Not Mushroom, Chicken, Or Celery: Green Bean Casserole Is 10x More Flavorful When You Use This Creamy Soup

Though green bean casserole is a relatively new addition to dinner tables, it is an American classic nonetheless. However, along with this classic status comes some amount of, well ... predictability. When you think of green bean casserole, your mind probably conjures two things: French's Crispy Fried Onions and cream of mushroom soup. We've already covered the benefits of using alternative toppings, such as cornflakes, so now we must address the matter of that cream of mushroom soup. Of course there is nothing wrong with using that (often canned) classic ingredient. But sometimes a dish just needs a refresh, and this is where cream of onion soup comes into play.

Cream of onion offers a more aromatic and surprisingly complex taste than cream of mushroom, particularly if you're using Campbell's brand. Yes, this soup brings both savory umami flavor and a bit of sweetness that can help breathe life into this well-trodden casserole. Plus, cream of onion will pair perfectly with that crispy onion topping, doubling down on the allium-rich flavor profile. 

The best part of this swap? You can simply replace your usual cans of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom with the same amount of Cream of Onion. Or, if you're cautious about such a big recipe change, you can use one can of onion, and one of mushroom. Wanting even more flavor enhancement? Fear not, we've got a few more ideas if you're feeling creative.

If this swap sounds good, but you simply don't care to use canned goods in your casserole, you could go a bit more homemade and make your own cream of onion soup. It's easy enough. Saute onions in butter, then make a roux with this. Add cream, broth, and seasonings to make the soup. This from-scratch take on the canned classic will give your casserole a more homemade taste. It will also allow for more control over the saltiness and full flavor profile of what is the heart of any good green bean casserole recipe.

Regardless of whether or not you want to DIY your cream of onion, this ingredient switch will give you an opportunity to change up this classic dish. One way to do so is by simply incorporating more onions in your recipe, or by playing with specific onion varieties. For example, you might make a cream of Vidalia onion soup for a sweeter touch to the usual soup mix. You can supplement this by adding sauteed Vidalia onions to your green bean base. Shallots would also work well, especially if you prefer a more mild flavor. To further bolster the allium-focus of this hack, you can make your own crispy fried onions. Or, you can take it a step further by giving your green bean casserole a French onion flair with Gruyère bechamel and caramelized onions instead of a soup. Any one of these adjustments just might make the green bean casserole the star of your next family dinner, at least for the onion lovers in your life.