French’s Green Bean Casserole (Easy Campbell’s Recipe)

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French’s Green Bean Casserole (Easy Campbell’s Recipe)

When Thanksgiving or any family gathering rolls around, some dishes just earn a spot on the table. French’s Green Bean Casserole is one of those classic comfort foods everyone remembers—and for good reason. With its creamy Campbell’s soup, tender green beans, and crispy French fried onion topping, the casserole delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The best part? It’s astonishingly simple to prepare, which means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Whether you’re a casserole enthusiast or embracing green beans for the first time, this dish welcomes all appetites. Here’s an in-depth guide to making a foolproof French’s Green Bean Casserole, along with solutions for variations, storage, and tips to help you achieve the very best results.

What is French’s Green Bean Casserole?

French’s Green Bean Casserole, often called “the Campbell’s classic,” is a baked side dish made from green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, and crispy French fried onions. The casserole was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company and quickly became a holiday icon. The appeal comes from the combination: creamy sauce, soft-yet-snappy green beans, melted cheese (optional, but highly recommended), and those crunchy onions everyone fights over.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe comes together with four basic items you can find in almost any grocery store:

Green Beans:
You have options—canned, frozen, or fresh. Each brings a slightly different texture.
– Canned: Soft, familiar, easy to use.
– Frozen: Retain more snap. Thaw before use.
– Fresh: Offer the crunchiest texture. Blanch or sauté before assembling.

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup:
This ingredient creates the velvety sauce that binds everything together. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is the go-to. Homemade is also an option for those who prefer to make everything from scratch.

French Fried Onions:
French’s brand provides the signature crisp and savory flavor. These go both in the casserole and across the top for extra crunch.

Cheddar Cheese (optional):
Cheese melts into the sauce and adds richness. Some mix it into the beans; others sprinkle it over the top under the onions.

Ingredient List with Quantities

Below is a table showing suggested amounts for a standard 8-inch square casserole, which serves about six people:

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Green Beans

• Canned: Drain well. Rinse if preferred for less sodium.
• Frozen: Thaw fully, then pat dry.
• Fresh: Trim ends, cut in half, and blanch in boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes. Drain and cool.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, add the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and milk.
• Whisk together until smooth.
• Add black pepper and stir in about two-thirds of the cheese (if using).

3. Mix the Casserole

• Add prepared green beans to the sauce mixture.
• Stir in one half of the French fried onions for flavor and texture.

4. Assemble

• Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square or similarly sized casserole dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top (if using).
• Set aside remaining French fried onions for the final stage.

5. Bake

• Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbling at the edges.

6. Add Crunchy Topping

• Remove the casserole from the oven.
• Scatter the remaining French fried onions evenly across the top.
• Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, just until the onions are golden and crisp.

7. Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken.
• Use a wide spoon for serving, making sure each scoop has both beans and topping.

Texture and Flavor Tips

• Prefer a crisper bean? Use fresh or frozen and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
• Want it richer? Double the cheese or swap a bit of milk for sour cream.
• Need it dairy-free? Substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based versions; there are vegan mushroom soups available.
• Trying to impress? Add a dash of garlic powder or a spoonful of soy sauce to the soup for depth.

Clever Add-Ons

While the classic casserole shines on its own, variety adds fun:

• Water Chestnuts: Add a can of drained, sliced water chestnuts for crunch.
• Bacon Bits: Crumble cooked bacon over the top along with the onions.
• Mushroom Boost: Sauté sliced mushrooms and stir them into the mixture.
• Herb Toppers: Fresh thyme or chopped parsley offers a pop of color and aroma just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make French’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely.
– Prepare the mixture: Assemble everything except the fried onions up to a day ahead.
– Refrigerate: Cover and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
– Bake: When ready to serve, bake as directed. Add the onions in the final 5-10 minutes as usual.

How do I store leftovers?

• Refrigeration: Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To re-crisp the onions, a quick toast in the oven works best.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, but for best results:
– Assemble the casserole without onions and cheese.
– Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 weeks.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add cheese and onion topping before baking.

Pairings & Serving Ideas

French’s Green Bean Casserole pairs well with turkey, roast chicken, pork chops, or even as part of a vegetarian meal with mashed potatoes. If you want a vibrant spread, add dinner rolls and cranberry salad. The casserole’s creamy, savory base complements a variety of flavors, making it a staple at more than just holiday gatherings.

For the DIY Crowd: Homemade Mushroom Soup Recipe

If you prefer to skip the canned soup, you can easily make your own. Here’s a simple version:

Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 12 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 ounces cream cheese

Directions:
1. In a large pan, melt butter. Add mushrooms, sauté until browned.
2. Stir in cream cheese and milk. Heat until smooth and thickened.
3. Allow to cool slightly, then use in the casserole.

Scaling for a Crowd

Doubling the recipe for a crowd is straightforward:
– Use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Double all ingredients.
– Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time before adding the onions.

French’s Green Bean Casserole stands the test of time. It’s simple, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser. From its creamy sauce and hearty beans to its crunchy fried onion topping, every bite delivers familiar comfort. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this recipe gives you all the tools to whip up a dish worth remembering—year after year.

French’s Green Bean Casserole (Easy Campbell’s Recipe)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5 from 1 votes

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Course: Casseroles / Cuisine:

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 15 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 322 cal

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Step 2: Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans, and 2/3 cup onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Step 3: Bake 25 minutes or until hot. Step 4: Stir the bean mixture. Step 5: Sprinkle with remaining onions. Step 6: Bake 5 minutes or until onions are golden.

Ingredients

• 2 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (6-ounce) can French fried onions
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the green beans and mushroom soup. Microwave on high power for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warm. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese and microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture into a casserole and cover with French fried onions and remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
4. Bake the casserole for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the onions start to brown. Serve and enjoy!