Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite. It was created by Dorcas Reilly in Campbell’s kitchen in 1955. This dish combines green beans, mushroom soup, and fried onions for a comforting taste. It’s ready in just 45 minutes.
This easy green bean bake uses simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and green beans. Adding french fried onions gives it a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any family meal.
Let’s look into the history and ingredients of this campbell soup green bean casserole recipe. With some prep and basic steps, you’ll make a casserole that’s creamy, crunchy, and delicious. It’s sure to be a hit at your next event.
Table of Contents
The History Behind Campbell’s Classic Green Bean Casserole
The campbell’s green bean casserole has a rich history. It was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in Campbell’s test kitchen. Since then, it has become a beloved American classic. It’s a traditional green bean dish and a key holiday side dish for many.
Dorcas Reilly’s Original Creation
In 1955, Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s employee, created the Green Bean Casserole. She used Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup to make it. This dish has remained popular for decades, with little change.
Reilly’s original recipe card is in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This shows how much her creation is valued. By 2004, 20 million households served it on Thanksgiving.
Evolution of the Recipe Since 1955
Though the campbell’s green bean casserole recipe has stayed the same, Campbell’s has tried new versions. But, the original is still the favorite. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Today, the campbell’s green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite in the U.S. It’s loved for its easy ingredients and flexibility. A 2000 survey found 44% of people love it as their favorite vegetable side dish.
“Dorcas Reilly, the creator of Green Bean Casserole, was referred to as the ‘mother of all comfort foods.'”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
Creating a delicious Green Bean Casserole is all about the right ingredients. The creamy cream of mushroom soup is at the core, adding a savory flavor. A bit of milk makes it smooth, and a dash of soy sauce brings out the taste.
The green beans are the main attraction. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh beans for different textures and tastes. And don’t forget the french’s fried onions on top for a crunchy finish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a condensed soup recipe that everyone will love. Now, let’s talk about the right amounts and how to prepare them for a casserole that’s sure to impress.
“The key to a great Green Bean Casserole is balancing the rich, creamy base with the bright, crisp vegetables and the irresistible crunch of the fried onions.”
Why This Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe Works
The Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe is loved for its mix of flavors and textures. It combines creamy mushroom soup with crunchy French fried onions. This makes it a favorite classic thanksgiving recipe and traditional green bean dish.
Perfect Balance of Flavors
The secret to this recipe’s success is the mix of mushroom soup and onion topping. The soup makes the green beans creamy, while the onions add crunch and sweetness.
Time-Saving Preparation
This easy green bean bake is quick and easy to make. It cooks in just 45 minutes, perfect for holidays or weeknights. It uses canned and frozen ingredients, saving time for busy cooks.
Budget-Friendly Components
The Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like canned soup and frozen green beans. This makes it a great traditional green bean dish for any time of year.
Overall, Campbell’s green bean casserole is a classic for good reasons. It’s delicious, easy to make, and won’t cost a lot. It’s a beloved classic thanksgiving recipe for many generations.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the classic campbell soup green bean casserole recipe and the easy green bean bake, you need some basic tools. Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty dish:
- A 9×9 inch casserole dish or an 8×8 inch baking pan
- A medium-sized mixing bowl for combining the ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate measurements
- A spatula or large spoon for stirring and mixing the casserole
Having a cheese grater is handy if you want to add shredded cheese. You can also use a slow cooker for cooking instead of the oven.
Remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole turns out right, with a golden-brown top.
Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
9×9 inch casserole dish or 8×8 inch baking pan | Baking the casserole |
Medium mixing bowl | Combining the ingredients |
Measuring cups and spoons | Accurately measuring the ingredients |
Spatula or large spoon | Mixing and stirring the casserole |
Cheese grater (optional) | For adding shredded cheese |
Slow cooker (optional) | Alternative cooking method |
With these simple tools, you’re ready to make a delicious campbell soup green bean casserole or easy green bean bake. Your family will love it.
Preparing Your Green Beans: Fresh vs Frozen vs Canned
Choosing the right green beans for your campbell’s green bean casserole can change the taste and texture. You can pick from quick canned beans, fresh beans for a crisp bite, or frozen beans for a mix of both.
Benefits of Each Type
- Canned green beans are the fastest to use, needing only a quick drain before adding to the casserole. They are soft and tender, which some people like.
- Frozen green beans are a good middle ground. They need to thaw first but keep their crunch and sweetness better than canned beans.
- Fresh green beans have the best taste and texture. But, they need more work. You must wash, trim, and cook them before adding to the traditional green bean dish.
Proper Preparation Methods
For fresh green beans, steam or boil them in chicken broth for 10-15 minutes. This makes them tender but still crisp. Frozen beans just need to thaw. Canned beans only need a rinse after draining.
The type of green bean you choose changes the campbell’s green bean casserole texture. Canned beans are softest, fresh are crunchiest. Frozen beans offer a balance, keeping the taste fresh but easy to use.
The Role of Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup is key in the classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. It makes the dish creamy and savory. The soup’s rich, velvety texture and mushroom flavor go well with the green beans.
You can try other cream-based soups like cream of chicken or celery for a twist. Adding a bit of heavy cream makes the casserole even creamier and richer.
Campbell’s says 40% of their cream of mushroom soup sales are for Green Bean Casserole. This recipe is so famous that it’s viewed online 4 million times on Thanksgiving Day.
“The green bean casserole recipe is the most popular ever developed in our kitchens,” stated Campbell’s as of 2018.
The cream of mushroom soup is the secret ingredient in this classic dish. Whether you use Campbell’s original or a creative version, it’s vital for a great mushroom soup casserole or condensed soup recipe.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making the perfect campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is simple. It all starts with mixing the right ingredients together. Let’s go through the steps:
Combining Wet Ingredients
Begin by mixing cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce in a big bowl. Whisk until everything is well mixed and smooth.
Adding Green Beans and Seasonings
Now, add the green beans you’ve drained and rinsed to the bowl. Fold them into the wet mix until they’re all coated. Then, add your favorite seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper.
For more flavor, you can add shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or sliced mushrooms. Just make sure to mix well so every bite is full of flavor in your easy green bean bake.
After mixing, put the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
“The key to a great green bean casserole is in the blending of the flavors. Taking the time to fully incorporate the wet and dry ingredients ensures a harmonious balance in every bite.”
Mastering the French Fried Onion Topping
The secret to a great Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is the crispy, golden french fried onions. These onion strings add a unique texture and a savory flavor. They perfectly complement the creamy casserole.
To get the perfect topping, start by slicing a medium onion thinly. Soak the slices in 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk for at least an hour. This lets the flavors mix well. Then, drain the onions and mix them with 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet. Fry the coated onion slices for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them often, until they’re golden and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Save half of them for the casserole’s topping.
When making the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole, mix half of the fried onions into the casserole. This spreads the flavor and texture evenly. For the final touch, sprinkle the rest of the onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. This makes them even crisper.
Mastering the french fried onion topping turns your Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole into a standout dish. It adds a delightful crunch in every bite.
Baking Temperature and Timing Guidelines
For the best campbell’s green bean casserole or easy green bean bake, temperature and timing matter a lot. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. This makes it bubbly around the edges.
After the first bake, add the fried onions on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until they’re golden. This two-step process ensures the casserole is cooked right and the onions are crispy.
Perfect Texture Indicators
To check if your campbell’s green bean casserole is done, look for a few signs. The edges should bubble, and the top should be golden brown. This means it’s creamy, tender, and seasoned just right.
Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes
- Don’t overbake to avoid a dry casserole. Watch the time closely and adjust if needed.
- If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil to stop more browning.
- For a 9×13 pan with a doubled recipe, bake for 40-45 minutes. This ensures the center is cooked well.
By sticking to these baking tips, you’ll make a perfect campbell’s green bean casserole or easy green bean bake every time.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Planning to serve Campbell’s classic green bean casserole as a holiday side dish? You can prepare it ahead of time. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without the stress of last-minute cooking.
The Campbell Soup green bean casserole can be made up to 48 hours before baking. Just prepare it as instructed, but don’t add the French fried onions yet. Cover it and refrigerate until baking time. Then, add the onions and bake as usual.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Assemble it without onions, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Leftover green bean casserole can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days or frozen for 10-12 months. To reheat, bake it in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes if refrigerated. For thawed frozen casserole, bake for 45 minutes.
With these make-ahead and storage tips, you can prepare the Campbell Soup green bean casserole early. This lets you focus on other dishes and hosting duties on the big day.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making the iconic campbell’s green bean casserole is easy, but you might face some issues. Don’t worry, we’ve got tips to help your easy green bean bake be perfect every time.
Runny Casserole
If your casserole is too runny, don’t worry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Then, gently stir it into the casserole. This will thicken it without changing the taste.
Dry Casserole
If your campbell’s green bean casserole is too dry, add a little milk or cream. Fold it in gently until it’s creamy again.
Soggy Onion Topping
To keep french fried onions crispy, add them just before baking. This way, they stay crunchy and delicious.
Uneven Cooking
For even cooking, make sure all ingredients are room temperature. This ensures the casserole cooks evenly, without hot or cold spots.
Rapid Browning
If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil. This stops the top from burning while the rest cooks.
Watery Casserole
To avoid a watery easy green bean bake, drain the green beans well. Don’t overmix the ingredients. Gently fold them together for the right texture.
Remember these tips to overcome any issues. Enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing campbell’s green bean casserole every time.
Creative Recipe Variations
The classic Campbell Soup green bean casserole is a holiday favorite. But, you can make it your own with some creative twists. Try adding cheese or bacon to give it a unique flavor.
Cheese Addition Options
For a richer taste, mix in up to 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese. This will add a creamy, cheesy element that pairs well with the mushroom soup and green beans. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan to surprise your guests.
Bacon Enhancement Ideas
Adding crumbled bacon gives the casserole a smoky, savory flavor. Use 3/4 to 1 cup of crispy bacon for a delicious twist. You can also sprinkle more bacon on top for an extra treat.
For a healthier option, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and milk. Adding 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts can also increase the veggie content, making it more nutritious.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Shredded Cheddar or Swiss Cheese | 1 cup |
Crumbled Bacon | 3/4 – 1 cup |
Chopped Mushrooms | 1 cup |
Water Chestnuts, chopped | 1 cup |
With these creative ideas, you can make the classic campbell soup green bean casserole recipe your own. It will surely be the highlight of your next holiday side dish gathering.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
If you love the campbell’s green bean casserole or the traditional green bean dish, you’ll find it’s affordable and filling. A serving, which is 1/8 of the recipe, has about 188 calories. It also has 9 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 6 grams of protein.
The sodium in a serving is around 624 milligrams. This is something to think about if you’re watching your salt. The recipe makes 6-8 servings, with each serving being about 1/2 cup. But, the nutritional values can change based on the ingredients and any extra stuff you add.
For a healthier version, use low-fat soup and milk. Also, cut down on cheese and fried onions. This makes the dish lower in calories, fat, and sodium. You can also use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned ones for more nutrients.
Nutritional Information | Classic Green Bean Casserole | Healthier Green Bean Casserole |
---|---|---|
Calories | 232 | 77 |
Total Fat | 9g | 2.0g |
Sodium | 624mg | 138mg |
Protein | 6g | 2g |
Vitamin A | 12% DV | 12% DV |
Vitamin C | 21% DV | 21% DV |
The campbell’s green bean casserole is tasty and can be part of a healthy diet. Just remember to watch your portion sizes and choose the right ingredients.
Pairing Suggestions and Menu Planning
The classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a favorite holiday side dish. It goes well with many main courses. Try it with roasted turkey, baked chicken, seared steak. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing, and roasted vegetables for a full Thanksgiving or holiday feast.
This casserole is great all year, not just during holidays. It’s perfect with meatloaf, grilled meats, or a simple roasted chicken. To balance it, serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. Don’t forget the rolls or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce.
When planning your menu, remember the Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic. It’s quick to make and won’t break the bank. It’s a favorite for any occasion. Let it be the star that complements your main course.
FAQ
What is the history behind the Campbell’s classic green bean casserole?
Dorcas Reilly created the green bean casserole in 1955 at Campbell’s. The original recipe card is in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Since then, it has become a beloved American classic.
What are the key ingredients in the Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe?
The main ingredients are canned cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and green beans. French fried onions add a crunchy texture. These ingredients mix well to create a delicious dish.
Why is this Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe so popular?
It’s loved for its creamy and crunchy textures, and the mushroom soup’s umami flavor. It’s also easy to make, saving time. This makes it perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
What type of green beans work best for the casserole?
Canned green beans are the quickest choice. Frozen beans need thawing, while fresh beans require pre-cooking. Frozen beans offer a good balance of convenience and taste.
How do you make the perfect creamy base for the casserole?
Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk and soy sauce for a rich base. Adding heavy cream can make it even creamier.
What is the role of the french fried onions in the recipe?
French fried onions add a crunchy texture. Mix half into the casserole and save the rest for the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How do you avoid common baking issues with the green bean casserole?
Use a cornstarch slurry to avoid a runny casserole. If it’s too dry, add a little milk or cream. Add onions only for the last few minutes to prevent them from getting soggy. Ensure even cooking by using room temperature ingredients.
What are some creative variations of the classic green bean casserole?
Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for extra richness. Crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor. Chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts add texture. Try different cream soups for flavor variations.
How many servings does the Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe make?
It serves 6-8 people, with each serving about 1/2 cup. Nutritional values vary based on ingredients. A typical serving has 178-208 calories, 15g carbohydrates, 3-5g protein, and 11-19g fat.