French’s Green Bean Casserole

When the holiday season arrives, there are a few dishes that feel absolutely essential. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing—and without question—French’s green bean casserole. Creamy, crunchy, and comforting, this dish has been showing up on American holiday tables for nearly 70 years. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a symbol of festive gatherings.

You probably grew up eating this casserole at Thanksgiving or Christmas, or maybe you’ve been assigned to bring it to a potluck. Either way, the beauty of this dish is that it never fails. Even if you’ve never cooked a day in your life, you can pull this one off—and people will ask for seconds.

The Origin of French’s Green Bean Casserole

Back in 1955, Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working at the Campbell’s Soup Company test kitchen in New Jersey, set out to create a recipe that would encourage sales of canned soup. Using just six ingredients—Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and French’s crispy fried onions—she developed the dish that would eventually become one of America’s favorite holiday sides.

What was originally marketed as an easy “from the pantry” recipe has turned into a holiday icon. According to Campbell’s, about 20 million households serve green bean casserole at Thanksgiving each year. That means this humble dish has practically the same star power as turkey and pumpkin pie.

Why Families Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

The success of French’s green bean casserole lies in its balance of texture and flavor. The creamy mushroom soup creates a velvety base, the green beans add freshness and structure, and the fried onions on top give that irresistible crunch.

It’s a recipe that manages to be indulgent without being overwhelming. You get a comforting bite of creaminess but also a pop of vegetables. And because it uses inexpensive ingredients, it’s accessible to every cook.

Ingredients for Holiday Green Bean Casserole

The traditional version is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s what you need:

• 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked green beans (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• 1 ⅓ cups French’s crispy fried onions

That’s it—just six ingredients that combine into one of the most beloved casseroles in America.

Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans

Traditionally, the recipe used canned beans because they were inexpensive and convenient. But today, many cooks prefer frozen or fresh beans for a firmer texture. If you use fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then shock them in ice water before adding them to the casserole. Frozen beans can go straight in after thawing.

Canned beans still work, especially if you’re after that retro flavor, but they tend to be softer and less vibrant.

How to Make French’s Green Bean Casserole

Here’s the step-by-step guide to making this holiday classic:

Mix the base

In a large bowl, combine the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Add the vegetables

Stir in the green beans and half of the fried onions. This gives you crunch throughout the casserole, not just on top.

Bake

Transfer to a casserole dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling.

Finish with onions

Sprinkle the remaining onions over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

Serve it hot right out of the oven.

Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

• Don’t cover it while baking – you want the onions crisp, not soggy.
• Upgrade the beans – fresh or frozen give better bite than canned.
• Cheese lovers unite – stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for added richness.
• Go gourmet – sauté fresh mushrooms and garlic in butter, then stir them into the soup mixture for deeper flavor.
• Double the batch – for big gatherings, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.

Fun Variations of Green Bean Casserole

Part of what makes this dish so timeless is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas if you want to shake up tradition:

• Cheesy Casserole: Stir in shredded cheddar before baking and sprinkle extra on top.
• Bacon Lovers’ Version: Add crumbled cooked bacon for smokiness.
• Garlic & Herb Twist: Add minced garlic, thyme, or rosemary to the soup mixture.
• French Country Style: Swap soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce and use gruyère cheese.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based mushroom soup, almond milk, and crispy fried shallots instead of French’s onions.

Each variation keeps the comfort-food soul of the recipe but lets you customize for your table.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be prepped in advance:

• Assemble everything in the baking dish (without the final onion topping), cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• When ready to serve, bake as directed, then add onions in the last few minutes.
• For longer storage, you can even freeze it unbaked for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover casserole is just as good the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps the onion topping stay crisp. Avoid microwaving, which makes the onions soggy.

What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole

This dish is a natural partner to other holiday favorites. Pair it with turkey and mashed potatoes, or serve it alongside other comforting sides. Here are a few great matches:

• Pumpkin Bread – sweet, spiced, and perfect with savory casseroles.
• Pumpkin Crisp – a warm, cozy dessert that balances the richness of the casserole.

Together, these recipes create the kind of spread people talk about for years.

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French’s Green Bean Casserole

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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French’s green bean casserole is the timeless holiday side dish that combines creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions. A comforting classic that never fails to impress at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 1/3 cups French’s crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
3. Stir in the green beans and half of the French’s fried onions.
4. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with the remaining onions and bake for 5 more minutes until golden and crispy.

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Notes

For extra flavor, try adding shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed garlic, or fresh mushrooms. Use fresh or frozen beans for better texture and always bake uncovered to keep the topping crispy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Final thoughts

When you think of Thanksgiving or Christmas, you probably think of family, warmth, and food that feels like home. French’s green bean casserole checks all those boxes. It’s quick to prepare, affordable, and universally loved.

Every bite delivers creamy comfort, savory flavor, and a crispy finish. It’s the dish that makes kids actually eat vegetables and adults go back for seconds. Whether you stick with the retro original or add your own twist, this casserole deserves a place at your holiday table.

So this year, when you’re planning your menu, don’t overlook the dish that’s been bringing families together since the 1950s. It’s more than just green beans—it’s tradition served warm in a casserole dish.

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