Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole arrives with familiar warmth and a refined air. This version honors the iconic flavors, silky cream of mushroom, tender green beans, and a golden, crunchy onion crown , while presenting them with a simple, polished finish. For a slow-cooked alternative, see this crockpot take on the dish: Crockpot Green Bean Casserole. The result is comforting, yet table-ready.
Why Make This Recipe :
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Minimal hands-on time produces a dish that looks composed and tastes layered.
- Minimal Ingredients: Pantry staples combine to deliver deep umami and a clean, creamy texture.
- Impressive Flavor: The toasted onion topping contrasts the rich mushroom sauce with crispness and toasty aroma.
What elevates this classic is attention to texture and seasoning: a properly seasoned cream-mushroom base and a late addition of fried onions keep the top crisp while the casserole beneath remains velvety and glossy.
Ingredients:
Base
- 4 cups trimmed green beans (blanched) or 2 (14–15 oz) cans green beans, drained — bright green, tender-crisp.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature — for gloss and richness.
Sauce
- 1 (10–11 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup — the classic backbone.
- 1/2 cup whole milk — gently thins the sauce to a silky consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — to taste.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire (optional) — for subtle depth.
Topping
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided) — reserve half for the final crisp.
- 2 tablespoons panko or breadcrumbs (optional) — for extra crunch.
- Fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped — for a bright finish.
Precision notes: use chilled milk directly from the fridge; fresh herbs finely chopped; room temperature butter blends more smoothly.
For a slightly different assembly and ingredient proportions, see this concise guide: Green Bean Casserole — Easy & Delicious.
How to Make Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Mini-tip: preheating ensures even bubbling and a reliably golden rim.
- If using fresh beans, blanch in salted boiling water 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; plunge into ice water, then drain. Canned beans should be drained and patted dry. Texture cue: beans should hold a slight snap.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the butter and soy sauce, then season with black pepper. Consistency: the sauce should coat the back of a spoon, not runny.
- Fold the prepared green beans into the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread to an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the French fried onions (and panko if using) across the surface. This creates an insulating layer that keeps the center moist.
- Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and edges show gentle browning. Sensory cue: the oven aroma should turn toasty, with mushrooms and onions perfuming the air.
- Remove from oven, scatter the remaining fried onions evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or broil briefly (watch closely) until the onions are richly golden and crisp.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for color and a lift of herbaceous brightness.
Mini-tips: Deglaze any pan drippings with a splash of milk to capture flavor; add a pinch of nutmeg for an elegant warmth; if topping browns unevenly, rotate the dish halfway through the final crisping stage.
How to Serve Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole:
Serve in a shallow white or stoneware dish to showcase the golden onion topping against the muted mushroom sauce. For a refined table, portion into individual gratin dishes and garnish with a few long sprigs of thyme and a scattering of chopped toasted almonds or chives for contrast in texture and color. Pair with roasted poultry or a herb-crusted roast for a composed holiday plate.
How to Store Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole:
Cool the casserole to room temperature (no more than two hours), then cover tightly with foil or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To retain crispness when reheating, warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, then add fresh fried onions and bake 3–5 minutes to refresh the crunch. Freezing is possible before baking — wrap well and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight and bake, but plan to replace the topping as it will lose crispness.
Tips to Make Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole:
- Toast extra onions: lightly toast a portion in a skillet to amplify nutty aroma before finishing the top.
- Layer for texture: reserve half the fried onions to keep the uppermost layer truly crisp.
- Brighten with acid: a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of sherry vinegar just before serving lifts the rich sauce.
- Find another cozy casserole idea here: Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole — Kielbasa.
Variation (if any):
- Mushroom-forward: sauté 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms with shallot and thyme, then fold into the sauce for a fresh, earthy depth.
- Cheese-topped: stir 3/4 cup grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar into the sauce for a silky, savory lift.
- Nutty crunch: swap half the fried onions for toasted sliced almonds or pistachios for an elegant twist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes. Blanch fresh beans until bright green and slightly tender (3–4 minutes), then shock in ice water to preserve color and texture before assembling.
How do I make the crispy topping extra crunchy?
Add a light toss of panko with a small amount of melted butter to the reserved onions before the final crisping, or briefly broil the topping while watching closely.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, then add the final fried-onion layer and crisp before serving.
Conclusion (70–180 words):
This Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole balances comforting familiarity with thoughtful technique: a glossy mushroom sauce, beans tender yet lively, and a topping that provides satisfying crunch. It’s an elegant staple for both casual dinners and refined gatherings. If you’d like the blueprint from the brand that inspired this approach, consult Campbell’s official recipe for a classic reference. For another take that celebrates Thanksgiving traditions, see this thoughtful write-up: Campbells Green Bean Casserole (Thanksgiving Classic). Share your variations and plating photos in the comments — how would you make this dish your own?
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Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and elegant dish featuring tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden onion topping.
Ingredients
- 4 cups trimmed green beans (blanched) or 2 (14–15 oz) cans green beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (10–11 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
- 2 tablespoons panko or breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Blanch fresh beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain. Canned beans should be drained and patted dry.
- Whisk the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth, then stir in the butter and soy sauce, seasoning with black pepper.
- Fold the green beans into the sauce until evenly coated, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the French fried onions (and panko if using) over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and edges are browned.
- Remove from oven, scatter remaining fried onions over the top, and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
For added crispness, use panko or lightly toast the French fried onions before topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg