Ingredients
1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 3 cans drained)
1 tbsp salt (for blanching water)
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella for richer flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade sauce — see below)
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese (optional but amazing)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1½ cups crispy French fried onions, divided
½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
Instructions
1. Blanch the green beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
2. Sauté the mushrooms:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, pepper, sugar (if using), and half the cheese.
Mix until smooth and heated through.
4. Combine:
Add the green beans and ½ cup of the fried onions to the sauce mixture.
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake:
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese and fried onions.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Serve hot — it’s creamy, savory, and has that perfect crunch on top.
Health Benefits
Green bean casserole can be a nutritious and satisfying dish when made with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. Green beans are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants that support healthy digestion, immune function, and heart health. Mushrooms provide B vitamins and minerals like selenium, which help boost energy and protect cells from damage. Using low-fat milk or homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup can reduce sodium and saturated fat, making the dish lighter while still creamy. The small amount of cheese adds calcium and protein, while the crispy onions provide texture and flavor, making this comfort food both wholesome and enjoyable in moderation.
History
Green bean casserole has an all-American origin that dates back to the 1950s. It was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working at the Campbell Soup Company’s test kitchen in Camden, New Jersey. Her goal was to design a quick, affordable, and convenient side dish using common pantry staples that most American households already had—specifically Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and canned green beans. The recipe was initially called “Green Bean Bake” and was featured on the back of soup cans, becoming an instant hit, especially around Thanksgiving. Over time, it became a beloved holiday classic, symbolizing mid-century American cooking and the rise of convenience foods. Today, while many people still make the traditional version, countless variations use fresh green beans, homemade sauces, and gourmet touches—but the spirit of Dorcas Reilly’s simple, comforting creation lives on every holiday season.
Green Bean Casserole Quiz
1. Who is credited with creating the original Green Bean Casserole recipe?
A. Julia Child
B. Dorcas Reilly
C. Martha Stewart
D. Betty Crocker
2. In what year was the Green Bean Casserole first made?
A. 1945
B. 1950
C. 1955
D. 1962
3. Which company’s test kitchen was the birthplace of the dish?
A. General Mills
B. Campbell Soup Company
C. Kraft Foods
D. Nestlé
4. What type of soup is traditionally used in the classic recipe?
A. Tomato soup
B. Cream of mushroom soup
C. Chicken noodle soup
D. Cream of celery soup
5. What ingredient gives the casserole its crunchy topping?
A. Bread crumbs
B. Potato chips
C. Crispy fried onions
D. Cornflakes
6. What holiday is most associated with serving green bean casserole?
A. Christmas
B. Thanksgiving
C. Easter
D. Independence Day
7. What is one health benefit of eating green beans?
A. They’re high in vitamin C and fiber
B. They’re high in sugar
C. They contain no nutrients
D. They’re high in saturated fat
8. What was the original name of Green Bean Casserole?
A. Green Bean Bake
B. Creamy Bean Delight
C. Thanksgiving Beans
D. Campbell’s Crunch
Answers
1. B — Dorcas Reilly
2. C — 1955
3. B — Campbell Soup Company
4. B — Cream of mushroom soup
5. C — Crispy fried onions
6. B — Thanksgiving
7. A — They’re high in vitamin C and fiber
8. A — Green Bean Bake
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