Campbell's Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe
This Thanksgiving, elevate your holiday feast with a timeless classic: Campbell's Green Bean Casserole. This recipe, a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, offers a creamy, savory, and satisfying side dish that complements your turkey and other festive dishes perfectly. While many variations exist, this recipe focuses on capturing the essence of the original, loved by generations.
What Makes This Campbell's Green Bean Casserole Recipe So Special?
The magic lies in the simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, and a hint of seasoning creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. This recipe emphasizes maximizing the flavor of each component while keeping the preparation straightforward.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions (reserve about 1/3 cup for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Delicious Green Bean Casserole:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the topping gets perfectly crispy.
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Combine the soup and milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cream of Mushroom soup and milk until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a smooth and luscious sauce.
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Season: Add a pinch of black pepper to the soup mixture. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for a customized taste.
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Add the green beans: Gently stir in the drained green beans, ensuring they are evenly coated in the creamy soup mixture.
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Assemble and bake: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle most of the French fried onions over the top, reserving some for the final garnish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the reserved French fried onions over the top for an extra crispy and visually appealing finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Campbell's Green Bean Casserole:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry green beans and burnt onions. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
- Fresh green beans: For a more sophisticated twist, try using fresh, trimmed green beans instead of canned. You'll need to blanch them beforehand to retain their vibrant color and tender texture.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the fried onions just before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
This classic green bean casserole is a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or roast beef. It pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
This recipe offers a straightforward and delicious way to enjoy a beloved Thanksgiving side dish. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking! Remember to share your culinary creations with friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!
