Campbell's Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that consistently graces tables across America is Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. This classic recipe is not just another holiday side; it’s a heartwarming tradition that brings comfort and joy to every gathering.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you create a creamy, savory dish topped with crispy fried onions that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is sure to become a staple on your holiday menu.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.

Why Make This Recipe

What makes it unique: This casserole combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and a crunchy onion topping. It’s a perfect blend of textures that delight every bite.
Why Americans love it: The creamy-rich flavor and the iconic fried onion topping evoke memories of family dinners and holiday feasts, making it a beloved dish for many.
Flavor or texture highlights: The interplay between the savory cream and the crispy onions elevates this dish to comfort food status.
When it’s best served: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this dish is a versatile addition to any festive meal.
Ease or speed: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooking.

How to Make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the green beans: Drain and ensure the green beans are thoroughly dried. If using frozen beans, pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the creamy base: In a separate bowl, combine the Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mix the casserole body: Pour the cream mixture over the drained green beans. Reserve 2/3 of the French fried onions (about 4 oz) and gently fold them into the green bean mixture using a spatula. Transfer the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Initial bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the edges to gently simmer.
Final topping and finishing: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 portion of French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

2 (14.5 oz) cans or 4 cups Frozen Cut Green Beans, thawed and drained
1 (10.5 oz) can Cream of Mushroom Soup (Campbell’s recommended)
1/2 cup Milk (Whole milk or semi-skimmed preferred)
1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 (6 oz) container French Fried Onions (divided)

Directions

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Drain the green beans thoroughly, ensuring excess moisture is removed (pat dry if using frozen), and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the Creamy Base: Combine the Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and homogeneous.
Mix the Casserole Body: Pour the soup mixture over the drained green beans. Measure out 2/3 of the French fried onions (about 4 oz) and fold them gently into the bean mixture using a spatula. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Initial Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes. The edges should be actively simmering.
The Final Topping and Finishing: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 portion of French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling vigorously throughout. Cool slightly (5 minutes) before serving.

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How to Serve Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays

Best serving suggestions: Serve this casserole as a side dish alongside your holiday turkey, ham, or roast beef.
Pairing ideas: Complement it with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a well-rounded holiday meal.
Tips for presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness.
Seasonal variations: Consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for a seasonal twist.

How to Store Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays

Fridge instructions: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer instructions: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Reheating methods: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through—about 20 minutes—or use the microwave for quicker servings.
Shelf life: Ensured in the fridge for 3 days, and 3 months in the freezer.
Safety notes: Always check leftovers for off smells or signs of spoilage before consuming.

Tips to Make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays Perfect

Expert cooking tips: Use fresh green beans for a crunchier texture and enhance the flavor with fresh garlic instead of powder.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them: Avoid overcooking the green beans before combining; they should be tender-crisp.
Enhancements to improve flavor: Add a layer of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella, for extra richness.
Texture or moisture control tips: If using frozen beans, ensure they’re fully thawed and drained to prevent a watery casserole.

Variations

Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Kid-friendly version: Mix in shredded cheese or serve with a side of dipping sauce to make it more appealing to children.
Budget version: Substitute fresh green beans with canned green beans for a more economical option.
Healthy version: Use low-fat versions of the cream soup and reduce the amount of fried onions for a lighter dish.
Seasonal twist: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply bake it—possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Look for gluten-free versions of cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free products that can easily substitute the original ingredients.

3. Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh green beans can add a delightful crunch. Just be sure to blanch them briefly before mixing with other ingredients to maintain their color and texture.

4. How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake for a total of 20 to 25 minutes—15 minutes uncovered initially and then add the fried onions for the last 5 to 10 minutes until golden.

5. What if I don’t have French fried onions?
You can use crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even potato chips as a crunchy topping. Just toast them lightly with some butter for added flavor.

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Closing

There you have it—Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for the Holidays! This beloved dish is sure to amaze your family and friends with its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. Don’t hesitate to try it for your next holiday gathering, and feel free to save the recipe for future occasions!