Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish that graces countless holiday tables, especially during Thanksgiving. This creamy, crunchy dish, with its rich flavors and simple preparation, has been a staple since Dorcas Reilly created it in 1955 for Campbell’s. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this green bean casserole recipe will delight your guests and become a family favorite.
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Why Green Bean Casserole Is a Holiday Must-Have
Why does green bean casserole hold such a special place at holiday gatherings? For many, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and nostalgia. Its creamy texture, savory mushroom soup, and crispy French-fried onions make it a crowd-pleaser that complements any holiday meal.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can stick to the classic recipe or customize it with fresh green beans, extra mushrooms, or even bacon. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, taking about 40 minutes from start to finish, including 20 minutes in the oven.
Ingredients for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole
To make this classic green bean casserole recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples, and you can find them at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans (or two 14.5-ounce cans, drained, or 16 ounces frozen green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ⅓ cups French’s French Fried Onions (divided)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms or ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
These ingredients create a balanced dish with creamy, savory, and crunchy elements. If you’re using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Green Bean Casserole
This green bean casserole recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for busy holiday prep. Follow these steps for a golden-brown, bubbling dish that’s ready in no time. Preheat your oven to 350°F before starting.
Cook the Green Beans:
If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. For canned or frozen green beans, skip this step—just drain canned beans or thaw frozen ones.
Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and ⅔ cup of French-fried onions. Stir until smooth. Add the green beans and optional mushrooms, tossing to coat evenly.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to a 1 ½-quart casserole dish. Spread it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
Add the Topping:
Remove the casserole, sprinkle the remaining ⅔ cup of French-fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma as the casserole bakes. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish with a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole
Want to elevate your green bean casserole? These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and add your own flair. They’re based on insights from top recipe sources like Campbell’s and Allrecipes.
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them briefly to keep them crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Customize the Crunch: For extra texture, mix in water chestnuts or top with homemade fried onions instead of store-bought.
- Add Cheese for Richness: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar before baking for a cheesy twist, as suggested by The Pioneer Woman.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the onion topping) a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add onions just before the final bake.
- Check Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust with salt and pepper if needed, especially if using low-sodium soup.
These tweaks ensure your casserole stands out while staying true to its classic roots.
Variations to Spice Up Your Green Bean Casserole
While the traditional green bean casserole recipe is a winner, you can experiment with variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular options to try:
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade cashew cream sauce and use vegan crispy onions. Sally’s Baking Addiction offers a great dairy-free base.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (like Pacific Foods) and gluten-free fried onions, and serve with our gluten-free sourdough bread for a complete meal. Check labels to ensure compliance.
- Bacon-Enhanced Casserole: Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture for a smoky flavor, as Ree Drummond suggests.
- Fresh Mushroom Boost: Sauté ½ cup of fresh mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat with a pinch of salt, then mix them in for extra umami.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients (except onions) in a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 hours, then top with onions and broil briefly for crispiness.
These variations let you tailor the dish to your guests’ preferences while keeping prep simple.
The History Behind Green Bean Casserole
Ever wonder where this iconic dish came from? Green bean casserole was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at Campbell’s Soup Company. She developed the recipe to showcase the company’s cream of mushroom soup, combining it with green beans and French-fried onions for a quick, affordable side dish.
The recipe gained popularity in the 1960s as a Thanksgiving staple, thanks to its ease and comforting flavors. Today, Campbell’s estimates that 20 million households serve green bean casserole each Thanksgiving, cementing its place in American cuisine.
Pairing Green Bean Casserole with Your Holiday Meal
Green bean casserole shines as a side dish, but what should you serve it with? It pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. For a complete Thanksgiving menu, consider these complementary sides, like our creamy garlic sauce baby potatoes and a warm starter like our lemon ginger chicken soup:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Stuffing or dressing
Pair the casserole with a refreshing white wine like Chardonnay or a smooth red like Merlot to complement its rich, savory flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Green bean casserole keeps nicely, allowing you to savor it again with ease. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The onions may soften, but the flavor remains delicious.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole (without the onion topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. Add fresh French-fried onions for crunch and bake 5 more minutes.
These steps ensure your casserole tastes just as good the second time around.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like green bean casserole can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless result:
- Soggy Onions: Don’t add all the French-fried onions at the start—they’ll lose their crispiness. Save half for the final 5 minutes.
- Watery Casserole: Drain canned or thawed frozen beans thoroughly to prevent excess liquid. Cook stirring occasionally if adding sautéed mushrooms to reduce moisture.
- Underseasoned Base: The cream of mushroom soup is flavorful, but soy sauce and black pepper are key for depth. Taste before baking.
By sidestepping these errors, you’ll serve a casserole that’s creamy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
This dish unites loved ones, stirring fond memories of shared holiday meals. This green bean casserole recipe is a winner because it’s quick, affordable, and adaptable. With just a few ingredients and 40 minutes, you can create a dish that feeds 6–8 people for under $10, based on average grocery prices. with nutritional details available from the USDA. Its flexibility—whether you use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans—makes it accessible for any cook.
Moreover, the recipe scales easily. Double it for a larger crowd or make mini casseroles in ramekins for a fun presentation, as Campbell’s suggests.
Conclusion: Make Green Bean Casserole Your Holiday Star
Green bean casserole is more than a side dish—it’s a tradition that warms hearts and fills bellies. This easy recipe, with its creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy onions, delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a variation, it’s sure to impress at your next holiday meal.
Ready to make this dish a staple at your table? Try this green bean casserole recipe today and share your thoughts below. Did you add bacon or go vegan? Let us know how it turned out!
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans or two 14.5-ounce cans, drained, or 16 ounces frozen green beans
- 1 can 10.5 ounces Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ⅓ cups French’s French Fried Onions divided into ⅔ cup for mix and ⅔ cup for topping
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms or ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. For canned beans, drain well; for frozen, thaw completely.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and ⅔ cup French-fried onions until smooth.
- Add green beans and optional mushrooms or cheese to the bowl, stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1 ½-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Sprinkle remaining ⅔ cup French-fried onions on top and bake for 5 more minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid Soggy Beans: Blanch fresh green beans briefly to keep them crisp; overcooking makes them mushy.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without onion topping) up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add onions just before the final bake.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in ¼ cup water chestnuts for added texture.
- Seasoning Check: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust with salt if using low-sodium soup.
- Vegan: Use a homemade cashew cream sauce instead of mushroom soup and vegan crispy onions.
- Gluten-Free: Swap for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (e.g., Pacific Foods) and gluten-free fried onions.
- Cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mix for a richer flavor.
- Bacon-Enhanced: Stir in 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g (Saturated: 3 g)
- Carbohydrates: 16 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 3 g)
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Nutrition facts are estimates based on standard ingredients (fresh green beans, regular cream of mushroom soup, no optional ingredients). Values may vary depending on specific brands or substitutions. For precise data, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
