Have you ever wondered why some holiday dishes disappear from the table before you even sit down? Green bean casserole is one of those recipes that guests scoop up fast. But what makes this classic so irresistible, and how can you make it even easier and more delicious at home? This guide will walk you through creating the perfect Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions, using simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions – A Holiday Must-Have
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is the classic holiday side dish everyone loves. Made with tender green beans, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, and a crispy golden onion topping, this casserole comes together in minutes and bakes to creamy, crunchy perfection. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut (or frozen/canned green beans, drained)
- 1 can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water. If using frozen beans, thaw and drain. If using canned beans, drain very well.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the green beans to the bowl and gently fold until all the beans are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in about 1/3 cup of the crispy fried onions for extra crunch inside the casserole.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Add Topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then serve warm as a classic holiday side dish.
Notes
To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold, and top with fresh crispy onions during the last 5–10 minutes of baking. For extra flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, or cooked bacon. To prevent the onions from burning, always add most of them toward the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a comforting, creamy, and crunchy holiday side dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. The difficulty level is easy, making it a great recipe for beginners or busy cooks.
This casserole has a smooth mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and a crispy onion topping. It pairs well with turkey, ham, chicken, or any festive meal. The simplicity, flavor, and nostalgic charm make it a holiday must-have.
Essential Ingredients
Green Beans
Fresh green beans offer the best texture and color, but frozen or canned beans also work.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
This is the classic base. You can use cream of chicken or a homemade sauce as substitutions.
Milk
Adds creaminess and helps thin the sauce.
Soy Sauce
Enhances the savory flavor.
Black Pepper
Adds simple seasoning.
Crispy Fried Onions
The golden crunchy topping that makes this casserole iconic.
Substitutions and Variations
Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk.
Use crushed crackers or panko instead of fried onions.
Add shredded cheese for a cheesy version.
Use cream of celery soup for a lighter flavor.
Mix in sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
If using fresh beans, trim and cut into smaller pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, then cool under cold water to keep them crisp.
If using frozen beans, thaw and drain them.
If using canned beans, drain very well.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Beans and Sauce
Add the green beans to the sauce and gently mix until coated.
Step 4: Add Crispy Onions
Mix in a small handful of crispy fried onions to add extra crunch throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Step 7: Add Topping
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly on top. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
Assembly
Start with a well-mixed base of beans and creamy sauce. Spread the mixture evenly so every serving has sauce, beans, and crunch. After baking, give the casserole a short rest time so it sets slightly before serving. A white or neutral dish helps the browned onions and green beans stand out beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Freezer
Freeze the casserole before baking and without the onion topping. Add the topping once you’re ready to bake.
Reheating
Reheat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Add fresh onions if needed.
Make-Ahead
Prepare the casserole without baking and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Garlic Version
Add one teaspoon of garlic powder or minced sautéed garlic.
Mushroom Lover’s Variety
Add sautéed mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Low-Sodium
Use low-sodium soup and reduced-salt onions.
Conclusion
Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that brings warmth to any holiday table. With minimal prep time and plenty of room for fun variations, it’s no surprise this casserole remains a favorite year after year. Try experimenting with new flavors or toppings to make it your own.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes. Canned beans work but will give a softer texture compared to fresh or frozen.
Can I make this casserole without fried onions?
Yes. Try panko, crushed crackers, or bacon pieces.
How do I keep the onions from burning?
Add them during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Is this dish healthy?
Green beans are packed with fiber and vitamins. Reduce calories by using low-fat soup and fewer onions.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Add extra baking time if needed.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. Use dairy-free mushroom soup and plant-based milk.
