When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as iconic as the green bean casserole recipe by Campbell Soup. This beloved dish, with its creamy mushroom soup base, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, has been a favorite at holiday dinners and family gatherings for decades. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving or as a comforting side for a weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
In this guide, you’ll not only learn how to make the classic Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe, but we’ll also dive into variations, tips to improve flavor and texture, and ideas for making this dish part of your meal rotation. We will also touch on its origins and why it has remained a beloved dish for decades.
The History of Green Bean Casserole
The origins of green bean casserole date back to 1955 when Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell Soup Company employee, invented the recipe. At the time, Reilly was tasked with creating a simple, convenient recipe using ingredients that were commonly found in most kitchens. She combined Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, a pantry staple, with green beans and topped the dish with crispy fried onions. The result was a creamy, flavorful casserole with minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it an instant hit.
This recipe soon became a favorite during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, where it was served alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Today, it remains a staple of American cuisine and is beloved for its rich, savory flavor and ease of preparation.
The Classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Let’s start with the traditional green bean casserole recipe, which has remained largely unchanged since its creation. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it accessible and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked or drained canned green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (divided for topping)
Instructions for the Classic Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare the original Campbell Soup green bean casserole:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the fried onions become perfectly crispy. - Mix the Soup Base:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended. This creamy mixture forms the flavorful base of your casserole. - Add Green Beans and Fried Onions:
Gently fold the green beans and 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions into the soup mixture. Stir until the green beans are evenly coated. The fried onions in this step help infuse the casserole with a rich, savory flavor. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9-inch square baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish using a spatula. - Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling. - Top with Fried Onions:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best served warm, allowing the crispy fried onions to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy green beans.
Tips for Perfecting Green Bean Casserole
While the classic recipe is beloved for its simplicity, there are several ways you can enhance the flavor and texture of your green bean casserole. Here are some helpful tips:
Choosing the Best Green Beans
While the original recipe calls for canned green beans, using fresh or frozen green beans can improve both the flavor and texture of your casserole. If using fresh green beans, be sure to blanch them first. Blanching involves briefly boiling the green beans for about 3-4 minutes and then plunging them into ice water to preserve their bright green color and crispness. Frozen green beans can be used straight from the bag without thawing, though some cooks prefer to thaw and drain them first.
Enhance the Creaminess
For an even creamier casserole, you can add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese to the soup mixture. This will give the casserole a richer flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Elevate the Seasonings
The classic recipe is relatively mild, but you can elevate the flavor by experimenting with different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even cayenne pepper for a hint of spice. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Mix up the Toppings
While crispy fried onions are iconic, there’s no reason you can’t get creative with the toppings. Consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, cheesy finish. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers or even toasted almonds for an added layer of texture.
Variations on the Classic Green Bean Casserole
One of the best things about green bean casserole is how adaptable it is. There are countless ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some popular variations to try:
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
If you’re a cheese lover, adding cheese to the casserole is a game-changer. Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture before baking. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before adding the fried onions. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
For a savory twist, add bacon to your casserole. Cook and crumble 4-6 slices of bacon and mix them into the green bean mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle extra bacon on top along with the crispy fried onions. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the creamy sauce perfectly and adds a layer of richness to the dish.
Mushroom Lover’s Green Bean Casserole
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, why not add even more? Sauté sliced mushrooms in a bit of butter or olive oil and stir them into the green bean mixture before baking. This enhances the mushroom flavor of the dish and provides additional texture. Cremini or button mushrooms work particularly well in this variation.
Spicy Green Bean Casserole
For those who like a little heat, you can spice up the casserole by adding chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture. The creamy sauce helps balance the heat, creating a flavorful and slightly spicy casserole that’s perfect for those who enjoy a kick.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
To make the dish vegan-friendly, substitute the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with a vegan mushroom soup (many plant-based brands offer excellent alternatives). Use a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk, and ensure that the crispy fried onions are vegan-friendly (many brands already are). This version is just as delicious and comforting as the original.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
For a gluten-free version of the dish, replace the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, swap out the fried onions for a gluten-free alternative or make your own crispy topping using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or incorporating it into a weeknight dinner, here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this comforting dish:
Holiday Meals
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. It complements traditional holiday fare such as roast turkey, ham, or roast beef. The savory, creamy casserole balances out the richness of these meats and provides a delicious contrast in texture with its crispy onion topping.
Weeknight Dinners
For a simpler, more casual meal, serve green bean casserole alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted vegetables. It adds a comforting and hearty element to any weeknight dinner, and its creamy consistency pairs well with lean proteins.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Green bean casserole is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, buffets, and family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. If you’re making it for a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe to ensure everyone gets a serving.
Pair with Mashed Potatoes
The creaminess of green bean casserole pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, making it an ideal combination for a hearty, comforting meal. The soft texture of the potatoes complements the creamy sauce in the casserole, while the crispy onions add a satisfying crunch.
With Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce from the casserole. The combination of the casserole’s rich flavor with warm, flaky rolls creates a satisfying and indulgent side dish.
Storing and Reheating Green Bean Casserole
If you have leftovers or are preparing the casserole ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigeration
Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Green bean casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If the fried onions lose their crispness, you can sprinkle some fresh fried onions on top before reheating to restore the crunchy texture.
Nutritional Information for Classic Green Bean Casserole (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
This information is based on the classic recipe with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, green beans, and crispy fried onions. If you modify the recipe by adding cheese, bacon, or other ingredients, the nutritional content will change accordingly.
Conclusion: Why the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Remains a Beloved Dish
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole has earned its place as a beloved comfort food for many reasons. Its simple preparation, delicious flavor, and creamy texture make it a versatile side dish that works just as well for holiday feasts as it does for everyday meals. With the combination of savory cream of mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, it delivers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. You can customize it to suit your personal preferences by adding cheese, bacon, or extra vegetables, or by making it vegan or gluten-free. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this casserole is always a hit.
So, whether it’s your first time making green bean casserole or you’re a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Its timeless appeal makes it a must-have at any gathering, big or small.
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