Name: Campbell's Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions; 8 cups cooked cut green beans; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic hug on a plate, a cornerstone of holiday feasts, and a comforting classic that evokes a flood of happy memories for so many. There’s a reason this dish has remained a beloved tradition for generations. It’s the perfect harmony of tender-crisp green beans, a creamy, savory mushroom sauce, and that irresistible crunch of fried onions that simply melts in your mouth. This isn’t just any casserole; the magic of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole lies in its simplicity and its ability to bring people together. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be devoured with enthusiastic “seconds” from even the pickiest eaters. Today, we’re diving deep into what makes this iconic recipe so special and how you can recreate that classic taste in your own kitchen, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions
8 cups cooked cut green beans
2 (10.5 ounce) cans Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons soy sauce
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparing the Base

The foundation of a classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is remarkably simple, relying on a few pantry staples to create a rich and savory dish. This recipe is designed for ease, perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side for any gathering. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the casserole bakes evenly without burning the topping.

Next, gather your green beans. If you’re using fresh green beans, you’ll want to cook them until they are crisp-tender. This typically involves blanching them in boiling salted water for a few minutes, then plungin extractg them into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color. Canned or frozen green beans can also be used; if using canned, make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole. You’ll need about 8 cups of cooked, cut green beans. Having them pre-cooked and ready to go makes assembling the casserole a breeze.

Combining the Savory Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the two (10.5 ounce) cans of Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup. This soup is the iconic flavor component that defines this casserole. Next, stir in 1 cup of milk. The milk helps to thin out the soup slightly, creating a creamier texture that coats the green beans beautifully. Whisk these two ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and smooth. This is your creamy sauce base.

Now, it’s time to season. Add 2 teaspoons of soy sauce to the soup and milk mixture. The soy sauce might seem like an unusual addition, but it adds a depth of umami flavor that complements the cream of mushroom soup and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish. Don’t skip this step! Finally, season with ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. You can adjust this to your preference, but this amount provides a subtle hint of spice without overpowering the other flavors.

Incorporating the Green Beans

Gently add the 8 cups of cooked, cut green beans to the large bowl containing the creamy mushroom mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, carefully fold the green beans into the sauce. You want to ensure that every single green bean is coated with the creamy soup mixture. Be gentle during this step to avoid breaking up the green beans too much; we want them to retain some of their structure within the casserole.

Once the green beans are evenly coated, pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish so that it forms a consistent layer. This ensures that all parts of the casserole will cook and heat through at the same rate.

The Iconic Topping

This is arguably the most crucial step for achieving that signature texture: adding the French’s® French Fried Onions. You’ll need 2 2/3 cups of these crispy, golden onions. Sprinkle them evenly over the top of the green bean and soup mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole with the onions. This will create a wonderfully crispy and flavorful topping as it bakes.

Don’t be shy with the onions! They are what give this Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole its distinctive crunch and are a beloved component for many. If you prefer an extra crispy topping, you can reserve a small handful of the onions to sprinkle on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, butgin extracte original recipe calls for them all to go on before baking.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be heated through, bubbly around the edges, and for the French fried onions to be golden brown and toasty. The creamy sauce should be thick and luscious, and the green beans should be tender.

Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the onions don’t get too dark. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting a delicious and comforting Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. This classic dish, with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply a cozy weeknight meal. We’ve covered every step, from selecting the freshest green beans to achieving that perfect golden-brown topping. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions; a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of nutmeg can elevate this beloved casserole even further. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and enjoy the process of creating this heartwarming dish. We encourage you to share your own variations and successes with friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions about Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole:

Can I make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the fried onions just before placing it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What if I don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup?

While condensed cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you can substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or another condensed cream soup like cream of celery or cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile. If using homemade, ensure it’s thick enough to create the creamy base.