Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole wasn't always the holiday staple you know today. Campbell's created the original recipe in 1955, transforming a simple vegetable side into a creamy, crunchy sensation that would become an American tradition. You'll want to discover how a few strategic ingredients can elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary, turning heads at your next family gathering with a loaded version that promises to surprise and satisfy.
Recipe Highlights
- Add crispy bacon bits to the green bean mixture for enhanced flavor and protein.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese between layers for a richer, more indulgent casserole.
- Top the casserole with a blend of french-fried onions and crushed buttery crackers for extra crunch.
- Mix in diced, cooked ham or prosciutto to transform the classic side dish into a more substantial meal.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese before baking to introduce a tangy, sophisticated taste profile.
History
Although green bean casserole might seem like a timeless holiday staple, its origins are surprisingly modern.
You'll find this iconic dish has roots in 1950s America, specifically crafted by the Campbell Soup Company's test kitchen. Their goal was creating an accessible, affordable side dish using readily available canned ingredients.
Dorcas Reilly, a home economist, developed the original recipe in 1955, which quickly became a Thanksgiving classic. The recipe's brilliance lay in its simplicity: combining cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and french-fried onions.
It represented post-war convenience cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a comforting, memorable dish. By utilizing processed foods, Reilly revolutionized home cooking, providing busy families an easy, delicious solution for side dishes that could be prepared quickly and enjoyed by everyone.
Recipe
Green bean casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table. This classic dish combines tender green beans with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onion topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that has delighted families for generations.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few key ingredients, home cooks can easily create a delicious side dish that complements virtually any main course, from holiday roasts to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
- 1 container (6 oz) french-fried onions
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Carefully fold in the drained green beans, ensuring they're evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Transfer half of the green bean mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the french-fried onions.
Add the remaining green bean mixture, then bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the remaining french-fried onions, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
For the best results, avoid overcooking the casserole, which can lead to mushy green beans and an overly thick sauce. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.
If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes and shock in ice water before incorporating them into the recipe.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by gathering all your ingredients: cream of mushroom soup, green beans, french-fried onions, milk, and black pepper, ensuring everything is measured and ready to go.
Next, you'll whisk the soup and milk together, creating a smooth base that'll bind your casserole, then fold in the drained green beans until they're evenly coated.
Finally, you'll transfer the mixture to a baking dish, strategically layering the french-fried onions to create a crispy, golden topping that'll make your green bean casserole irresistibly delicious.
Step 1. Gather Ingredients for Casserole
Five essential ingredients stand ready to transform your green bean casserole from simple to spectacular. You'll want to gather these pantry staples with precision: cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, french-fried onions, milk, and black pepper. Check that each can is within its expiration date, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
Key ingredient checklist:
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans
- 1 (6 oz) container french-fried onions
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly. Take milk and soup out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before mixing to optimize your casserole's creamy consistency. Your mise en place is now complete and ready for culinary magic.
Step 2. Mix Soup and Milk
Grab your large mixing bowl and prepare to create the creamy foundation of your green bean casserole.
Pour the two 10.5-oz cans of cream of mushroom soup directly into the bowl, ensuring a smooth, even base. Measure out exactly 1 cup of milk, which will thin the soup and create a silky consistency that coats the green beans perfectly. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper, whisking thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Use a rubber spatula to mix ingredients
- Aim for a uniform, creamy texture
- Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture
- Mix until soup and milk are completely integrated
The goal is a smooth, pourable sauce that will bind your casserole ingredients together, creating a rich and flavorful dish that's both comforting and delicious.
Step 3. Add Green Beans
Once you've created a smooth, creamy base with the cream of mushroom soup and milk, it's time to incorporate the green beans, transforming your mixture into a hearty casserole.
Drain your canned green beans thoroughly, shaking off excess liquid to prevent a watery dish.
Gently fold the beans into the soup mixture, ensuring even coating without breaking the delicate pieces. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to mix, creating a uniform consistency that distributes the beans evenly throughout the creamy sauce.
When adding the green beans, aim for gentle stirring that maintains their shape and texture. The goal is a cohesive mixture where each bean is perfectly nestled in the rich, savory cream of mushroom base, promising a delicious side dish that'll complement any main course.
Step 4. Transfer Mixture to Dish
Carefully pour your creamy green bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface to ensure consistent coverage.
You'll want to use a spatula to distribute the mixture smoothly, creating an even layer that'll bake uniformly.
- Aim for a total height of about 1-2 inches of mixture
- Leave some space at the top of the dish for the crispy onion topping
- Use gentle, sweeping motions to avoid splashing
When transferring the mixture, make sure to scrape the bowl completely clean.
This ensures you're not leaving behind any delicious sauce or stray green beans.
Take your time and be methodical, creating a neat, level base that'll set the foundation for your delectable green bean casserole.
Step 5. Top With First Onion Layer
The first onion layer transforms your green bean casserole from simple to spectacular, adding crucial textural contrast and a golden-brown crunch.
You'll want to distribute the french-fried onions evenly across the first layer of your green bean and cream of mushroom mixture, ensuring complete coverage without overcrowding.
Gently sprinkle the crispy onions using a light hand, allowing some areas of the casserole base to remain visible through the onion layer.
Use about half the container of french-fried onions, which typically translates to approximately 3 ounces.
Press the onions slightly into the mixture to help them adhere during baking, but don't submerge them completely.
This initial onion layer will provide a delightful preliminary crunch before the final golden topping.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this loaded green bean casserole recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. You'll find this dish remarkably versatile, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. The key to success lies in paying attention to texture and timing—ensuring your green beans remain tender yet crisp, and your french-fried onions achieve that perfect golden-brown crunch. Don't be intimidated by the recipe; it's more forgiving than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you'll create a crowd-pleasing side dish that transforms ordinary green beans into a memorable culinary experience. Trust your instincts, follow the instructions, and enjoy the delicious results.
