Classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Every Occasion
The green bean casserole is a classic American dish loved by many. It's easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. The Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe has been a favorite for decades.
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Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe |
This recipe is a staple at many American gatherings. With a few tweaks, like drying the green beans and adjusting the sodium, it can be made to suit different tastes. You can also add your favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
The History Behind Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Exploring American classic recipes, the green bean casserole shines brightly. Its history starts in 1955, when Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell's Soup home economist, created it. It quickly became a favorite in many homes because of its simplicity and easy ingredients.
Today, 30 million homes serve green-bean casserole on Thanksgiving, according to Campbell's. This shows its deep roots in American food culture. It's the most requested recipe in Campbell's history, with many variations popping up over time.
Origin of the Recipe
The original recipe has just six ingredients. These include Campbell's condensed cream of mushroom soup, French's fried onions, and canned green beans. It was first printed on the back of every can of Cream of Mushroom soup. This made it easy and popular, and it's featured in many Midwestern cookbooks from the 1960s-90s.
Why It Became an American Classic
The green bean casserole's fame comes from its simplicity and easy ingredients. It's a big part of American holiday meals, served at Thanksgiving and other special times. Campbell's even put the original recipe in the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2002, marking its place in American culinary history.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
To make a tasty green bean casserole, you need the right stuff. The main things are green beans, Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, and French-fried onions. You can pick from frozen, fresh, or canned green beans. This lets you choose what's best for you.
The quality of your ingredients really matters. Using Campbell soup gives it a creamy taste. Here's what you'll need:
- 4 cups of frozen cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups of French's French Fried Onions
- 10.5 oz of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tsp of soy sauce
Knowing what's in your casserole is key. Each serving has 112 calories, 11g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 6g of fat. It's also packed with potassium, with 190mg per serving. Plus, it has 2g of fiber and 3g of sugar.
By picking the right ingredients and watching the nutrition, you'll make a casserole everyone will enjoy. This classic dish is loved for its taste and how well it brings people together.
The Original Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
To make the original green bean casserole, you need a few simple ingredients. These include green beans, mushrooms, and Campbell's cream of mushroom soup. This recipe has been loved for years because it's easy to make and tastes great.
The original green bean casserole recipe feeds 6-8 people. It calls for 1 ¼ pounds of mushrooms and green beans each. Cooking the onions and mushrooms takes 10-12 minutes. Cooking the green beans until tender takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C.
- Cook the green beans and mushrooms in a skillet until tender.
- Mix the cooked green beans and mushrooms with Campbell's cream of mushroom soup and other ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious original green bean casserole recipe. It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Choosing Your Green Beans: Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned
Choosing the right green beans is key to a tasty green bean casserole. You can pick from fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on what you prefer and what's available.
Fresh green beans give the best taste and texture. But, they take more time to prepare. Frozen green beans are quicker and just as tasty. Canned green beans, though, are not the best choice because they're too soft.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Fresh green beans offer the best taste and texture but take more time to prepare.
- Frozen green beans are quick and easy to use, making a great casserole.
- Canned green beans are too soft and mushy, so it's best to avoid them.
So, the choice between fresh, frozen, or canned green beans depends on what matters most to you. For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh. If you're short on time, frozen green beans are a good choice. Just remember, canned green beans won't give you the best results.
Making the Cream of Mushroom Base
To make a tasty green bean casserole base, start with a creamy cream of mushroom soup. This is the heart of the dish, and it's key to get it right. You can either make your own or use a store-bought version. Choose a store-bought one that's low in sodium and has no preservatives.
For homemade soup, use different mushrooms like button, cremini, and shiitake. This mix adds a rich, earthy taste that pairs well with green beans. Add onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost the flavor.
Proper Consistency Tips
Getting the right consistency is important for the cream of mushroom base. It should be thick but easy to pour. To achieve this, add flour or cornstarch and cook until it thickens. Adding heavy cream or half-and-half will make it even creamier.
Seasoning Guidelines
Season your cream of mushroom base well. Use salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. You can also add herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a fresh taste. The goal is to balance the flavors, so feel free to adjust as needed.
By following these tips, you'll make a delicious cream of mushroom base. It will take your green bean casserole to the next level. Whether you use store-bought or homemade, focus on the right consistency and seasoning. With practice, you'll master making the perfect base.
French-Fried Onion Topping Techniques
To get the perfect crunch in your green bean casserole, mastering the french-fried onion topping is key. Use the right amount of french-fried onions and apply them at the right time. You'll need a large can of French fried onions, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and ¼ cup of milk.
When adding the french-fried onion topping, spread it evenly over the casserole. This creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that complements the dish. Adding a tablespoon of white miso to the sauce enhances the flavor, giving it a rich, savory taste.
- Use the right amount: Too little can make the topping lackluster, while too much can overpower the flavors.
- Apply at the right time: Add the topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
- Store leftovers correctly: Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes to regain crunch.
By following these tips and using the right amount of french-fried onions, you can make a delicious green bean casserole. The crispy, golden-brown topping will impress your family and friends.
Modern Variations of the Classic Recipe
Exploring green bean casseroles can lead to new recipes. You can make a gluten-free or vegetarian version. These changes keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
To make a gluten-free casserole, swap cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version. Also, pick gluten-free french-fried onions. For a crispy topping, try gluten-free flours. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more mushrooms or other vegetarian ingredients.
Gluten-Free Options
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
- Choose gluten-free french-fried onions
- Experiment with gluten-free flours for the topping
Vegetarian Adaptations
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth
- Add more mushrooms or other vegetarian-friendly ingredients
- Consider using vegetarian-friendly sauces or seasonings
These easy changes let you enjoy a gluten-free or vegetarian green bean casserole. They're great for any occasion, whether you're hosting a big event or just want a special meal.
Time-Saving Preparation Tips
Preparing a green bean casserole can take a lot of time. But, with a few easy tips, you can speed up the process. You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance. Then, store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
For storing the casserole, use an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and flavorful. You can store it for up to 4 days. If you assemble it ahead of time, it can stay in the fridge for 3 days before baking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- Cook the aromatics, such as onions and garlic, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- Prepare the cream sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Storage Guidelines
To keep the casserole fresh, follow these storage tips. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. When reheating, make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When making a green bean casserole, you might face some common problems. These can affect the dish's quality. To fix these issues, it's key to find the root cause and use the right solutions. A soggy topping is a common problem. You can fix it by thickening the casserole with flour or cornstarch before adding the topping. Or, add the topping during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Another issue is green beans that are undercooked or overcooked. It's important to cook them until they're tender but not mushy. If using fresh green beans, cook them until they're tender-crisp. Using frozen French-cut green beans is a better choice than canned ones because they have less sodium.
Some common green bean casserole problems and their solutions include:
- Watery consistency: add more thickener like flour or cornstarch to achieve the desired sauce thickness.
- Leftover storage: pack leftovers in single-serving containers to prevent food waste and store them in the fridge for a limited time.
- Green bean texture: cook green beans until tender but not mushy, and use frozen or fresh green beans for better results.
By using these solutions, you can make sure your dish turns out right. This way, you'll enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal.
Scaling the Recipe for Different Crowd Sizes
Scaling the green bean casserole recipe is key when serving a crowd. It ensures everyone gets a good portion. Whether it's a small gathering or a big event, adjusting the ingredients and cooking time is vital. You need to think about the number of guests and how much each will eat.
Plan for about 1/2 cup of casserole per person. For a bigger crowd, you can double or triple the recipe. Remember, you might need a bigger pan for more ingredients. A 9x13 inch dish is good for a standard recipe. For more, use a 11x15 inch dish.
Portion Guidelines
Here are some tips for scaling the recipe:
- Small gathering (4-6 people): Use the standard recipe and a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Medium-sized crowd (8-10 people): Double the recipe and use a 11x15 inch baking dish.
- Large event (12-15 people): Triple the recipe and use a larger dish, such as a 12x18 inch.
Pan Size Recommendations
Choosing the right pan size is important for even cooking. Here are some suggestions:
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Standard recipe
- 11x15 inch baking dish: Doubled recipe
- 12x18 inch baking dish: Tripled recipe
By following these guidelines, you can make the green bean casserole recipe fit your crowd size. This ensures everyone gets a delicious meal. Remember to adjust cooking time and feel free to try new ingredients. With these tips, you'll make a memorable green bean casserole for your guests.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Looking for what to serve with green bean casserole? The choices are vast. You can pair it with turkey or chicken for a hearty meal. It's also great in a holiday potluck with dishes like Bread Stuffing and Smoked Pork Tenderloin.
Here are some pairing ideas for green bean casserole:
- Turkey or chicken for a classic combination
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, for a healthier option
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting side dish
For a great green bean casserole pairing, aim for balance in flavors and textures. Its creamy sauce and crunchy onion topping make it a crowd-pleaser. So, try out different combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy it.
Conclusion
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe is celebrating 70 years. It's a favorite in many American homes. This dish is perfect for family dinners or big holiday meals.
It combines green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. This mix makes the green bean casserole a beloved Campbell Soup classic.
This guide has given you the tools to make this recipe shine. You can stick to the traditional way or try new things. The possibilities are endless.
So, start making memories with your family. Enjoy the comforting taste of this classic dish together.