Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for busy parents and beginners! The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a timeless side dish, and this Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe is the undisputed star. It’s a remarkably easy-to-prepare dish that delights everyone at the table. Get ready to bake a crowd-pleasing favorite that truly embodies comfort food.
This iconic holiday side dish has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to a well-known food company’s test kitchen. Learn more about the creation of this beloved casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole
You’ll adore this recipe for many wonderful reasons, making it perfect for your next gathering:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples for this delightful Green Bean Casserole.
- Quick Prep Time: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Each creamy, savory bite brings warmth and nostalgia.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust flavors to suit your family’s preferences with simple additions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create the perfect Green Bean Casserole from scratch:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions (divided for use in recipe steps)
Notes & Substitutions
For fresh green beans, blanch them first for a vibrant snap. If using frozen beans, ensure they are thawed and well-drained. Canned green beans work perfectly too; just drain them thoroughly. If using unsalted soup, you might want to add a pinch more salt to taste. For extra texture and flavor, try sprinkling toasted almonds on top with the final layer of onions. A touch of finely chopped red bell pepper can also add a nice color and mild crunch to your Green Bean Casserole.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools for this simple recipe:
- 1 1/2-quart oven-safe casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this comforting Green Bean Casserole is straightforward with these easy steps:
- Heat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the start.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, milk, and soy sauce. Whisk them until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add the cooked green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the soup mixture. Fold these ingredients gently until everything is combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 1 1/2-quart oven-safe casserole dish. Spread it evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, you can always add more later.
- Bake the Green Bean Casserole for 25 minutes, or until you see it hot and bubbling around the edges. This indicates it is thoroughly heated through.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Give the bean mixture a gentle stir to redistribute the warmth and ingredients.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions over the top of the casserole. This creates the signature crispy topping.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and look delightfully crispy.
- Let the Green Bean Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the casserole to set slightly.
- Store any leftovers in an oven-safe dish for easy reheating later, ensuring a delicious treat for days to come.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best texture in your Green Bean Casserole, blanch fresh beans until just tender-crisp before adding. Make sure the onions are evenly distributed on top for consistent crispness. Avoid over-mixing the ingredients to keep the green beans intact and the texture appealing. To prevent a watery casserole, always drain your green beans thoroughly before adding them. For an extra crispy topping, you can lightly toast the onions in a dry pan before sprinkling them on.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Green Bean Casserole recipe is perfect for any occasion!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic side dish alongside your holiday turkey or ham. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a pot roast for a hearty meal. This Green Bean Casserole also makes a fantastic addition to any potluck or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through for the best crispness. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat, though the topping may soften. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight and reheat.
Creative Variations
Try an Italian spin with crispy pancetta, fresh rosemary, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. You can also experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a richer flavor. Consider using cream of chicken or celery soup if mushroom isn’t your preference. Feel free to introduce other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced water chestnuts for added texture.
Nutrition
Beyond its comforting taste, green beans offer several health benefits, contributing essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. For a detailed look at the nutritional advantages of green beans, you can consult expert sources.
Here’s a nutritional breakdown for one serving of this comforting Green Bean Casserole, helping you keep track of your intake:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 151 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 2 mg |
| Sodium | 513 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin D | 1 %DV |
| Calcium | 4 %DV |
| Iron | 4 %DV |
| Potassium | 4 %DV |
FAQ
Can I use fresh green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well before mixing.
How can I make this green bean casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the mixture (steps 1-5), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.
What makes the topping crispy?
The French fried onions create that signature crunch! Baking them briefly at the end allows them to become golden and perfectly crisp.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just use a larger casserole dish, like a 9×13-inch pan, and adjust baking time as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions typically contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of these ingredients to make a gluten-free Green Bean Casserole.
Conclusion
This Classic Green Bean Casserole truly stands the test of time as a beloved dish. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy onion topping make it an irresistible side. We encourage you to try this simple, delicious recipe and make it a staple at your next family dinner or holiday feast. It’s a comforting, family-favorite dish that consistently brings smiles to every table.
Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a 1 1/2-quart oven-safe casserole dish, combine the soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 2/3 cup of the fried onions, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture, then sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors and allow it to settle.
Notes
