When it comes to holiday side dishes, few recipes are as iconic as the traditional green bean casserole. This comforting, creamy casserole has graced American tables for decades and remains a beloved staple during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive gatherings. With its simple ingredients and irresistible flavor, the green bean casserole perfectly complements any main course.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the traditional green bean casserole, share a classic recipe, provide helpful tips for making it perfectly every time, and suggest delicious variations to suit your taste.
What is Traditional Green Bean Casserole?
The traditional green bean casserole is a baked dish made primarily with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy onions that add the perfect textural contrast.
A Brief History
The green bean casserole was first created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working for Campbell’s Soup Company. The recipe was designed to be easy, affordable, and use ingredients most American households had on hand — especially the then-new canned cream of mushroom soup.
Over the years, this humble casserole has become a symbol of the American holiday feast, loved for its comforting taste and simplicity.
Classic Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, drained (or about 4 cups fresh green beans, blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, adds umami flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (such as French’s)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Spread evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
- Add Remaining Onions: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until onions are golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Green Bean Casserole
- Quick and Easy: With only a few pantry staples, this recipe comes together in under an hour.
- Deliciously Creamy: The cream of mushroom soup adds rich, savory flavor.
- Perfect Texture: The crispy onions on top give a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender beans.
- Nostalgic: It’s a classic dish that evokes warm holiday memories for many families.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Green Beans: If possible, use fresh green beans blanched until just tender for a brighter flavor and better texture.
- Homemade Mushroom Soup: For a healthier twist, make your own mushroom sauce from scratch instead of canned soup.
- Customize the Crunch: Add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts mixed with fried onions for extra texture.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you want it thicker or creamier, reduce the milk slightly or add a bit of sour cream.
Variations on Traditional Green Bean Casserole
1. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Use gluten-free fried onions or make your own crispy onion topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs and fresh onions sautéed until golden.
2. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cashew cream sauce or a vegan mushroom soup, and use vegan fried onions or toasted coconut flakes.
3. Bacon and Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Add cooked, crumbled bacon and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mix for a smoky, cheesy twist.
4. Garlic and Herb Green Bean Casserole
Sauté minced garlic with the green beans and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole
Traditional green bean casserole pairs beautifully with roast turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. It also works well as a side for vegetarian main dishes like stuffed squash or lentil loaf.
For a full holiday feast, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Green bean casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. To reheat leftovers, warm gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, and consider adding fresh fried onions on top for crispness.
Conclusion
The traditional green bean casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a symbol of comfort, celebration, and togetherness. With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crunchy onion topping, it’s no wonder this casserole remains a holiday favorite across generations.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
