As the holiday season comes near, the smell of a warm, creamy casserole fills the air. It brings back memories of special family times. The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe is a favorite tradition, enjoyed from Thanksgiving to Christmas and more.
This dish was first made in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell Soup Company. It has become a staple in many American homes. It’s a dish that many look forward to every year.
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A Brief History of Campbell’s Iconic Green Bean Casserole
The beloved Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole has its roots in 1955. Dorcas Reilly, from the Campbell’s Home Economics department, made it at the Campbell Test Kitchen in Camden, New Jersey. It was first called the “Green Bean Bake” and was meant to be a simple side dish.
The Creation by Dorcas Reilly
Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s employee, invented the original green bean casserole in 1955. Her recipe mixed canned green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, and French fried onions. It quickly became a favorite in many American homes.
Evolution from Green Bean Bake to Holiday Staple
In the 1960s, the recipe became even more popular. Campbell’s put it on their Cream of Mushroom soup cans. This move turned the “Green Bean Bake” into a classic Thanksgiving and holiday dish.
National Inventor’s Hall of Fame Recognition
Dorcas Reilly’s original recipe card is now at the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. It’s alongside famous inventions like Thomas Edison’s light bulb. This honor shows the big impact the Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole has had on American cooking.
“The original green bean casserole recipe features five fundamental ingredients.”
Why This Classic Side Dish Remains a Holiday Favorite
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is loved for its creamy texture and crunchy topping. It’s easy to make and has been a holiday favorite for years. It’s a must-have on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables in America.
Dorcas Reilly created the original recipe in 1955 while working at Campbell Soup Company. It started as a simple “Green Bean Bake” but became a beloved holiday dish. Today, it’s on over 20 million Thanksgiving plates each year.
The recipe’s lasting appeal comes from its simplicity and flexibility. With just seven ingredients, including Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, it can be tailored to different tastes. The mix of creamy texture and crunchy topping from French fried onions is a hit with many.
Its easy preparation is also a big plus for holiday cooks. The original recipe is quick to make, letting hosts focus on other dishes. This ease, along with its nostalgic charm, has made it a holiday classic.
“The classic green bean casserole recipe has been a holiday staple since the 1950s, appearing on over 20 million Thanksgiving dinner plates each year.”
In today’s world, where convenience meets tradition, the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is still a favorite. Its creamy texture, crunchy topping, and easy preparation make it a beloved holiday dish. It’s sure to stay a cherished part of the holiday season for years to come.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
The classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe has a few key ingredients. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup is at its heart, giving it a rich, savory taste. You’ll also need canned green beans, evaporated milk or heavy cream, a bit of soy sauce, and some black pepper.
For the crispy topping, French fried onions are perfect. They add a golden, crunchy touch to the soft casserole below.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
The cream of mushroom soup is the base of this dish, giving it a savory and earthy flavor. You can try other cream-based soups like cream of celery or chicken for a different twist.
Green Beans Options: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned
You can choose from fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. Fresh beans need to be blanched for 3 minutes. Frozen beans are pre-cooked and ready to use. Canned green beans are also convenient.
French Fried Onions and Seasonings
The casserole is topped with crispy French fried onions. They add a crunchy texture and savory taste. A sprinkle of soy sauce and black pepper balances the dish’s richness.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup | 2 cans |
Canned Green Beans | 2 (14.5 oz) cans |
Evaporated Milk | 1 (12 oz) can |
Soy Sauce | 1 tbsp |
Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
French Fried Onions | 2.8 oz can |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, grab a 3-quart casserole dish or a 2-quart baking dish. This is where you’ll put everything together and bake it. Make sure to spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
A whisk is great for mixing the soup mixture. You’ll also need a spatula or spoon to spread and stir the ingredients. If you want to avoid washing dishes, use a disposable foil pan.
For the best taste, bake the casserole in a reliable oven. With these tools, you’re ready to make a tasty Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole for your holiday meal.
“The classic green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple that brings families together. Having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference in creating this beloved dish.”
Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe Step-by-Step
Learn how to make the perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole with our simple guide. This classic dish is a favorite at holiday meals, loved by all.
Preparation Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, mix two cans of cream of mushroom soup, 2/3 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add four cans of green beans, drained and rinsed, and mix well.
Baking Guidelines
Put the mix in a casserole dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. After that, take it out and sprinkle 1/2 cup of French fried onions on top. Put it back in the oven for an extra 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix and the dish set. Serve it hot. You can add diced red peppers or shredded cheese for more taste. It goes well with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty soup for a full meal.
The secret to a great Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is in the mixing and baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll make a dish everyone will love.
Time-Saving Tips and Prep Work
Preparing the classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple tips, you can save time and make your holiday side dish easy to assemble.
Assembling the casserole ahead of time is a big time-saver. Mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings together. Then, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add the crispy french-fried onions right before baking.
For fresh green beans, blanch them for about 3 minutes before adding to the casserole. This keeps them vibrant and tender-crisp. If using frozen green beans, steam or blanch them first to remove excess moisture.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, excluding the fried onions, up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep work: Blanch or steam fresh or frozen green beans before adding to the casserole.
- Consider preparing other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or crumbled bacon in advance as well.
With a little planning and prep, you can have this classic holiday dish ready with minimal effort. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the aroma of a perfect green bean casserole in your home.
Creative Variations and Add-ins
The classic Campbell Soup green bean casserole is a holiday favorite. But, you can make it your own with creative twists. Whether you love cheese, bacon, or want to try new veggies, these ideas will excite your taste buds.
Cheese Lover’s Version
For a cheesy twist, skip the soy sauce and add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheddar on top before baking. This makes the top layer melty and gooey.
Bacon and Mushroom Enhancement
Make your casserole better by adding crispy bacon bits with the fried onions. Also, sauté fresh sautéed mushrooms and mix them into the soup. This adds a rich flavor.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Replace green beans with fresh or frozen broccoli florets for a nutritious choice.
- Add cauliflower florets for a unique twist.
- Try Brussels sprouts for a festive flavor.
For a splash of color, add 1/2 cup of chopped red peppers to the soup. You can customize this holiday dish in many ways.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe is not just quick to make. You can also prepare it ahead of time. This makes it perfect for busy holiday events, with 72% of users finding it helpful.
It’s safe to refrigerate the casserole for up to 3 days. 85% of people said it stayed tasty and fresh. But, the crispy onions might get soggy. To fix this, reheat small portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Or, warm bigger portions in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Want to keep it longer? You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just remember, freezer burn can happen after a month. To serve, thaw it and reheat in the oven. Add the crispy onions just before serving for the best taste and crunch.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole?
When was the Green Bean Casserole created and by whom?
Where is Dorcas Reilly’s original recipe card displayed?
Why has the Green Bean Casserole remained a holiday favorite?
What are some alternative ingredient options for the Green Bean Casserole?
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make the Green Bean Casserole?
How do you prepare and bake the Green Bean Casserole?
Can the Green Bean Casserole be prepared in advance?
What are some creative variations and add-ins for the Green Bean Casserole?
How can the Green Bean Casserole be stored and reheated?
Source Links
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- 10 things you didn’t know about Green Bean Casserole – Campbell Soup Company – https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/newsroom/campbells-history/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-green-bean-casserole/
- Grandma’s Easy Green Bean Casserole – https://www.kimscravings.com/grandmas-easy-green-bean-casserole/
- Rutgers–Camden Alumnus Preserves Rich History of Campbell’s – https://camden.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-camden-alumnus-preserves-rich-history-campbells
- The Strange Story That Explains Why You Eat Green Bean Casserole On Thanksgiving – Drizzle Me Skinny! – https://drizzlemeskinny.com/green-bean-casserole-at-thanksgiving/
- Meet the woman who changed Thanksgiving feasts forever – https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12780229/Thanksgiving-feasts-America-green-bean-casserole-Dorcas-Reilly.html
- Can Any Green Bean Casserole Recipe Unseat Campbell’s? – https://www.eater.com/24277957/green-bean-casserole-recipe-which-is-best
- Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Is My Forever Thanksgiving Favorite—Here’s Why – https://www.aol.com/campbells-green-bean-casserole-forever-130000566.html
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- Green Bean Casserole – https://www.spendwithpennies.com/classic-green-bean-casserole/
- Green Bean Casserole – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/green-bean-casserole/?srsltid=AfmBOopqAJsVVo0fbMCsHcoBUyms-poOWNYyrq_JAvWGEw08R0wOr1xd
- Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Creamy, Crispy, Homemade – The Easy Homestead – https://theeasyhomestead.com/blog/green-bean-casserole-recipe
- Easy Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans – https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/green-bean-casserole-with-canned-green-beans/
- Green Bean Casserole – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/green-bean-casserole/?srsltid=AfmBOoqXnXX3iS-VyUCTFRikwhpF0EznZm_G_FWPMKGYrwMevjtT0z8V
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Is The Comfort Dish You Need This Holiday Season – https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/thanksgiving/a55340/easy-homemade-classic-green-bean-casserole-recipe/
- Best Green Bean Casserole – https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/best-green-bean-casserole/f466928f-a799-4cdc-89ba-1e0bbedf878b
- 5 Mistakes That Ruin Green Bean Casserole (And How to Fix Them) – https://www.eatingwell.com/article/2054304/mistakes-that-ruin-green-bean-casserole-and-how-to-fix-them/
- Green Bean Casserole – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/green-bean-casserole/?srsltid=AfmBOopLU3642kNIBxrm0SNb0yfJ7wK06XHAd4SS8cHz7FmMEeXg8vNk
- 11 Creative Ways To Spice Up Your Green Bean Casserole – Tasting Table – https://www.tastingtable.com/1542001/green-bean-casserole-upgrades/
- Keto Green Bean Casserole – https://www.lowcarbmaven.com/supreme-green-bean-casserole/
- Green Bean Casserole with Frozen Green Beans – The Seasoned Mom – https://www.theseasonedmom.com/easy-green-bean-casserole/
- 5 Steps to Perfect Green Bean Casserole – practiced recipes – https://practicedrecipes.com/green-bean-casserole/