The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe has long been a holiday favorite, known for its comforting flavors and classic appeal. This dish, made from green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, is a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas tables across the United States. Whether you are a seasoned chef or trying your hand at cooking for the first time, this guide will help you prepare the best version of this iconic dish.
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Why the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe is So Popular
Green bean casserole has been around since the 1950s, when Campbell’s Soup Company first published the recipe to promote their cream of mushroom soup. Its ease of preparation and rich flavors made it an instant hit. Today, this casserole continues to be loved for its simplicity and nostalgic value.
If you want to try other classic holiday recipes, check out this guide on preparing perfect mashed potatoes or explore these easy Thanksgiving sides. Understanding the appeal of these classic dishes gives you insight into why this casserole remains a must-have during festive gatherings.
Ingredients You Will Need
To create the perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Ingredient Notes
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans work well for this recipe, but you can use canned or frozen green beans for convenience. If you are looking for a firmer texture, fresh green beans are the way to go.
- Milk: You can use whole milk, but for a creamier consistency, heavy cream is an excellent substitute. If you prefer a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk works well too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
Here’s how you can prepare the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe from start to finish. This recipe takes about 40 minutes to complete, with only 10 minutes of prep time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven is key to ensuring the casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
- If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Blanch the green beans by boiling them for 3-4 minutes, then immediately place them in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the beans crisp and bright green.
- For canned or frozen green beans, drain and rinse to remove any excess sodium.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the crispy fried onions. Mix well to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans
Gently fold the green beans into the mushroom mixture. Make sure that all of the green beans are well-coated for even flavor throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish and spread it evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Top with Crispy Onions and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly on top of the casserole, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help set the sauce and make it easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
To make the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe truly exceptional, follow these simple tips:
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the casserole a crisper texture and vibrant flavor. However, frozen beans are a good alternative if you’re short on time.
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: Overcooking can lead to mushy green beans. Blanching fresh beans keeps them tender-crisp.
- Season Properly: Soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor, but be sure to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations of Green Bean Casserole
One of the great things about the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily make a few changes to suit your taste or dietary needs.
1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Add ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mushroom soup mixture for a cheesy twist. Mix it well, and then follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
2. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
For a vegan version of this recipe:
- Replace the Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup with a vegan mushroom soup.
- Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk.
- Use dairy-free fried onions or make your own crispy shallots.
3. Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Cook 4-5 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into the mushroom soup mixture. The smoky flavor of the bacon adds another layer of richness to the dish.
4. Spicy Green Bean Casserole
If you like a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce into the mix for an extra kick. The spiciness will balance the creamy flavors and add a unique twist to the dish.
5. Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole
Garlic lovers will appreciate this variation. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the mushroom soup mixture, along with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The garlic brings a robust flavor, while the Parmesan adds a savory depth to the casserole.
History and Evolution of the Green Bean Casserole
The green bean casserole was originally created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s Soup Company test kitchen manager. It was intended as a simple side dish that could be made with ingredients most households already had on hand. Over the years, it became a holiday staple, particularly during Thanksgiving, when it began to symbolize comfort and tradition for many families.
The popularity of the green bean casserole spread largely due to its inclusion in Campbell’s promotional cookbooks. It represented the quintessential mid-century American dish: easy to prepare, delicious, and reliant on canned goods that were becoming more common in every home.
In the decades that followed, this classic recipe has been updated and adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes, diets, and lifestyles. Many people have fond memories of watching their parents or grandparents prepare this dish, making it a beloved heirloom that transcends generations.
Healthier Alternatives for Green Bean Casserole
If you want to make a healthier version of the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe, there are several easy modifications you can make to cut down on calories, fat, or sodium without compromising on flavor.
1. Use Low-Sodium Ingredients
- Opt for a low-sodium Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup.
- Rinse canned green beans thoroughly under cold water to reduce sodium.
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce or even omit it entirely if you prefer.
2. Make Your Own Mushroom Sauce
Instead of using canned soup, consider making your own mushroom sauce. Here’s a quick recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk), 1 cup sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Air Fry the Onions
Instead of using pre-packaged fried onions, you can make your own in an air fryer. Slice onions thinly, coat them in a bit of flour, and air fry them at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method reduces the amount of oil and fat while still providing that crispy topping everyone loves.
Green Bean Casserole Around the World
While the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe is an American classic, green bean casseroles are popular in various forms around the world. Each culture brings its own twist to this comforting dish.
France: Haricots Verts au Gratin
In France, green beans (haricots verts) are often baked in a creamy sauce and topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, similar to a gratin. This variation uses cream instead of canned soup and often incorporates shallots and garlic for additional flavor.
Italy: Fagiolini al Forno
In Italy, a green bean casserole might include ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Instead of a creamy mushroom base, it relies on fresh tomato sauce and plenty of cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Japan: Miso Green Bean Casserole
Japanese-inspired green bean casseroles incorporate miso paste into the mushroom sauce, adding a distinct umami flavor. Tofu is often added for extra protein, and panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping.
Mexico: Spicy Green Bean Casserole
Mexican versions of green bean casserole may include roasted poblano peppers, corn, and a blend of cheeses like queso fresco. The addition of spices such as cumin and paprika gives the dish a distinctly warm and spicy profile.
Green Bean Casserole for Different Diets
Whether you are following a specific diet or have dietary restrictions, there are many ways to modify the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe to meet your needs.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
To make a gluten-free version of this casserole:
- Use a gluten-free mushroom soup. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well in this recipe.
- Replace the crispy fried onions with gluten-free fried onions or make your own using gluten-free flour.
Keto-Friendly Green Bean Casserole
For a keto-friendly version:
- Use heavy cream instead of milk to increase the fat content while keeping carbs low.
- Make your own mushroom sauce, avoiding any flour or thickening agents that are not keto-compliant.
- Skip the crispy fried onions and top with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture.
Paleo Green Bean Casserole
To make the casserole paleo-friendly:
- Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for the mushroom sauce.
- Make a homemade cream of mushroom soup that doesn’t contain any flour or grains.
- Use a topping made from almond flour and crushed nuts instead of fried onions.
How to Customize the Flavor Profile
One of the best things about the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Here are some additional ways to customize the flavor profile of your casserole:
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor of your casserole. Consider adding chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mushroom soup mixture. These herbs add a fragrant earthiness that pairs well with the creamy sauce and green beans.
Incorporate Different Cheeses
Cheese lovers may want to experiment by adding different cheeses to the casserole. Sharp cheddar, gruyere, or even blue cheese can add a bold, rich flavor to the dish. Simply mix the cheese into the mushroom sauce before baking.
Mix in Additional Vegetables
To make the casserole heartier and more nutritious, you can add additional vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even roasted cauliflower. These additions bring more texture and flavor, making the dish even more satisfying.
Add a Crunchy Nut Topping
If you want to add a unique twist, consider mixing chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the crispy fried onions before adding them on top. The nuts will add an extra crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the green beans beautifully.
Holiday Traditions and Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole has become synonymous with Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations in the United States. For many families, it’s not just about the dish itself but also about the memories created while preparing it together.
Thanksgiving Memories
For many families, preparing the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a cherished tradition. Children often help by stirring the mushroom soup mixture or sprinkling the crispy fried onions on top. These simple tasks allow everyone to participate in the meal preparation, creating lasting memories.
Bringing Generations Together
Green bean casserole has the ability to bring generations together. Grandparents may recall the first time they made it back in the 1950s, while younger generations continue the tradition, perhaps making slight tweaks along the way. It’s this sense of continuity and connection that makes the dish so beloved.
Modern Takes on a Classic Dish
In recent years, many home cooks have taken to social media to share their own versions of green bean casserole. From using air fryers to create a lighter version to incorporating gourmet ingredients like wild mushrooms or truffle oil, there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to reinventing this classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Cans Are 4 Cups of Green Beans?
You will need about 2-3 cans of green beans to make up 4 cups, as each can contains approximately 1¾ cups of drained beans. Learn More
How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole From Getting Mushy?
Blanching fresh green beans and avoiding overcooking them in the oven can help prevent a mushy texture. Learn More
Which Is Better in Green Bean Casserole, Canned or Frozen?
Frozen green beans are generally preferred for a crisper texture, while canned beans are more convenient if you’re in a hurry. Learn More
Can I Use Heavy Cream Instead of Milk in My Green Bean Casserole?
Yes, heavy cream can be used instead of milk for a richer, creamier consistency. Learn More
Can I Prepare Green Bean Casserole in Advance?
Yes, green bean casserole is a great dish to prepare in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the crispy fried onions. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, add the fried onions, and bake as instructed.