Original Durkee Green Bean Casserole

Who invented green bean casserole?

A woman named Dorcas Reilly, who worked in the test kitchen of the Campbell Soup Company in 1955, created the original recipe.

The dish was initially called "Green Bean Bake" and was designed to be a simple and easy-to-make side dish that utilized common ingredients found in most kitchens.

The dish consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, which were later branded as Durkee onions.

Where did green bean casserole originate?

The history of the Durkee Green bean casserole can be traced back to 1955 in the test kitchen of the Campbell Soup Company.

The recipe quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American households, particularly during holiday meals such as Thanksgiving.

Over the years, the popularity of the green bean casserole grew, and it became an iconic dish in American cuisine. In 2002, the original recipe was inducted by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and in 2013, the original recipe card was donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum.

Can you make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can indeed prepare green bean casserole ahead of time. In fact, preparing the casserole in advance can be a great way to save time and reduce stress when preparing for a holiday meal or any special occasion. By prepping the casserole ahead of time, you can place it in the oven when you're ready to enjoy it.

To make the dish ahead of time, make the recipe, stopping short of baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and then bake according to the recipe's instructions.

Can green bean casserole be frozen?

If you want to make the casserole even further in advance, you can freeze it. Prepare the casserole as directed, but instead of refrigerating it, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to serve the casserole, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it according to the recipe's instructions.

You may also prepare the casserole and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish with a layer of plastic wrap followed with a layer of aluminum foil which will help prevent freezer burn; freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once the casserole has thawed, reheat in the oven until it is heated through.

Is green bean casserole healthy?

Green bean casserole can be a healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and how it is prepared. The main ingredient, green beans, are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, traditional recipes often include high-calorie ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, which can make the dish less healthy.

To make a healthier version of green bean casserole, consider using fresh green beans, low-fat milk, and whole wheat flour for thickening. You can also swap out the fried onions for a healthier alternative, like roasted onions or crispy baked onions. By making these easy changes, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy green bean casserole that is lower in calories and fat.