Introduction
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is an iconic American dish that has graced holiday tables since 1955. This beloved casserole combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions into a comforting side dish that’s become synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Simple to prepare yet always crowd-pleasing, this classic recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking. Whether you’re a first-time cook or an experienced chef, this timeless green bean casserole will become a cherished tradition at your family gatherings.
The History of Green Bean Casserole
Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company test kitchen in Camden, New Jersey, this recipe was designed to be quick, easy, and made with ingredients most Americans had on hand. The original recipe used Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, fresh or canned green beans, milk, soy sauce, and French’s French Fried Onions. It was an instant hit and quickly became a Thanksgiving staple. Today, an estimated 40 million green bean casseroles are served each year during the holidays, making it one of the most popular side dishes in American cuisine.
Why This Recipe is a Classic
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole has endured for nearly 70 years for good reasons:
- Incredibly easy: Only 5 main ingredients and 10 minutes of prep
- Consistently delicious: The combination of creamy, savory, and crispy is irresistible
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled in advance
- Universally loved: Appeals to both kids and adults
- Holiday tradition: Evokes nostalgia and family memories
Ingredients for Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Essential Ingredients
- Green beans (2 cans, 14.5 oz each, or 1.5 lbs fresh) – French-cut or whole work well
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – The signature ingredient
- Milk (1/2 cup) – Thins the soup to perfect consistency
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon) – Adds savory umami depth
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – For seasoning
- French’s French Fried Onions (1 1/3 cups, divided) – Half mixed in, half on top
Optional Enhancements
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup)
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup, sautéed)
- Panko breadcrumbs mixed with fried onions
- Fresh cracked black pepper
How to Make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the casserole heats through without burning the topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans If using canned green beans, drain them thoroughly in a colander. If using fresh green beans, trim ends, cut into 2-inch pieces, and blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. Frozen green beans should be thawed and drained.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture. Add 2/3 cup of French Fried Onions (save the rest for topping). Gently fold everything together until the beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish Pour the green bean mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
Step 6: Bake Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Add Topping Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French Fried Onions evenly over the top.
Step 8: Final Bake Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Rest and Serve Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Expert Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Selection
- Fresh beans: Provide the best texture and flavor; blanch until crisp-tender
- Canned beans: Most convenient; drain very well to avoid watery casserole
- Frozen beans: Good middle ground; thaw completely and drain excess moisture
- French-cut vs. whole: French-cut are traditional, but whole beans work too
Sauce Consistency Tips
- Not too thick: Add extra milk if sauce seems too thick before baking
- Not too thin: Drain beans thoroughly; excess water dilutes the sauce
- Even coating: Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all beans
- Season to taste: Add more pepper or a pinch of garlic powder if desired
Topping Secrets
- Don’t add onions too early: They’ll get soggy instead of crispy
- Watch carefully: Fried onions burn quickly in the last few minutes
- Extra crispy: Use additional onions for more crunch
- Panko option: Mix half panko breadcrumbs with onions for varied texture
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Assemble ahead: Mix everything except final onion topping; refrigerate up to 24 hours
- Adjust baking time: Cold casserole needs 35-40 minutes before adding final topping
- Bring to room temp: Let sit 30 minutes before baking for more even heating
Delicious Variations
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Version
Make your own mushroom sauce with butter, flour, mushrooms, and broth for a from-scratch version.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture before baking.
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Add 6 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon mixed into the casserole and sprinkled on top.
Garlic Herb Green Bean Casserole
Sauté minced garlic and fresh thyme, then mix into the soup base for enhanced flavor.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Cook on low for 3-4 hours, adding fried onions in the last 15 minutes with lid off.
Healthier Green Bean Casserole
Use low-sodium soup, fresh green beans, Greek yogurt instead of milk, and reduce fried onions.
Mushroom Lovers Green Bean Casserole
Add 2 cups of sautéed fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) to the mixture.
Spicy Green Bean Casserole
Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a kick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Advance Preparation
Up to 24 Hours Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole without the final onion topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’s cold. Add fried onions in the last 5 minutes as directed.
Up to 3 Days Ahead: Prepare all components separately: blanch green beans, mix sauce, and store each in separate airtight containers. Assemble just before baking.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot
Freezing Instructions
To freeze green bean casserole, assemble without the fried onion topping in a freezer-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with date. When ready to bake, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding fresh fried onions for the last 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Main Dishes:
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Baked ham with glaze
- Prime rib or roast beef
- Pork tenderloin
- Meatloaf
Complementary Sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Cranberry sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Stuffing or dressing
Occasions:
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Christmas feast
- Easter brunch
- Potluck dinners
- Sunday family meals
- Holiday buffets
Presentation Tips
- Serve directly from a decorative casserole dish
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for color
- Use individual ramekins for elegant single servings
- Place on a trivet to protect table surfaces
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 140-160
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Using fresh green beans and low-sodium soup reduces sodium content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Watery Casserole
Not draining green beans thoroughly causes excess liquid. Drain canned or cooked beans very well, even pressing gently to remove moisture.
Mistake 2: Soggy Fried Onions
Adding all the fried onions at the beginning makes them lose their crunch. Always reserve some for the final topping.
Mistake 3: Overbaking
Leaving the casserole in too long dries it out. Remove when bubbly and onions are golden, not dark brown.
Mistake 4: Using Wrong Soup
Different cream soups have different consistencies. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom is specifically formulated for this recipe.
Mistake 5: Skipping the Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds crucial umami depth. Don’t skip it even though it seems like a small amount.
Mistake 6: Not Stirring Well
Uneven mixing means some bites have too much sauce while others are dry. Fold ingredients thoroughly but gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned? Absolutely! Use 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Fresh beans provide better texture and flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance without the final onion topping. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? You can make homemade mushroom sauce or use cream of chicken, cream of celery soup, or a dairy-free condensed soup alternative.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add fried onions in the last 15 minutes with the lid off to keep them crispy.
Why is my green bean casserole watery? This usually happens when green beans aren’t drained properly or if too much milk is added. Drain beans thoroughly and measure liquids carefully.
Can I freeze green bean casserole? Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking. Add fresh fried onions before the final bake.
What if I don’t have French fried onions? You can use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or make homemade fried onions by coating sliced onions in flour and frying until crispy.
Is green bean casserole gluten-free? The traditional recipe contains gluten in the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. Look for gluten-free versions of both ingredients.
How do I keep fried onions crispy? Only add them in the last 5 minutes of baking. If making ahead, store them separately and add just before the final bake.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Baking time remains approximately the same.
Tips for Holiday Success
Timing Strategy
- Make 2-3 days ahead and refrigerate
- Bake while turkey rests (perfect timing coordination)
- Can stay warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes
- Prepare multiple casseroles for large gatherings
Crowd-Pleasing Tips
- Set up a topping bar with extra fried onions, bacon, and cheese
- Make individual portions in ramekins for elegant presentation
- Label as vegetarian if no meat additions used
- Keep recipe card available for guests who request it
Transportation Tips
- Use a casserole carrier or wrap in towels
- Transport cold and reheat at destination
- Bring extra fried onions to add fresh before serving
- Use disposable aluminum pans for easy cleanup
Shopping Tips
Ingredient Selection
- Green beans: Look for bright green color, firm texture
- Cream of mushroom soup: Campbell’s brand is traditional but store brands work
- Fried onions: French’s is classic; check for sales during holidays
- Milk: Whole milk creates richest sauce, but 2% works fine
Budget-Friendly Options
- Buy canned green beans on sale and stock up
- Purchase fried onions in bulk or with coupons during holiday season
- Store-brand cream soup is usually significantly cheaper
- Watch for multi-buy discounts in November
Quality Considerations
- Fresh green beans elevate the dish significantly
- Name-brand fried onions tend to stay crispier
- Organic versions available for all main ingredients
- Low-sodium soup available for dietary needs
Conclusion
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a cherished American tradition that brings families together during the holidays. This simple yet satisfying recipe has earned its place on holiday tables for nearly seven decades, and for good reason. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages and skill levels. Whether you follow the classic recipe exactly or add your own creative touches, this green bean casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Master this iconic dish and you’ll have a reliable go-to recipe that will be requested year after year, creating lasting memories and delicious moments around your family table.
