As autumn arrives and the holidays near, the smell of a warm green bean casserole fills the kitchen. It takes me back to happy family times. The classic green bean casserole is a favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas, loved by many for its comforting taste.
This campbell soup green bean casserole recipe was always on our holiday menu when I was young. The creamy mushroom sauce, green beans, and crispy onions made a perfect mix. It was a dish that brought us together, connecting us to our family’s traditions and creating lasting memories.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The classic green bean casserole recipe uses Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup as a base.
- It typically features canned green beans, milk, and crispy fried onions as the main ingredients.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for maximum convenience.
- Variations can include adding cheese, bacon, or spices to customize the flavor profile.
- The green bean casserole has become a beloved holiday side dish, deeply rooted in American culinary traditions.
Introduction to Green Bean Casserole
The campbell’s green bean casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving. It’s loved by many across America. It was created by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell Test Kitchen in the 1950s. By the 1960s, it was a hit. Now, it’s served at about 20 million Thanksgiving dinners every year.
What Makes It a Classic?
The recipe’s simplicity is a big reason for its popularity. It only needs 5 ingredients: canned green beans, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, soy sauce, and French-fried onions. This makes it easy for anyone to make, even beginners.
The Role of Campbell Soup in the Recipe
Campbell Soup Company was key in making the green bean casserole famous. Their cream of mushroom soup is the heart of the dish, adding a rich, creamy flavor. In fact, most of their cream of mushroom soup sales happen from November to January.
“The creamy and crunchy green bean casserole is a family favorite and is quickly consumed during holiday meals.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect cream of mushroom soup green bean casserole, you need just a few things. The main ingredients are fresh green beans, French’s crispy onions, and the famous cream of mushroom soup. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this tasty side dish.
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans are the main attraction. You’ll need about 4 cups of trimmed and prepped green beans. You can also use canned or frozen green beans, but fresh is best for texture and taste.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
The creamy base of the casserole is a can of cream of mushroom soup. This soup makes the dish creamy and adds a rich flavor.
Fried Onion Topping
No green bean casserole is complete without French’s crispy onions. These onions add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor to the dish.
Seasoning Essentials
To enhance the flavors, you’ll need a few seasonings. You’ll need 1/2 cup of milk to thin the soup, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for extra umami, and a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to balance the flavors.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a classic cream of mushroom soup green bean casserole. It’s sure to be a hit at any easy side dish gathering.
“The green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.”
Preparing the Green Beans
The quality of green beans is key in Campbell Soup’s Green Bean Casserole. You can pick from fresh green beans, canned green beans, or frozen green beans. Each has its own special qualities.
Choosing Fresh vs. Canned
Fresh green beans are the top pick for this recipe. They have a crunchier texture and a stronger taste. To get them ready, wash, trim, and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding to the casserole.
Canned green beans are easy to use. They’re already cooked and ready to go. Just drain them well before adding to the dish.
How to Trim and Prepare Beans
- For fresh green beans, wash them well and cut off the stem ends.
- Blanch the trimmed beans in boiling water for about 2 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Drain the beans and pat them dry before adding them to the casserole.
- Canned green beans can be used directly, just be sure to drain them well.
- Frozen green beans do not need to be thawed before using – they can be added straight to the casserole.
The Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe needs 4 cups of green beans. This is about 1 1/2 pounds of fresh beans or 2 cans of 14.5 ounces each.
“The key to a great green bean casserole is starting with high-quality, perfectly prepared green beans.”
Making the Base
Making the creamy base for your Campbell’s kitchen green bean casserole is easy and important. Begin by mixing the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl. Stir until it’s smooth and well-blended. This creamy base will be the heart of your dish.
Mixing the Cream of Mushroom Soup
The cream of mushroom soup is the main attraction in the casserole’s base. Whisk the soup and milk together until it’s smooth and even. This makes sure the casserole will be creamy and cohesive.
Adding Milk and Seasonings
To add more flavor, stir in some soy sauce. This savory addition enhances the taste, matching the mushroom soup’s earthy notes. You can also try garlic powder or dried thyme to make it your own.
Now that the creamy base is ready, you can start layering the green beans and topping. The goal is to mix flavors and textures perfectly. This way, everyone will want more.
Combining Ingredients
Making the perfect campbell soup green bean casserole is about layering right. Start by mixing fresh green beans and half of the fried onions with the mushroom soup. Add a bit of black pepper to boost the flavors.
After mixing, move the mixture to a baking dish. Make sure the green beans and soup are spread out evenly. This easy side dish is great for any time, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special event.
Layering the Green Beans and Soup
Start by putting the green beans in the dish. Then, pour the mushroom soup over them, spreading it gently. Sprinkle half of the fried onions on top, saving the rest for later.
Ensuring Even Distribution
- Gently stir the green beans, soup, and half the onions together to combine, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish.
- This helps the flavors meld and ensures each bite contains the perfect ratio of ingredients.
With the green beans and soup layered and evenly distributed, you’re one step closer to enjoying this classic campbell soup green bean casserole recipe. The next stage is baking the casserole to perfection.
Baking Instructions
To enjoy the classic oven-baked green beans in your Thanksgiving casserole, follow these simple baking instructions. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help you create a delightful side dish for your holiday feast.
Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature to bake the casserole to perfection.
Recommended Baking Time and Temperature
- For oven baking, cook the casserole for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, stir the casserole and then add the remaining crispy fried onions on top.
- Continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Stir, add the remaining onions, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are perfectly crispy.
| Cooking Method | Baking Time | Baking Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 25 minutes, then 5 more minutes | 350°F (175°C) |
| Air Fryer | 10 minutes, then 2-3 more minutes | 350°F (175°C) |
Remember, the key to a perfectly baked oven-baked green bean Thanksgiving casserole is to keep a close eye on it. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Adding the Topping
The secret to a great holiday green bean casserole is finding the right mix of creamy and crunchy. The french’s crispy onions are the key to this. They add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
When to Add Fried Onions
Begin by mixing half of the french’s crispy onions into the bean mixture before baking. This lets the flavors blend well. Then, save the rest for the top during the last 5 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Crispiness
- Don’t add all the french’s crispy onions at first to avoid a soggy top.
- Wait until the green beans are tender and the base is bubbly before adding the rest.
- Watch closely during the last minutes to get the onions just right.
This method creates a perfect mix of textures. The french’s crispy onions add a nice crunch to the creamy casserole. Your guests will love it!
Tips for Adjusting the Recipe
The classic campbell’s green bean casserole is a favorite during the holidays. It’s easy to make it fit different diets. You can make it vegetarian or gluten-free or try new flavors. This makes it a great easy side dish to customize.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian or vegan version, use a plant-based sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup. Try a creamy cashew or almond milk sauce. For the topping, use roasted almonds or breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.
Gluten-Free Substitutes
If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Choose gluten-free fried onions or toasted almond slices for the topping. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce.
| Ingredient | Gluten-Free Alternative |
|---|---|
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup |
| Fried Onion Topping | Toasted Almond Slices |
| Thickener | Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder |
For a gluten-free green bean casserole, read labels carefully. Choose products labeled as gluten-free.
Trying new ingredients and methods can make the classic campbell’s green bean casserole exciting again. It lets you make a dish that fits your diet or taste. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy this easy side dish just the way you like it.
Presentation Ideas
Make your Thanksgiving holiday green bean casserole stand out with these easy tips. Learn how to serve and garnish your classic casserole to impress everyone at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Add a festive touch by mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped red peppers with the thanksgiving casserole soup. Use a decorative baking dish or casserole bowl to make it look great.
Garnishing for Appeal
Top your green bean casserole with extra fried onions for a crunchy, appealing look. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds color and fragrance. These simple touches will make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Pair your holiday green bean casserole with other Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. This creates a beautiful and complete holiday spread.
“The enduring legacy of the Green Bean Casserole is attributed to the accessibility of ingredients and the recipe’s versatility.”
| Serving Suggestion | Garnish |
|---|---|
| Serve in a decorative baking dish | Extra fried onions |
| Stir in 1/2 cup chopped red peppers | Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) |
Storage and Reheating
The classic Campbell Soup green bean casserole is a delightful dish that often leaves you with delicious leftovers. But what’s the best way to store and reheat this easy side dish? Follow these simple tips to enjoy your casserole to the fullest, even days later.
Best Practices for Leftovers
To keep your campbell soup green bean casserole recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the casserole from drying out or picking up unwanted flavors. The green bean casserole should keep well for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
When you’re ready to enjoy your easy side dish again, simply cover the casserole and bake it in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the cover and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. This gentle reheating method will help prevent the dish from becoming dry or tough.
For an extra crispy topping, add a few fresh fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will restore the delightful crunch that makes the green bean casserole so irresistible.
If you’ve frozen any leftovers, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Then, follow the same baking instructions to warm up your dish without drying it out.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your campbell soup green bean casserole recipe long after the initial serving. Savor every bite of this classic easy side dish even as leftovers.
Pairing Your Casserole
The classic holiday green bean casserole is great with many dishes. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year. Its creamy, comforting taste goes well with lots of flavors.
Ideal Main Dishes
The holiday green bean casserole goes well with Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, ham, or even veggie loaves. It adds savory flavors and textures to the main dishes. This makes the meal more enjoyable and satisfying.
Complementary Side Dishes
For a complete Thanksgiving casserole spread, pair the green bean casserole with classic sides. Try it with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. The mix of textures and tastes will impress your guests and make the feast unforgettable.
But the holiday green bean casserole isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s also great as a side for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a veggie meal. Its flexibility makes it a favorite in many homes, adding comfort and joy to any dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about the classic campbell’s green bean casserole. Let’s answer some of the most common ones about this easy side dish.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the campbell’s green bean casserole ahead of time. This makes planning your holiday meals easier. Just put the casserole together, cover it, and refrigerate for 1-2 days before baking.
When you’re ready to serve, bake it as instructed. If it’s cold, you might need to bake it for 10 minutes longer in the oven or 5 minutes in an air fryer. This ensures it’s hot and ready to eat.
What Variations Can I Try?
The campbell’s green bean casserole is a classic, but you can get creative. For a cheesy twist, skip the soy sauce and add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle more on top before baking.
Bacon bits are also a tasty addition, adding a smoky flavor. You can also try different soups like cream of chicken or mushroom instead of cream of mushroom.
Whichever variation you pick, the campbell’s green bean casserole will be a hit. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or as an easy side dish all year round.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Casserole
The campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is a classic loved by many. It was first made by Dorcas Reilly in 1955 for Campbell Soup Company. Today, it’s a favorite at many American holiday meals.
Sharing with Family and Friends
The holiday green bean casserole is loved for its simple yet tasty flavor. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family event. Serving it brings joy and makes memories with loved ones.
Making It a Tradition
The green bean casserole recipe can be made your own, making it a great family tradition. Share it with your family and watch it become a part of your heritage. Its lasting popularity ensures it will bring happiness to families for years.