The Undisputed Classic: Mastering the Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Keywords: Green Bean Casserole recipe, classic side dish, Thanksgiving, Dorcas Reilly, Cream of Mushroom Soup, French Fried Onions, easy holiday recipe
The Green Bean Casserole is arguably the most iconic and indispensable side dish on the American holiday table. Beloved for its creamy, savoury interior and its signature crunchy fried onion topping, this dish is a masterpiece of mid-century convenience cooking. We celebrate the legacy of its creator and provide the authentic, simple recipe that has been served at millions of homes for over six decades.
📜 An American Icon: The Birth of the “Green Bean Bake”
The story of the Green Bean Casserole is one of deliberate invention, born from the simple task of creating an easy-to-make dish using common pantry staples.
The Creator: Dorcas Reilly of Campbell’s Test Kitchen
The classic recipe was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly (1926–2018), a supervisor in the home economics department at the Campbell Soup Company in Camden, New Jersey.
Reilly was specifically tasked with developing a quick, affordable recipe that featured two widely available ingredients: canned green beans and Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup. The result, initially dubbed the “Green Bean Bake,” required only six simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Its success was immediate, largely due to Campbell’s printing the recipe directly on the soup cans, cementing its place in culinary history.
Reilly’s original, hand-written recipe card was even donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2002, a testament to the dish’s cultural impact. Today, it is estimated that approximately 20 million households serve the casserole on Thanksgiving alone, confirming its status as a permanent holiday fixture.
🍽️ The Authentic Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This is the tried-and-true, simple method that defines the Green Bean Casserole experience. It is quick, affordable, and delivers perfect comfort food every time.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Cream of Celery)
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (optional, but highly recommended for an essential umami boost)
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 4 cups Cooked Cut Green Beans (drained, typically two standard 14.5 oz cans)
- 1 1/3 cups Crispy Fried Onions (such as French’s), divided
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Beans and Onions: Gently stir in the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
- First Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- The Topping: Remove the dish from the oven. Carefully sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are a satisfying golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
💡 Pro Tips and Variations to Elevate Your Casserole
While the convenience of the classic recipe is unbeatable, modern home cooks often look for simple ways to enhance the texture and flavour.
Enhance the Flavour Profile
- Garlic and Seasoning: Sauté a clove of minced garlic and a few chopped fresh mushrooms (such as cremini) in butter before adding them to the soup mixture for a richer, more complex taste.
- Homemade Touch: For a slightly elevated casserole, blanch and drain 1 pound of fresh or frozen green beans until tender-crisp, rather than using canned.
- Add Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère) into the soup mixture for an added layer of savoury richness.
Alternative Toppings
While the fried onions are non-negotiable for purists, you can add extra crunch or flavour by including:
- Crumbled Bacon: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon pieces into the soup base.
- Buttered Breadcrumbs: Combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the top with the fried onions for a heartier crunch.
Whether you are a stickler for the 1955 original or prefer a slight upgrade with fresh ingredients, the Green Bean Casserole remains the defining holiday side dish—a perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and tradition.