Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe Guide
For years, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole has been a must-have at Thanksgiving and other holidays. It’s a favorite with its smooth, tasty blend and crispy onions on top. Campbell’s Soup whipped it up in the 1950s. Now, it’s a big hit, sitting on dinner tables all over the country. Why? It’s easy and yummy! You need a few things—green beans, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. It’s a recipe that warms you up on a cold holiday night. No Thanksgiving dinner is really done without this casserole.
Why is it so good? Besides its sweet old-time feel, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is all about balance. That smooth soup goes well with the bite of green beans, and the onions add a nice crunchy taste. It’s stayed popular, handed down from grandparents and parents to kids. It doesn’t matter if you’re still learning to cook or are really good at it. Making this casserole is like keeping a cherished custom alive. We’re here to help you take it to the next level.
You may know the basics of this dish, but we’ve got secrets to share. From easy-to-follow steps for prep to fun tweaks to spice up the casserole, we’ll go over it all. Want to learn how to boost tastes or make the dish early to save time? We’ve got your back. Need tips on what to serve with this creamy, crunchy casserole? We can tell you how to make a meal people won’t forget. Don’t skip on our helpful hints.
Did you know blanching your green beans keeps their color and makes them stay crispy? Or that changing the onion and bean mix can totally mix up the taste? We’ve filled this guide with great tips to help you customize the casserole.
Stick to the original or try something new, you’ll have what you need to make this dish sparkle. When you get to the end, you’ll be ready to impress with Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole.
The smells wafting from the kitchen, the satisfying crunch of crispy onion-all part of a tradition that everyone loves. So, get everything ready, get your hands dirty, and let’s create a holiday meal you’ll remember. Let’s make your dinner one for the history books!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes only 10 minutes to prepare and uses common pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This traditional green bean casserole is always a hit at holiday tables.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a great option for feeding a crowd.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: The star of this recipe, adding creamy texture and a savory base. For a variation, try Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup for a slightly milder flavor.
- Green Beans: Canned green beans are traditional, but fresh or frozen green beans can be used. Just be sure to cook fresh beans slightly before adding.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions: These provide the signature crunchy topping. If unavailable, substitute with homemade fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency. For a richer taste, substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream.
How to Make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Making the Creamy
Mix Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole starts with a creamy base. For this, you’ll need a large bowl. Combine Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, a bit of soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir these until the mix is smooth and tasty. Aim for balance – everything should be well mixed. The creamy mix makes the casserole good. For fun, add garlic powder or nutmeg. Remember, you want a classic taste that people love.
Step 2: Add Green Beans
With your base ready, it’s time for green beans. If you like it old school, use canned beans. They must be drained to avoid extra liquid. For something fresh, use fresh or frozen beans. If you go for these, blanch them for 2-3 minutes and cool them in ice water. Mix the beans with the creamy base. Toss gently, ensuring all beans are well coated with the mix.
Step 3: Casserole Setup
Pour your mix into a lightly greased 1 ½-quart baking dish. Spread it out smoothly for even cooking and taste in every bite. The setup matters. An evenly spread mix cooks properly and looks good.
Step 4: Bake it!
Heat your oven to 350°F and put the dish in. Bake for 25 minutes. Be patient to let the mix thicken and blend to the right texture. When it’s done, let it cool before moving on.
Step 5: Top it Off
The best part – crispy fried onions! Sprinkle these over your casserole and bake again for 5 minutes. Be careful – the onions shouldn’t burn. These onions add crunch and looks to your dish. Once toasted, your casserole is ready to serve!
Expert Tips for Success
Top Tips for Making Campbell’s Best Green Bean Casserole When creating Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole, it’s not just about following the recipe. It’s also about the tiny things that make this dish unique and a perfect fit for any holiday meal. Choosing the right ingredients and getting the timing correct can make your casserole faultless.
Drain the Green Beans
Handle Those Green Beans In making a green bean casserole, handling the beans correctly matters a lot. Too much moisture can ruin the creamy consistency you’re going for. If you’re using canned beans, drain them well. You can even pat them dry for extra assurance. Fresh or frozen beans? Get blanching! Blanching is a simple process of boiling the beans for 2-3 minutes, then placing them in an ice bath. They stay nicely colored and offer a good texture for the casserole.
Use Quality Crispy Onions
Pick Topnotch Crispy Onions The crispy onion topping makes Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole special. The classic choice is French’s crispy fried onions. They add a fantastic crunch and a great taste. That doesn’t mean you can’t be creative, though. If you’re curious, try making homemade fried onions. You slice onions thinly, roll them in flour, and fry until they’re golden. Seasoned breadcrumbs could be a different topping option. Just keep things fresh and crunchy.
Watch the Oven Time
Keep Time, for Perfect Oven Results With green bean casserole, timing is important. As it bakes, the mixture gets thicker, the beans warm up, and all the flavors mix well. But don’t forget the crispy onion topping! The onions only need the last 5 minutes so they don’t burn. It’s this final step that needs attention for a perfectly balanced dish.
Make Ahead for Stress-Free Prep
Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Cooking Holidays can be pretty busy. Making your casserole ahead of time can save your kitchen time. Do everything except adding the onion topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When it’s time, remove the cover, get it in the oven, and do the final step with your onions. It’s a great way to serve a hot dish without extra stress.
Putting It All Together
Summing Up the Tips With these tips, you’ll master Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. By draining your beans, choosing top-notch toppings, timing the baking right, and prepping earlier, you’ll make it perfect. These steps can make your casserole rich, creamy, and crunchy. Extra attention you pay will make your dish unforgettable and the hero of your holiday meal.
Variations and Customizations
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with a plant-based mushroom soup and use a dairy-free milk option.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and omit soy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a slight kick.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in an oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the crispy topping may lose its crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Campbell’s green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with many holiday and main dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Main Courses: Roast turkey, baked ham, or beef tenderloin
- Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or stuffing
- Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a festive cranberry-apple salad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Want to whip up Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole?
It’s simple and enjoyable—anyone can make it!. First, grab these key stuff: green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and crispy fried onions. Next, combine the green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, and milk in a mixing bowl, stirring until everything is well-coated. Be sure every bean is well-covered. Now pour it into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. Now here’s the fun part – spread crispy fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to finish baking.. The onions will turn golden and crispy. This straightforward dish is sure to wow your friends.
Ever think about using fresh green beans?
Great! Fresh green beans add more taste and crunch. Just one thing, don’t forget to blanch them. Blanching means boiling the beans for 2-3 minutes, then quickly cooling them in ice water. This way they’ll keep their bright color and don’t get overcooked. Fresh beans can make your casserole tastier, just like at a classy restaurant.
Wonder if you can prepare Green Bean Casserole earlier?
You bet. This is why many folks love it during the holidays. To make it ahead, mix the green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and spices. Put it in your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Come serving time, just bake as usual and add the onions during the last 5 minutes. This hack saves you time and lets you chill with your family or work on other dishes.
What if you don’t have Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No problem. You can use any creamy mushroom soup, even non-dairy ones. You might even make your own using mushrooms, vegetable broth, and a non-dairy cream. No matter what you use, the creamy green bean flavor is still there.
What about cheese?
Sure thing. Cheese adds richness and flavor. Cheddar’s popular for its tangy taste, while Parmesan has a nutty, savory note. Add shredded cheese into the soup mixture, then mix with the green beans. Baking will melt the cheese and blend with the crispy onion topping. This cheesy twist is fun and tasty! Either with or without cheese, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is always a winner!
Related Recipes
If you enjoy Campbell’s green bean casserole, here are some other holiday favorites to try:
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory dish topped with marshmallows or pecans.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A comforting casserole featuring broccoli and cheese, with a similar creamy texture.
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a holiday favorite. It’s straightforward, nostalgic, and tasty. The casserole combines creamy mushroom soup, soft green beans, and crunchy onions. It’s perfect for any event when you’re looking to serve comfort food. It’s like a magic food spell that gets everyone around the table. Why does this recipe never go out of style? The secret is balance. The creamy soup and green beans create a savory and flavorful base. Crispy onions provide a crunchy element. These features build a simple but rich recipe, great for holiday meals.
The beauty of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole isn’t just in its taste. It’s also in how simple it is to prepare. With basic ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make it. Feel free to get creative by adding cheese, changing toppings, or using fresh green beans. There are tons of ways to play with this recipe, but each version will still give you that warm, homey feel. Another plus, it fits perfectly into the busyness of holiday cooking. You can prepare it ahead of time and still serve a warm, freshly baked casserole. This convenience can give busy cooks a break.
More than that, the casserole is a treasured tradition. Families have passed down this recipe for years, adding personal touches while keeping the classic taste. Each time the dish is made, it sparks beautiful memories and makes new ones. It holds a special place in celebration dinners.
Fancy trying your hand at Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole this year? Just follow the easy steps and make use of our tips. Seeing the joy on your guests’ faces when they taste the dish will be the perfect reward. Whether it’s your first attempt or a preserved tradition, the casserole is sure to be a hit. Its combination of taste, texture, and easy prep makes it a go-to holiday dish. Give it a shot and see why it’s been adored by many over the years and remains the center of every celebration meal.
Recipe Card
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Two 14.5-ounce cans of cut green beans thoroughly drained.
- one can 10.5 oz of condensed cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce optional, for enhanced flavor.
- Dash of black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions divided (such as French’s brand).
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir in the green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions until evenly mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
- Add crispy topping: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining fried onions, place back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions turn golden and crispy
- Serve: saving some for topping. Enjoy your delicious classic Campbell’s green bean casserole with family and friends!
Notes
Green Beans: Canned green beans are traditional, but fresh or frozen green beans can be used. Just be sure to cook fresh beans slightly before adding.
French’s Crispy Fried Onions: These provide the signature crunchy topping. If unavailable, substitute with homemade fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency. For a richer taste, substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream.