Green bean casserole is a well-known dish in American holiday cooking, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a creamy casserole with green beans, mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top. This dish has become a common side dish at many holiday dinners. Its simple flavors and comforting texture make it a favorite at family gatherings. But where did it come from, and why is it so loved?
In this article, we will look at the history of green bean casserole, how to make it, and the different ways people have updated the recipe. Whether you’re a fan of the classic version or want to try something new, this guide will help you create the perfect green bean casserole.
The History of Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole was created in the 1950s by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at Campbell Soup Company. At the time, Campbell’s wanted to promote their cream of mushroom soup, which was already popular in many households.
In 1955, Reilly developed a recipe using Campbell’s soup, canned green beans, and French’s crispy fried onions. This recipe was included in The Campbell’s Complete Cookbook and became very popular, especially around the holidays.
The dish was an instant hit because it was easy to make, used affordable ingredients, and tasted delicious. Over the years, green bean casserole became a holiday tradition, especially at Thanksgiving. Although it is most closely tied to Thanksgiving, many people also serve it during Christmas and other special occasions. As time has passed, the dish has been adapted in many creative ways.
Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
The classic green bean casserole is simple and easy to prepare. It uses green beans, mushroom soup, and fried onions, which have become its signature elements. Here’s the basic recipe for making green bean casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh or frozen green beans (or 3 cans of drained and rinsed canned green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (you can use low-fat or reduced-sodium options)
- 3/4 cup of milk (whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier version)
- 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce (optional, for a deeper flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions (French’s brand is the most popular, but there are many other brands to choose from)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and set them aside. If using frozen green beans, thaw them and drain any extra water. For canned green beans, just drain and rinse them.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the soup is smooth.
- Combine the Green Beans and Sauce: Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture. Stir gently to coat the green beans with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean and soup mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Fried Onions: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the onions on top are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Variations on Green Bean Casserole
While the classic green bean casserole is always a favorite, many people enjoy making variations of the dish. Here are some creative ways to update the recipe:
1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
To make it extra cheesy, add a cup or two of shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan) to the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.
2. Bacon Green Bean Casserole
For a smoky flavor, add crispy bacon to the casserole. Fry 4–5 slices of bacon until crispy, chop it up, and stir it into the soup mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle bacon bits on top along with the fried onions for extra crunch.
3. Garlic and Herb Green Bean Casserole
For a savory twist, add garlic and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the dish. Sauté minced garlic in butter and mix it into the soup. This adds extra flavor and makes the casserole more aromatic.
4. Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole
Instead of fried onions, try using crispy shallots. Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor than regular onions. Slice them thinly and fry or bake them until crispy, then use them as the topping.
5. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
To make a vegan version, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version, or make your own creamy sauce using coconut milk or cashew cream. Use plant-based fried onions or make your own by frying thinly sliced onions in olive oil.
6. Spicy Green Bean Casserole
Add a little heat to the dish by stirring in diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a smoky kick.
7. Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole
If you love mushrooms, add extra sautéed mushrooms to the casserole for a rich, earthy flavor. You can also caramelize onions for added sweetness and depth.
The Role of Green Bean Casserole in Holiday Meals
Green bean casserole has become a holiday tradition in many households. It’s a perfect side dish that adds variety and balance to a festive meal. Its creamy texture and crunchy onions make it a great complement to the heavier dishes, like mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing.
Thanksgiving Tradition
Green bean casserole has become almost synonymous with Thanksgiving. Many families feel that no Thanksgiving meal is complete without it. Its popularity grew thanks to Campbell Soup’s marketing, but over time, it became a family tradition. Most households now expect this dish to be on the table during the holiday season.
Christmas and Other Celebrations
While it is most often served at Thanksgiving, green bean casserole is also a popular dish for Christmas, Easter, and other holiday meals. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, including roast beef, ham, and vegetarian options. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any festive meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Though green bean casserole is easy to make, there are some tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use Fresh Green Beans When Possible
Fresh green beans are often better than canned ones, both in taste and texture. If you use fresh beans, blanch them quickly to preserve their color and crunch.
2. Don’t Overcook the Green Beans
Green beans should be slightly crisp, not mushy. Overcooking them before baking can cause them to lose their texture. Slightly undercook them during the blanching step, and they will cook perfectly in the oven.
3. Make Ahead and Reheat
Green bean casserole can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just wait until the last minute to add the fried onions on top to keep them crispy.
4. Experiment with Different Toppings
While fried onions are the traditional topping, you can try other crunchy options, like panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even potato chips. These will give the casserole a unique twist.
5. Add More Flavor with Broth
For a richer flavor, replace some of the milk in the recipe with vegetable or chicken broth. This will give the casserole an extra savory taste.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is more than just a side dish. It represents family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its place on modern holiday tables, green bean casserole remains a cherished dish. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, it’s a dish that will continue to be a beloved part of your holiday meals for many years to come.