Make this easy green bean casserole with fresh green beans, Campbell's cream of chicken soup, and crispy fried onions. It's a classic, flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners! Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
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If you want a green bean casserole that everyone will love, you’re in the right place! This dish is a favorite in our house, especially for holidays and special occasions. I recently made it for a church potluck Friendsgiving, and it was a huge hit—there weren’t even leftovers to bring home! That’s always a good sign, right?
So, what makes this casserole so good? It’s all about the creamy texture and crispy topping! I use Campbell’s cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom because my kids don’t like mushrooms. But if you love mushrooms, go ahead and use cream of mushroom instead—whatever works best for your family!
This casserole also reheats well, so if you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in our house!), they’ll still taste great the next day. And if you’re cooking for a big group, you can easily double the recipe to make sure there’s plenty for everyone.
The crispy fried onions on top are what make this dish extra special. You can use homemade or store-bought French fried onions for that perfect crunch.
Why we love this recipe
- It's delicious and creamy: The creamy Campbell's soup and the salty, crispy fried onions are so deliciously satisfying and a great balance with the fresh green beans.
- It's a quick and easy: This simple green bean casserole recipe is made with only a few ingredients. You can toss everything together in no time, making it ideal for the holiday rush.
Ingredients
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Green Beans: Choose bright, firm green beans for the best taste and texture. Trim the ends and cut them into small pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes so they stay tender but don’t get mushy when baked.
- Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: This makes the casserole rich and creamy. If you want a lighter or vegetarian option, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce instead.
- Bread Crumbs: Adds a crunchy texture to the topping. Panko breadcrumbs make it extra crispy, but regular ones work too.
- French Fried Onions: These crispy onions (like French’s Crispy Fried Onions) are a must-have topping! They add the perfect crunch. You can use store-bought ones or make your own fried onion strings for a homemade touch.
Variations and substitutions
- Swap the Soup: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a more traditional flavor. Alternatively, use a homemade creamy base by combining sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a roux made with butter, flour, and milk or heavy cream.
- Add Fresh Mushrooms: Enhance the casserole by folding in sliced fresh mushrooms. Sauté them in a bit of butter or olive oil before mixing them into the casserole to bring a deeper flavor.
Campbell's Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for a couple minutes, until tender-crisp.
Step 2. Drain them and transfer immediately to an ice bath. Drain again and set aside.
Step 3. Combine the blanched green beans and cream of chicken soup.
Step 4: Then, top with breadcrumbs and place the casserole in a preheated oven and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Step 5. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for a few more minutes, just until the onions are crispy and lightly browned.
Best Green Bean Casserole Tips
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans add bright color and a nice crunch. Blanch them in boiling water, then put them in ice water to keep them from getting too soft.
- Add Extra Flavor: Make canned soup taste even better by mixing in sautéed garlic, onions, or mushrooms for more flavor.
- Keep Fried Onions Crispy: Sprinkle French fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking so they stay crunchy.
- Assemble Ahead: You can make the casserole up to 2 days early, but wait to add the topping until baking day so it stays crispy.
Make Ahead Instructions
Did you know that you can make green bean casserole up to 2 days in advance?
- Prepare the Casserole Base: Assemble the green beans, cream of chicken soup, and any optional mix-ins in your casserole dish.
- Cover and Store: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- Add Toppings Before Baking: When you're ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes to take the chill off. Add the breadcrumbs, then bake as directed.
- Add Fried Onions at the End: Sprinkle the French fried onions on top during the couple of minutes of baking to keep them crispy.
How to Serve
Green bean casserole goes great with many holiday dishes. It’s the perfect side for our Traeger smoked whole turkey recipe, this double smoked ham, or our reverse sear prime rib recipe on the pellet grill. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, or collard greens with smoked ham hocks.
Commonly Asked Questions
You can use fresh or canned green beans for green bean casserole, but fresh green beans give the best texture because they stay crisp-tender.
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for green bean casserole. Just thaw and drain them first so they don’t make the casserole soggy.
📖 Recipe
Campbell's Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Equipment
- Large Pot or Saucepan
- Colander or Slotted Spoon
- Baking Dish (9x13-inch or Similar)
- Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green beans trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 10.5-ounce cans Campbell's cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon soul food seasoning
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plus extra if desired
- 6 ounces French fried onions
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain them and transfer immediately to an ice bath to preserve their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
- Combine the blanched green beans, cream of chicken soup, and soul food seasoning. Stir until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle ½ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the onions are crispy and lightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
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