Green Bean Casserole – Creamy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe

The Story Behind Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is one of the most iconic dishes in American culinary history — and one of the few great recipes created in a corporate test kitchen that became a beloved national tradition. The dish was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at Campbell's Soup Company, as part of a promotional campaign for the company's cream of mushroom soup. The original recipe — green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top — was designed to be simple, inexpensive, and made with pantry staples. It became one of the most successful recipes ever published, now made by an estimated 20 million American households at Thanksgiving each year. The original index card with Reilly's handwritten recipe is preserved in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Like all great American food traditions, it started as marketing and became something genuinely meaningful — a dish that, for millions of families, tastes exactly like Thanksgiving.

Time and Servings:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5 minutes.
   • Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   • Add the blanched green beans to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased 9x9-inch casserole dish.
   • Spread the mixture out evenly and top with 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Serve warm as a creamy and crunchy side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.

Tips for Success:

• For extra flavor, sauté 1/4 cup of diced onions and 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms and mix them into the casserole.
• Substitute fresh green beans with frozen or canned green beans for convenience.
• Use a mix of fried onions and breadcrumbs for a more textured topping.

Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:

• Pair this casserole with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, or a refreshing sparkling cider for a festive touch.