When you think of classic American holiday meals, a few iconic dishes immediately come to mind. There’s the roasted turkey, the creamy mashed potatoes, and of course, the bubbling, crunchy, and utterly comforting green bean casserole. For decades, one recipe has stood above the rest as the gold standard for this beloved side dish: the classic Campbells Green Bean Casserole. This simple, six-ingredient wonder has graced countless Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, becoming a non-negotiable part of family traditions across the country. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about creating this timeless dish, from its humble origins to tips and variations that will make it your own. Consequently, you’ll be ready to serve up a perfect casserole that everyone will love.
The Enduring Legacy of a Holiday Staple
Before diving into the recipe itself, it is helpful to understand why Campbells Green Bean Casserole has captured the hearts of so many. Its story is one of innovation, convenience, and the simple joy of sharing a good meal. Therefore, its history is just as rich as its flavor.
A Dish Born in the 1950s
The original Campbells Green Bean Casserole was invented in 1955 by a woman named Dorcas Reilly, who worked in the test kitchen for the Campbell Soup Company. Her goal was to create a simple, reliable recipe using ingredients that most Americans already had in their pantries. At the time, canned goods like Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup and French’s crispy fried onions were staples in the post-war American kitchen. Reilly combined these with green beans, and a culinary legend was born. The recipe was an immediate success because it delivered a fantastic flavor and texture with minimal effort. In addition, it was easy to transport and reheat, making it perfect for potlucks and large family gatherings.
Why It Remains a Cherished Tradition
More than 60 years later, the Campbells Green Bean Casserole continues to be a favorite. Its popularity stems from a perfect combination of factors. First, there is the incredible texture profile. You get a creamy, savory sauce from the soup, the tender bite of the green beans, and the signature salty crunch from the fried onions on top. Moreover, the recipe is incredibly easy to follow, which is a huge advantage during the often-chaotic preparations for a holiday feast. It is a forgiving dish that requires no special culinary skills. Finally, it’s a powerful source of nostalgia. For many, the taste and smell of this casserole instantly evoke warm memories of family, holidays, and happy times together.
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Campbells Green Bean Casserole: The 6 Essential Ingredients for Holiday Perfection
The classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole uses just six essential ingredients to create a creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic holiday side dish loved by generations.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans (about 2 cans of 14.5 ounces each, drained well)
1 1/3 cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions (divided)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 1.5-quart casserole or baking dish, stir the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions to the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully stir the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the onions on top are golden brown. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
8. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly.
Notes
For best results, thoroughly drain canned green beans or pat dry thawed frozen green beans to prevent a watery casserole.
Use whole milk or a splash of cream for an extra-rich texture.
Customize your casserole with add-ins like shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, or a dash of garlic powder.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the final onion topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add onions and finish baking just before serving.
Swap the soup with Cream of Chicken, Cream of Celery, or Cheddar Cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Mastering the Classic Campbells Green Bean Casserole Recipe
The beauty of the Campbells Green Bean Casserole lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve perfection. Instead, a few well-chosen pantry staples come together to create something truly special. This recipe is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best dishes are the easiest ones to make. Before we get to the steps, let’s look at the foundational components that make this casserole a star.
The Magic of Six Simple Ingredients
The original recipe calls for just six items, most of which you may already have on hand. The Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup acts as the creamy, savory base, eliminating the need to make a complex sauce from scratch. Canned green beans provide the vegetable component, while crispy fried onions deliver that essential crunchy topping. A bit of milk, soy sauce, and black pepper round out the flavors, creating a harmonious and satisfying side dish. Ultimately, these six ingredients are all you need for holiday success.
Ingredients Will Need For Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Here are the essential components you will need to create the authentic Campbells Green Bean Casserole. This recipe is designed to serve six people, but it can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans (about 2 cans of 14.5 ounces each, drained well)
- 1 1/3 cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Following these instructions will ensure your Campbells Green Bean Casserole turns out perfectly creamy, savory, and delicious every single time. The process is quick and straightforward, leaving you with more time to focus on other parts of your meal.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 1.5-quart casserole or baking dish, stir the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions to the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully stir the mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the onions on top are golden brown. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly.
| Step | Action | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat & Prep | Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking. |
| 2 | Mix the Sauce | Use a whisk to combine the soup, milk, and seasonings for an extra-smooth sauce. |
| 3 | Combine Ingredients | Stir gently to avoid breaking the green beans. |
| 4 | First Bake | Bake for 25 minutes until you see bubbles form along the sides of the dish. |
| 5 | Add Final Topping | Sprinkle the remaining onions evenly for a crunchy top layer. |
| 6 | Final Bake & Rest | Bake for just 5 more minutes. Letting it rest helps the casserole set. |
Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your personal taste. These simple tweaks and additions can elevate your casserole from a simple side to a standout dish. Furthermore, experimenting with variations is a great way to put your own signature on this holiday staple.
Achieving Casserole Perfection
For the best possible result, keep these simple tips in mind. First and foremost, drain your canned green beans thoroughly. Excess water can lead to a soupy, diluted casserole. For an even creamier texture, you can use whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream instead of low-fat milk. In addition, when adding the final layer of onions, watch them carefully. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in less than a minute. Therefore, it is wise to stay near the oven during the final five minutes of baking.
Creative Twists on a Classic
If you feel like experimenting, the green bean casserole is an excellent canvas. Here are a few popular variations to try:
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Colby, or Gruyere cheese to the soup mixture for a rich, gooey casserole. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top with the final layer of onions.
- Mushroom and Bacon Lover’s Casserole: For more savory depth, saute 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms and a few strips of cooked, crumbled bacon. Stir them into the green bean mixture before baking.
- Using Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: If you prefer to avoid canned vegetables, you can absolutely use fresh or frozen green beans. However, you must cook them first. For fresh green beans, trim them and then blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. For frozen green beans, simply thaw them and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Different Soup Flavors: While Cream of Mushroom is the classic choice, Campbell’s also offers other condensed soups that work wonderfully. For example, Cream of Chicken, Cream of Celery, or even Cheddar Cheese soup can be used for a delicious flavor twist.
The possibilities are nearly endless. You can also add things like water chestnuts for extra crunch, a dash of garlic powder for more flavor, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory finish.
Conclusion About Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Year after year, the Campbells Green Bean Casserole proves that a great dish does not need to be complicated. Its enduring charm comes from its simplicity, its comforting flavors, and the cherished memories it helps create. Whether you stick to the original six-ingredient recipe or decide to add your own creative spin, this casserole is more than just a side dish; it is a delicious piece of American culinary history. So, as you plan your next holiday meal, make sure to save a spot on the table for this timeless, crowd-pleasing classic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you certainly can. If you are using fresh green beans, you will need to trim them and cook them before adding them to the casserole. A quick blanch in boiling water for 4-5 minutes is perfect. For frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove any excess water before mixing them in. This ensures your casserole does not become watery.
Can I make Campbells Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. This is one of the reasons it’s a holiday favorite. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, but hold off on adding the final layer of crispy onions. Cover the dish and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time. Then, top with onions and bake for the final 5 minutes as directed.
How do I prevent my Campbells Green Bean Casserole from being watery?
The most common cause of a watery casserole is excess liquid from the green beans. If you are using canned beans, be sure to drain them very thoroughly in a colander. If you are using frozen beans, allow them to thaw completely and then gently pat them with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Following this simple step makes a huge difference in the final consistency.
What can I use instead of Cream of Mushroom soup?
While Cream of Mushroom is the traditional choice, several other condensed soups work beautifully. Campbell’s Cream of Chicken or Cream of Celery are excellent substitutes that provide a similarly creamy and savory base. For a cheesy twist, you could also use Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup. Ultimately, you can choose the flavor that best suits your family’s preferences.
