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This irresistible Campbell's green bean casserole has become my guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every holiday meal. Creamy savory and topped with golden crispy onions it is my go-to classic when I need a comforting side everyone loves and it never lasts long on the table.
I remember making this one Thanksgiving to try something new and now my mom asks for it every year. The nostalgic crispy topping and creamy filling truly make it unforgettable.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds rich savory depth use a good-quality brand for best results
- Milk: Creates a silky sauce full-fat or 2 percent both work well
- Soy sauce: Brightens and balances the creamy flavors opt for a naturally brewed type
- Cut green beans: Bring fresh vegetable snap choose regular or French style canned beans should be well-drained or try fresh beans briefly blanched for extra bite
- Ground black pepper: Wakes up all the flavors freshly ground tastes brightest
- Crispy french fried onions: Add crunch and a signature finish look for a brand with whole onions for the best texture
How to Make It
- Combine Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl stir together condensed cream of mushroom soup milk soy sauce and black pepper until fully blended and glossy
- Add Beans:
- Gently fold in the cut green beans making sure they are evenly coated in the soup mixture do this carefully to avoid breaking up the beans
- Layer in Baking Dish:
- Transfer everything to a two-quart casserole dish smoothing the top evenly scatter half of the crispy fried onions over the mixture this allows some onions to soak up flavor and become tender
- Bake:
- Uncovered bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes until bubbling around the edges and heated through the casserole should be hot and the onions inside lightly golden
- Add Final Topping:
- Scatter the rest of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top return to the oven for about 5 more minutes until the onions are deeply golden and crisp avoid overbaking to prevent burning
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes out of the oven before serving which helps everything set and makes serving easier
The crispy fried onions are hands-down my favorite part I sometimes sneak a handful for myself before they ever hit the casserole and it always reminds me of helping my grandmother in the kitchen watching her add extra onions as a treat for me
Flavor Boosters
For a lighter version try using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and skim milk. Frozen or fresh green beans can replace canned as long as they are blanched or thawed first. If crispy onions are unavailable homemade shallot rings or bread crumbs tossed with a dash of olive oil and salt work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside roast turkey or chicken for a classic feast. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or stuffing. Brighten the plate with a squeeze of lemon or a handful of chopped fresh parsley before serving for a twist. I sometimes slip in a handful of sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Creative Twists
In the summer this casserole is wonderful with fresh snapped garden beans and a handful of cherry tomatoes. For a fall or winter version I like to add roasted chopped mushrooms or caramelized onions for richer flavor.
This recipe brings out so many happy family memories and countless requests for seconds. Its classic flavor and simple method make it a must for every holiday table.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, both fresh and frozen green beans work well. If using fresh, blanch them first for a tender result.
- → How do I make the casserole vegetarian?
Just ensure your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian, as some may contain meat-based broths.
- → What is the purpose of soy sauce in this dish?
Soy sauce adds a subtle savory depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to restore the crispy topping.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble all but the fried onions and refrigerate. Add onions and bake just before serving.