In the symphony of holiday feasts, certain dishes play a timeless tune, echoing through generations and across countless dinner tables. The **Classic Green Bean Casserole** is undeniably one of these beloved culinary masterpieces. More than just a side dish, it’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and tradition, a nostalgic staple that evokes cherished memories with every creamy, crunchy bite.
For decades, this humble yet irresistible casserole has held a revered spot, especially during the bustling holiday season. What makes it so enduringly popular? Perhaps it’s the magical combination of just **five simple ingredients** coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Or maybe it’s the sheer ease of preparation, requiring a mere **ten minutes of hands-on time**, a true blessing when kitchen chaos reigns supreme.
And here’s the ultimate game-changer for those busy festive days: you can **make it ahead of time!** Imagine the relief of having a quintessential holiday side dish prepped and ready, leaving you more time to savor moments with family and friends, rather than being tethered to the stove. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about simplifying your holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
The Enduring Legacy of Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Icon
As the aroma of roasting turkey and freshly baked pies fills the air, it’s almost impossible to imagine a holiday spread without a bubbling dish of green bean casserole gracing the table. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a piece of American culinary history. Born in 1955 in the kitchens of Campbell Soup Company by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist, this dish was designed to be an easy and affordable way to utilize common pantry staples: canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup.
Reilly’s creation was an instant success, quickly becoming a fixture in homes across the nation, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its appeal lies in its comforting simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. The creamy texture of the soup, the tender-crisp green beans, and the iconic crunch of French’s French Fried Onions create a harmony that has captivated palates for over six decades. This casserole represents more than just a dish; it embodies the spirit of gathering, sharing, and enjoying hearty, familiar flavors during special times of the year.
Despite its humble origins, the green bean casserole has achieved legendary status. It’s the dish that countless families pass down through generations, often without even needing a recipe card because the steps are so ingrained in holiday memory. If you’re searching for “green bean casserole” online, you’ll invariably find versions featuring Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and Del Monte green beans prominently—a testament to the original recipe’s enduring influence and widespread adoration. My own family, including my husband, can attest to its irreplaceable role in our holiday traditions.
Why This Easy Green Bean Casserole is Your Holiday Hero
When planning your holiday menu, efficiency and deliciousness are often at the top of the list. This **easy green bean casserole recipe** checks all the boxes, making it an absolute must-have for any festive gathering.
- Unbeatable Simplicity: Forget complicated ingredient lists and elaborate techniques. This recipe calls for just five readily available ingredients and comes together in a flash, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros looking for a stress-free option.
- Perfect for Planning Ahead: The ability to assemble this casserole a day or two in advance is a holiday lifesaver. Prep it, chill it, and then simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. This strategy frees up precious time and oven space on the big day, allowing you to focus on other dishes or, even better, enjoy the company of your guests.
- Budget-Friendly Goodness: Feeding a crowd can be expensive, but this green bean casserole offers exceptional flavor without breaking the bank. Using economical pantry staples, it’s a smart choice for delicious holiday eating that everyone will love.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: There’s a reason this casserole has been a family favorite for generations. Its creamy, savory base perfectly complements the tender green beans, all crowned with the addictive crunch of fried onions. It’s a flavor combination that appeals to nearly everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies.
- Versatile Pairing: While it’s synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas, this casserole is a fantastic side dish for any meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, grilled steak, or even as a comforting weeknight addition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Casserole
Crafting this iconic dish requires a handful of key components, each playing a vital role in its signature taste and texture. Stick to these, and you’ll capture the authentic flavor that has made this casserole a holiday legend:
- Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The cornerstone of this recipe! This creamy soup provides the rich, savory base that binds all the ingredients together, giving the casserole its characteristic luscious texture and umami depth. Its condensed nature ensures a thick, comforting sauce.
- Milk: Used to thin out the condensed soup, creating a perfectly pourable and smooth sauce that coats every green bean evenly without being too heavy. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work, though whole milk will yield the richest result.
- Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for an extra layer of savory flavor! Just a touch of soy sauce deepens the umami profile of the mushroom soup, enhancing the overall richness and complexity of the casserole without making it taste overtly Asian. It’s a subtle but impactful addition.
- Del Monte® Canned Green Beans: While you have options (which we’ll discuss below), the classic recipe calls for canned green beans. They are convenient, consistently tender, and readily available. You can opt for cut green beans or French-style (thinly sliced) depending on your textural preference. Ensure they are well-drained before adding to the mixture.
- French’s® French Fried Onions: The quintessential crispy topping that defines this casserole! These golden, crunchy fried onions add an irresistible texture and a savory, slightly sweet onion flavor that perfectly complements the creamy bean mixture. They are divided for mixing into the casserole and for the final golden-brown topping.
Crafting Your Classic Green Bean Casserole: Step-by-Step Excellence
Making this beloved holiday side is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, bubbling casserole every time.
- Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the star ingredients: the can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and soy sauce. Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, forming a creamy base.
- Integrate the Green Beans and Onions: Add the thoroughly drained green beans to the soup mixture. Then, carefully fold in two-thirds of the French’s French Fried Onions (reserve the remaining one-third for the topping). Stir everything together until the beans are fully coated and the onions are evenly distributed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the soup and soy sauce already contribute to the saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 1.5-quart (or similar size, e.g., 9×13 inch) oven-safe casserole dish. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly.
- Initial Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is hot and bubbly around the edges. This initial bake allows the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through thoroughly. Gently stir the casserole at this point to ensure even cooking and distribution of ingredients.
- Add the Crispy Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining one-third of French’s French Fried Onions over the top. This timing is crucial to ensure the onions retain their irresistible crispness.
- Final Bake and Rest: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are beautifully golden brown and extra crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring every spoonful is perfectly comforting.
This timeless dish has been a cherished family favorite for over six decades—count ’em, six! I genuinely hope you’ll incorporate this reliable recipe into your holiday menu again this season. Its comforting familiarity and undeniable appeal make it a dish that truly brings people together.
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Green Bean Casserole
While the classic recipe is perfect as is, a few simple tips and creative twists can elevate your green bean casserole even further, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. These insights will help you customize your dish and ensure success every time.
Choosing Your Green Beans: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?
The original recipe famously uses canned green beans for convenience, and they work perfectly. However, you have flexibility:
- Canned Green Beans: Most convenient, consistently tender. Ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole. Del Monte is the classic choice, but any brand of cut or French-style green beans will do.
- Frozen Green Beans: A great alternative for a slightly fresher taste without much extra effort. Thaw them first and drain any excess water to avoid diluting the sauce.
- Fresh Green Beans: For the freshest flavor and a vibrant green color, opt for fresh green beans. Trim the ends and steam or blanch them until crisp-tender (about 5-7 minutes) before adding them to the mixture. This pre-cooking step ensures they are not too firm in the final casserole.
Elevating the Flavor Profile
Want to add a little something extra to your classic? Consider these enhancements:
- Aromatic Boosters: Sauté finely diced onions or minced garlic in a bit of butter before mixing them into the casserole for an added layer of flavor. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder stirred into the soup mixture also works wonders.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses into the green bean mixture before baking. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top during the last few minutes of baking can also add a delightful crust.
- Meaty Additions: Crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken can transform this side dish into a more substantial offering. Add them along with the green beans.
- Spice it Up: A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a tiny amount of cayenne pepper can introduce subtle warmth and complexity.
Make-Ahead Mastery: Stress-Free Holidays
The make-ahead option is a game-changer! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Assemble and Chill: Prepare the casserole mixture as instructed, but do NOT add the French fried onions yet. Pour the mixture into your casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.
- Baking Day: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. This helps it bake more evenly. Bake as directed, adding the French fried onions only for the final 5-minute bake to ensure they remain perfectly crispy. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial bake time if the casserole is going into the oven directly from the fridge.
Alternative Crispy Toppings
While French fried onions are iconic, you can experiment with other crunchy toppings:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Toss panko with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top for a wonderfully light and crisp texture.
- Crushed Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers or similar buttery crackers mixed with melted butter make a savory, rich topping.
- Crispy Onions (Homemade): For a gourmet touch, thinly slice fresh onions, dredge in flour, and shallow-fry until golden and crisp.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten-Free: Many brands now offer gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions. Always check labels.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free condensed cream of mushroom soup substitute and a plant-based milk (such as unsweetened almond or soy milk) for a dairy-free version.
No matter how you choose to make it, this Green Bean Casserole is destined to be a hit. Its comforting taste and ease of preparation make it a true holiday gift to any host. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, or if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below. Enjoy this timeless classic!
More Delicious Holiday Side Dishes to Elevate Your Feast
Looking for more show-stopping sides to complete your holiday spread? Explore these other fantastic recipes that promise to delight your guests:
- The BEST One Pot Cheesy Potatoes: A creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy potato dish that cooks all in one pot.
- Easy Holiday Broccoli Casserole: A vibrant and cheesy casserole, perfect for adding a touch of green to your holiday table.
- Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms: A rich and savory side dish that’s both elegant and comforting, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
Green Bean Casserole
MaryAnn Dwyer
6
servings
Print Recipe
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10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 10.5-oz. can
Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup - 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans,
-
1 1/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions,
divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine soup, milk soy sauce, beans and 2/3 cup French fried onions in a 1/2-quart oven safe casserole dish until all ingredients are combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Stir. Sprinkle with the remaining 2/3 cup onions.
Bake for another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can make this recipe a day or two ahead and then just bake before serving. I add the crispy onions right before I’m ready to bake.
Nutrition
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, casserole, Del Monte Green Beans, holiday, Green Bean Casserole
American
Side
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Recipe adapted from Campbell’s Soup