried onions, or sprinkle them on top.
- For a heartier, meatier flavor, crumble a couple of slices of cooked bacon into the green bean mixture before baking. The smoky bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy beans.
Essential Equipment for Making Green Bean Casserole
You don’t need a lot of specialized tools to create this beloved dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5-quart casserole dish: This is equivalent to a standard 9×9 inch baking dish. This size allows the casserole to bake evenly and achieve that perfect depth. If you opt for a larger dish, the casserole will spread out more thinly, potentially requiring additional fried onions to cover the surface adequately.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients before transferring them to the baking dish.
- Kitchen spoon/Spatula: For mixing the ingredients thoroughly and serving your delicious casserole.
- Heat-resistant potholders: Always prioritize safety in the kitchen. Investing in high-quality, heat-resistant potholders is crucial. We learned this lesson the hard way after a minor fire scare with a cloth potholder years ago. Since then, we only use silicone or similar heat-resistant options to ensure safe handling of hot dishes from the oven.
Preparation and Storage Tips for Green Bean Casserole
To make your holiday cooking even smoother, consider these preparation and storage guidelines for your **classic green bean casserole**:
Make Ahead: This is an excellent recipe for advanced preparation, especially during busy holiday seasons. You can assemble the casserole (mixing the soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and green beans) a day or two before baking. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The key is to add the French Fried Onions just before you pop the Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole into the oven. Adding them too early will cause them to absorb moisture and become soggy, losing their signature crispness.
Storage: Any leftover green bean casserole should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container. It will maintain its best quality and flavor for up to three days.
Freezing: While convenient, freezing green bean casserole is generally not recommended. The creamy sauce, primarily made with condensed soup and milk, tends to separate and develop an unappealing texture once thawed and reheated. This can result in a grainy or watery casserole, which is not ideal for the rich, smooth consistency you expect from this dish.
How to Reheat: When reheating leftovers, you have a few options to bring your **easy green bean casserole** back to its comforting glory. For best results, consider a fantastic guide to reheating green bean casserole that covers methods using your oven, microwave, or even stovetop for smaller portions. The goal is to heat it through gently without overcooking, preserving the creamy texture. If you have extra fried onions, a fresh sprinkle before serving can revive the crunch.
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the beauties of this **classic green bean casserole** is its adaptability. Here are some popular variations:
Substitutions:
- Green Beans: While canned cut green beans are traditional, feel free to use 16 to 20 oz of thawed frozen green beans, or 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans, blanched until tender-crisp. Each type offers a slightly different texture, allowing you to choose what you prefer.
- Cream Soup: If Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is not your preference, easily switch to cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a healthier, lighter version of cream of mushroom soup.
Dietary Considerations:
- Vegetarian Option: Good news! This **holiday casserole recipe** is inherently 100% vegetarian, making it a perfect addition to any meatless meal plan.
- Vegan Option: To make this delicious recipe vegan, you’ll need to use plant-based alternatives for the cream of mushroom soup, milk (such as almond or oat milk), and French-fried onions. Be sure to check labels carefully, as some brands of French’s Fried Onions are vegetarian but not vegan due to animal-derived ingredients in the processing. Many excellent vegan cream soups and fried onion alternatives are now available.
- Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, French’s Fried Onions are certified gluten-free. The crucial steps are to ensure you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and a gluten-free soy sauce (many are wheat-based, so look for tamari). With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free **Thanksgiving side dish**.
Flavor and Serving Adjustments:
- Alcohol-Free Option: This specific recipe does not use alcohol. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want a sophisticated twist, some green bean casserole recipes incorporate dry white wine for an added layer of flavor.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the green bean mixture for a casserole with a delightful kick.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains about 8 grams of sugar per serving. To make it sugar-free, opt for canned green beans with “no sugar added” and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also sugar-free or a low-sugar variety.
- Smaller or Larger Servings: The recipe provided is designed to yield approximately six servings. It’s incredibly easy to scale this recipe up or down to meet your needs. For larger gatherings, simply double or triple the ingredients. If using a slow cooker for a large batch, you might need to work in batches to ensure even cooking. Always remember to adjust your baking time accordingly when changing the quantity or dish size.
Tips for the Best Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Achieving a truly exceptional **Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole** is all about paying attention to a few key details. Here are our top tips for ensuring your casserole is always a hit:
- Season to Taste: Always taste your mixture before baking (if safe to do so) and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. The amount needed can vary based on the salt content of your green beans and soup.
- Creaminess Factor: The type of milk you choose plays a significant role in the final texture. For an extra rich and decadent casserole, opt for whole milk or even half-and-half. Skim milk will still work but will yield a less creamy result.
- Don’t Forget the Onions (But Timing is Key): The crispy fried onions are what truly elevate this dish. To prevent them from getting soggy, always add the majority of the fried onions in the final baking stage, just long enough for them to become golden brown and fragrant. When making ahead, store the onions separately and add them right before baking.
- Extra Onions for the Win: I always buy a larger container of French’s French Fried Onions than the recipe calls for. My husband loves to snack on them, and I’ve found the container mysteriously emptier just when I need them! It’s also a great idea to serve extra French-fried onions in a separate bowl alongside the casserole, allowing guests to add more to their liking.
- Evenly Spread: Ensure the green bean mixture is spread evenly in your baking dish for consistent cooking and browning of the topping.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry green beans and a less creamy sauce. Bake until bubbly and the topping is golden, usually around 30-35 minutes total.
- Rest Before Serving: Like many casseroles, a short rest of 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Nutritional information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the specific products and brands used. Always check the labels of your chosen ingredients for the most accurate details.
When to Serve Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
This versatile **easy vegetable side dish** is truly a year-round favorite, but it particularly shines on these occasions:
- Thanksgiving Dinner: The ultimate classic. No Thanksgiving spread is complete without it.
- Christmas: A festive and comforting addition to any holiday table.
- Easter: A lovely springtime side that pairs beautifully with ham or lamb.
- Family Dinners: Simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to elevate any family meal.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that travels well and is always a hit.
What to Serve with Your Green Bean Casserole
The creamy, savory, and crunchy notes of **green bean casserole** make it an ideal accompaniment to a wide array of main courses and other side dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:
CrockPot Turkey: Free up oven space during the holidays with a tender, juicy turkey cooked in your slow cooker.
CrockPot Ham: Another effortless main course that allows the oven to be dedicated to other dishes.
Chicken Pasta Casserole: A comforting and hearty dish that complements the green bean casserole well.
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: A soulful pairing that evokes homestyle comfort food.
Thanksgiving Canned Yams: The sweetness of yams provides a delightful contrast to the savory green bean casserole.
Creamed Corn Casserole: Another creamy vegetable side that fits perfectly into a holiday spread.
If you’re preparing this for the holidays, remember to explore our CrockPot Thanksgiving recipes. Utilizing your slow cooker is an excellent strategy to save precious oven space, especially when balancing multiple dishes for a festive feast.
Do you love discovering new recipes and culinary tips? Check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes for restaurant favorites, indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes, and explore the convenience of our amazing CrockPot Recipes. There’s always something new to inspire your next meal!
Stay connected and never miss out on our latest recipe posts by following Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Print
Rate
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 1 dash Black Pepper
- 43.5 oz Green Beans (approx. 3 -14.5 oz cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 ⅓ cup French’s French Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
- In an 8-inch baking dish, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, drained green beans, and ⅔ cup of the French’s French Fried Onions. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Bake the green bean mixture for 25 minutes.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, stir the green bean mixture gently, then top with the remaining French Fried Onions.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the French Fried Onions are golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- 8×8 Inch Baking Dish
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72