Looking for a classic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner? Green Bean Casserole, a dish popularized by Campbell's in the 1950s, is the perfect choice. This timeless recipe combines the earthy flavors of green beans with the creamy richness of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, all topped with crispy fried onions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this beloved dish:
Ingredients
For this traditional Green Bean Casserole, you will need:
- 4 cups of cooked cut green beans
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (2.8 ounces) French’s® French Fried Onions
Preparation
Follow these steps to create the perfect Green Bean Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Milk
- Black pepper
- 3⁄4 of the French’s French Fried Onions
Mix until the ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Adding the Green Beans
Add the cooked green beans to the soup mixture. Stir gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: The Final Touch
Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining French’s Fried Onions on top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your dining experience:
- Serve the Green Bean Casserole hot.
- Pair with a main course like roasted turkey, ham, or even meatloaf.
- Consider adding a garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
🌱 Note: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans for this recipe. If using fresh, trim and cut beans to your desired length, then cook until tender before adding to the mixture.
Variations to Try
Here are some ideas to personalize your Green Bean Casserole:
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole - Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to the soup mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free - Use gluten-free fried onions and check that your Campbell’s soup is also gluten-free.
- Add Bacon - For an indulgent twist, crumble cooked bacon into the mix or sprinkle on top before baking.
In wrapping up, the Green Bean Casserole using Campbell's Mushroom Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a part of American culinary heritage. It's beloved for its simplicity, rich flavor, and nostalgic connection to family gatherings. Whether you're sticking to the classic version or trying one of the variations, this dish is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. The perfect balance of creaminess from the soup, the crunch from the onions, and the freshness of the green beans make it a timeless favorite.
Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. Add the fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy.
What if I don’t have Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup?
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You can substitute with other cream-based soups like cream of celery or cream of chicken, or you can make a homemade white sauce with mushrooms.
Can I use fresh onions instead of fried onions?
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Yes, you can thinly slice and sauté fresh onions until caramelized, then use them as a topping. However, this will change the texture and flavor profile significantly.
