Make the best 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.
If you’re looking for a green bean casserole recipe that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place! This dish has become a staple in our home, especially when it comes to holiday meals and special occasions. I recently made it for a Friendsgiving, and let me tell you, it was a hit! There were no leftovers to take home—always a sign of a crowd-pleaser, right?
So, what’s the secret to this casserole? It’s all about the creamy goodness and crispy topping! I use Campbell’s cream of chicken soup instead of the traditional cream of mushroom because, well, my kids are picky eaters. They’re not fans of mushrooms, and since I want everyone to enjoy their meal, I keep it simple with chicken soup. But if you’re a fan of the classic mushroom flavor, feel free to swap it out for cream of mushroom soup. It’s totally up to you and your family’s preferences!
One of the best things about green bean casserole is that crispy topping of fried onions. Use homemade or store bought French fried onions—they add the perfect crunch and extra flavor. We also add bread crumbs for an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy beans.
This casserole also reheats well, so if you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always happen), it’s still just as delicious the next day. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, you can double the recipe to make sure there’s plenty to go around.
Let us know if you try this recipe! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts—I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking! 🍽
Tip: Fresh green beans need a little pre-cooking to soften them up before baking. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve their bright green color and prevents overcooking.
What we love about 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.
Ingredient notes
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Green Beans: Opt for bright, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor. Trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch green beans briefly in boiling water for tender-crisp beans that won’t turn mushy during baking.
- Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: The rich, creamy base that ties the casserole together. If you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or make a homemade béchamel sauce.
- Bread Crumbs: Adds an extra layer of texture to the topping. Panko breadcrumbs work beautifully for a crispier finish, but regular breadcrumbs will do the trick too. I like to stir some in the green bean mixture too, but this is optional.
- French Fried Onions: Example: French’s Crispy Fried Onions. The classic crispy topping that everyone loves. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own onion strings for an extra-special touch.
- Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic): A simple but flavorful blend that enhances the green beans. Adjust to your taste, or use a premade Soul Food seasoning blend for added depth.
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.
Tools and equipment
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Large Pot or Saucepan: To blanch the green beans.
- Colander or Slotted Spoon: To drain the green beans after blanching.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the green beans, Campbell’s soup, seasoning, and any other mix-ins.
- Baking Dish (9×13-inch or Similar): A casserole dish to assemble and bake the dish.
- Spoon or Spatula: To mix the ingredients and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
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 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Step 2. Drain them and transfer immediately to an ice bath to preserve their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
Step 3. Combine the blanched green beans, cream of chicken soup, and a handful of breadcrumbs if you’d like the mixture a bit thicker. Stir until evenly coated.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5. Top with more breadcrumbs. Then place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6. 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.
Best green bean casserole tips
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide a vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Blanch them briefly in boiling water and shock in ice water to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Add Extra Flavor: Enhance canned soup by stirring in sautéed garlic, onions, or mushrooms for more depth.
- Keep Fried Onions Crispy: Add French fried onions during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Assemble Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance, but leave the topping off until baking day. This keeps it crispy and fresh.
How far in advance can you make green bean casserole?
You can make green bean casserole up to 2 days in advance.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Base: Assemble the green beans, cream of chicken soup, and any optional mix-ins in your casserole dish. Do not add the breadcrumbs or French fried onions yet, as they may become soggy.
- 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 last 2–3 minutes of baking to keep them crispy.
Serving suggestions
Here are some of our favorite holiday meals that go great with this recipe:
Main Dishes
- Traeger smoked whole turkey recipe
- Spatchcock smoked turkey recipe
- Reverse sear prime rib recipe (pellet grill)
- Double smoked ham on pellet grill
Side Dishes
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Large Pot or Saucepan
- Colander or Slotted Spoon
- Baking Dish (9×13-inch or Similar)
- Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 10.5-ounce cans Campbell’s cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plus extra if desired
- 1 6-ounce can 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 a handful of breadcrumbs if you'd like the mixture a bit thicker. Stir until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1/2 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!