The 8 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes Article

I'mabakernotacook

Nov. 10, 2012 7:50 am

I don't know why green bean casserole is thought of as such a holiday meal "classic." We never had it at my holiday meals when I was growing up. Neither my mother or grandmother ever made it. As a matter of fact, I never even HEARD of green bean casserole until I started seeing it advertised on TV!

brettsaylor87

Nov. 10, 2012 10:43 am

My family makes greenbean casserole for the holidays. I can't think when it has not been made for any special occasion .

CantHelpMyself

Nov. 10, 2012 1:16 pm

haha brettsaylor :) I'm a northerner and have made it, seen it around since I was a kid and still - won't eat it! Even trying to make it less disgusting using fresh green beans and homemade crm of mushrooms soup, etc. I still don't care for it. But yer post got me giggling! Happy Holidays

NANNIEBUG

Nov. 10, 2012 7:14 pm

I could go for all eight dishes right now! Made me very hungry. I can also just feel that stuffed full feeling after eating it. I always have to unbutton my skirt. Happy Thanksgiving

beaches

Nov. 11, 2012 4:46 am

I as a child in the 50s never had green bean casserole either!Never even heard of it as a casserole until TV advertised it with the famous Durkee French Fried Onions and after I tried it my children insisted it become a part of "holiday meals"and of course I obliged and we all love it to this day!!Whoever invented this dish,many THANKS!!!

Jen

Nov. 11, 2012 6:09 am

Green bean casserole is synonymous with Thanksgiving! It would be the equivalent of forgetting the turkey, stuffing or cranberry sauce! My Nana made it and every girl since.......

WrenskiBaby

Nov. 11, 2012 6:55 am

Green bean casserole could be regional, just like corn bread stuffing and oyster stuffing. Eh, it's all good, we're all Americans celebrating the holiday together!

joan Gonzales

Nov. 11, 2012 8:00 am

I believe the soup Company decided string bean casserole . I hate it but do love fresh vegies so if the string beans look good at my produce Market , I'll steam some and carrots !

vmonterrey

Nov. 12, 2012 7:10 am

Yes maybe its reginal I'm from out west and I never heard of it for thanksgiving. I saw it once in a while for pot luck at church. Never at thanksgiving till we moves out west.

elderdice

Nov. 12, 2012 9:49 am

Baltimore (where I'm from)had a very large German influence due to immigration. As a result, many people in the Baltimore Area still serve sauerkraut for Thanksgiving.

drichards

Nov. 12, 2012 12:28 pm

I grew up during the '50s and '60s and green bean casserole never graced our Thanksgiving table. It's an okay dish but I kinda like my green beans NOT lathered with cream of mushroom soup and fake onions.

greatbaker12

Nov. 13, 2012 7:07 am

Well, I live in Florida... You see it every once in a while. I think I made it for Christmas last year on request from my dad. I've had it once at thanksgiving, maybe twice. In Louisiana, which is where we usually go for thanksgiving, they make cornbread stuffing and LOTS of pecan pie, devilled eggs, etc. I think part of it is regional, part of it is just personal preference. I personally thought it's ok, but I don't like it that much. I just make it for my family, my little brother loves it, and so does my dad :) when i make it, i add some minced onions and lots of black pepper. It makes it taste less, well, like it came from a can. Lol :D all i know is that this year im gonna be baking up a storm for the holidays!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

annette

Nov. 13, 2012 7:40 am

I must agree, we never had green bean casserole. My mom did and so do I cook Rutabaga it's a MUST for Thanksgiving.

BevFrankenberg

Nov. 13, 2012 8:57 am

In Minnesota, I have had it as long as I can remember. It's even in all the church cookbooks.

Alan W

Nov. 13, 2012 9:08 am

Whenever we have it the kids think it is a treat. I'm not a fan of mushroom soup so we use cream of Chicken, less milk, more sour cream, and extra cheese. (making me hungry)

Soushi

Nov. 13, 2012 9:09 am

I hate green bean casserole. The soupy green beans floating in sauce topped with those onion things. Ugh. Not going to be on my table, ever! I did make a from scratch recipe with a white sauce, fresh green beans that wasn't bad. Not great.

Al7446

Nov. 13, 2012 9:44 am

Green Bean Casserole is one of those recipes Campbell's Soup put out there to sell more soup! It's neither regional nor for everybody. Like it or not. It's kind of like cranberries with turkey - jellied or whole berries, fresh or frozen...it's all great food!

sevenmonkeys

Nov. 13, 2012 10:33 am

something I noticed living in the south for awhile before moving north....stuffing is called dressing and usually cornbread. Pop is soda and is usually called coke even if its not actually coke. Pecan pie is huge as well as sweet potato casserole. Cornbread recipes vary in the south just like styles/tastes of bbq sauce! Sweet tea is a must but generally not served in the north...

Spice of Life

Nov. 13, 2012 10:42 am

Haha, love these comments! I thought I was the only one that hated Green Bean Casserole! Does anyone like it?! LOL It's about as bad as the Christmas fruitcakes that come in a tin. I grew up in Louisiana, and have never seen it on any table there. I read somewhere it was a Southern holiday standard, so I gave it a try...and now I can say from experience, it's so bland I see why I've never seen it on anyone's table, especially not in Louisiana. Ick!

Beckyshobby

Nov. 13, 2012 10:56 am

Green bean casserole was "invented" by the folks who make those unhealthy canned "onion rings"; it's quick and easy and there are lots of fans. The American public is very easy to sway and this one swayed millions : )

Lucinda

Nov. 13, 2012 11:08 am

I am charged with making the green bean casserole for all holidays. Can't imagine a holiday meal without it and everyone LOVES it! Don't remember having it growing up, but started making it years ago and love it!!

coasterfvr

Nov. 13, 2012 11:11 am

We never had green bean casserole either, and I doubt if we had that many of my family would eat it.

LOVESTHESNOW

Nov. 13, 2012 11:19 am

If you don't like the green bean casserole, try Broccoli or Asparagus fixed the same way with extra cheese. My fav. is the Asparagus. YUMMY!!!!

PammieG

Nov. 13, 2012 11:54 am

Just a hint that has worked for our family for many years-a brown n' bag! Makes the juiciest turkey ever in half the time with no mess! All the drippings are in the bag and can be poured out in a pot to make the gravy. Try it once and you will never go back!

DAELITH

Nov. 13, 2012 12:00 pm

I don't ever remember having green bean casserole until the 80's. I can eat it but don't really like it. My husband refuses to even try it. He says it looks like something the dog...well never mind. You get the idea. We will stick to plain old green beans without the soup and fried onions on top.

Becky1234

Nov. 13, 2012 12:28 pm

I may try the brown n' bag this year, I recall my Mom roasting the turkey that way many years ago and it came out great! I might miss the customary basting ritual, but I think I can live without it!

capt bill

Nov. 13, 2012 12:31 pm

well maybe you should try to make it because it really is very good,you just might like it

TanteLiz

Nov. 13, 2012 12:41 pm

Had it now and then at a friend's house, growing up in St. Louis in the 60s and 70s, but never at home and not as a holiday dish. However, my Iowa farm-bred husband can't live without it. Yuck!

Attagirl

Nov. 13, 2012 12:43 pm

I love the commentary. Seven monkeys is correct stuffing is called dressing in the south and we never cook it inside of the turkey. Maybe that's why it isn't "stuffing". It is always made with cornbread and we take our cornbread very seriously. It's a staple at our dinner (supper) table. All cola is called Coke. We are loyal to our home town hit Coca-Cola. If someone from the south offers you a coke they will then ask what kind of coke would you like. Never for dinner (supper) that's always iced tea. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

elh12601

Nov. 13, 2012 1:02 pm

Thanksgiving w/o Green Bean Casserole? Perish the thought! I have been eating this for the past 45 or so years and my family would be so disappointed if I didn't make it. We also love Sweet Potato Casserole - and I don't like sweet potatoes!!

AK Apple Lady

Nov. 13, 2012 1:21 pm

I have made the mushroom soup version at least once, a long long time ago; why mess up good green beans with all of the gunk? What I found and fix for the holidays is the Pennsylvania Dutch green beans. Now that is yummy!

bettyws

Nov. 13, 2012 2:06 pm

wow--enough with the beans! they are the least of the meal.... Does everyone do turkey? or are there some hams being served?

honey

Nov. 13, 2012 2:07 pm

what is Pennsylvania Dutch green beans? sounds good

Dianne

Nov. 13, 2012 2:48 pm

My family has always had green bean casserole at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We would have turkey for Thanksgiving, and turkey and ham for Christmas. I'll bet there's not many out there that's heard of Scrapple. We grew up having that for breakfast like we would bacon or sausage. It is, however, an aquired taste. I would also like to know what Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans are.

cincyhelen

Nov. 13, 2012 3:18 pm

we never had a green bean casserole growing up either! just fresh green beans. it was what "other people" would eat. i would sometimes see it at a pot luck dinner.

Laurie

Nov. 13, 2012 3:22 pm

Not traditional for my family either. I grew up in New England in the 50's and have NEVER eaten it. It doesn't even look appealing to me. Sorry casserole lovers.

Mimi

Nov. 13, 2012 4:39 pm

I had never even heard of green bean casserole until the first year I hosted Thanksgiving after my husband and I got married(early 90's) and I added it to our traditional family meal. I think we were all divided on whether we liked it or not. I love reading all of the comments from different regions. I love how we are all the same with our love of tradition. I need to visit the south some day!!

kathy

Nov. 13, 2012 5:59 pm

I'm from NYC and I never heard of green bean casserole. I first heard of it when I moved to N. Carolina and I tried it and it is gross. I can't understand why so many people like it....

marjek

Nov. 13, 2012 6:19 pm

Imake the casserole for others, but never acquired a taste for it. BUT when you want to talk scrapple, I'm right there with you !! YUM

NitaKaye

Nov. 13, 2012 6:28 pm

The Campbell Soup Company first introduced this recipe in 1955! We have it every year. It is a staple at our Thanksgiving get together. We love it!

lindarberry@gmail.com

Nov. 13, 2012 7:50 pm

The green been casserole has been around for more than 50 years. I remember my aunt bringing it when it for Thanksgiving the very first year it came out.

heartfire9

Nov. 13, 2012 9:55 pm

I am from CA and we always had the green bean casserole. I prefer the durkee onions right out of the can. If you don't like the casserole, then you can try the almond beans. They are in the freezer section. Lightly seasoned and don't ruin good green beans.

Iwilltryitonce

Nov. 13, 2012 10:21 pm

Forget the green beans I like 'em but never had them for Thanksgiving( I eat anything..LOL)...I remember creamed onions. (I'm 61)I prefer green beans with almonds...on to turkeys..I start with oven @ 450. Put stuffed turkey in breast up. Cook for 10 min. turn down to 350. Seals in the juices..works on meat roasts too.After 1/2 hr( from start time)...I turn the turkey over( using heavy duty rubber gloves) Breast down so all the juices run down.Joy of cooking says 20 min per pound..I find 15 min per pound ample..maybe even less for free range turkeys. If getting too crisp I sometimes baste with 1/2 & 1/2 Olive oil and sweet vermouth..yummy. Makes good gravy And great skin too. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL

merrimac

Nov. 13, 2012 10:23 pm

I grew up in New England, no green beens of any kind on our Thanksgiving table. What I miss the most now that I live in Indiana is butternut squash. I have supplied the squash, but I seem to be the only one who eats it, okay with me, I get that much more. I had to request the Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

Wanda

Nov. 13, 2012 10:28 pm

My new daughter in law made them for our first Christmas dinner together.We tried to like it for her sake but it was GROSS! After making it the folling year, and having soooo much left over, that was the end of green bean casserole for our family.

patbaker1949

Nov. 14, 2012 3:09 am

just would not be Thanksgiving without sauerkraut!

faithful10

Nov. 14, 2012 3:14 am

I grew up in S.C. and then lived in Atlanta for 20 years. Green bean casserole was never on our table, although I do like it now. For the record, I have never heard anyone use "Coke" as a generic term when referring to a soft drink.

rely23

Nov. 14, 2012 4:21 am

I am not much of a "casserole fan" to begin with, but we always had to try and choke the green bean casserole down at our family holiday meals in the '70s. Once I had to do my own cooking, I switched to cream of cheddar soup (not much of a cream soup fan either, nor mushrooms, go figure) and sometimes will use the cheddar fried onions too (though the regular ones are great, too!) I NEVER thought i would LIKE green bean casserole, but with the soup change, now I do. Oh yeah... and don't ever use the regular, non-french-cut green beans... automatic YUK, right there! :P

dogsnfood

Nov. 14, 2012 4:39 am

Great reading on the green bean casserole; I'm trying (without having made it before; I know, a no-no), the 'ultimate green bean casserole' that is in my latest William Sonoma catalogue. It's gotta be good with fresh steamed beans, heavy cream, fresh fried shallots, and fresh sauted mushrooms. Since you get to control the quality of the ingredients, how can you go wrong. More to follow on November 23!.

Pengilly

Nov. 14, 2012 5:58 am

Enough on the green beans - if it's not for you, oh well - move on. Great info Iwilltryitonce on the flipping of the turkey! What about creamed corn? My grandmother used to make this for the holidays

Chrcsmrtnsn@aol.com

Nov. 14, 2012 6:23 am

At our family dinners we would have never had Green Bean casserole. To think of making something out of a can, can beans, can cream of mushroom soup, not. Always fresh green beans snapped by my brother or I with a slice of ham or fat back. Yum love those southern dishes.

pcorry

Nov. 14, 2012 7:00 am

RE: GBean Casserole:what a disgusting thing to do to a perfectly healthy vegetable!It becomes unrecognizable amidst all the processed products.Classic example of why obesity is is so prevalent in our society.

desuhu

Nov. 14, 2012 7:32 am

I feel the same way about green bean casserole. We never had it and in fact, I don't even like it. I think the onion ring people are the ones who have promoted it!

Sharon

Nov. 14, 2012 7:34 am

my husband will not eat green bean casserole, although i know others that love it! moved south years ago from the midwest..found out that coke does indeed include all types of soda. when i first moved here, i went into a store and asked where was the "pop", a term from IN. i was told that the mans father was not there and what else could he do for me!!! learned quickly!!!! who cares what anybody has for thanksgiving as long as they like it? this year, we should all be glad that we even get to celebrate with the economy as it is!!!

macninni

Nov. 14, 2012 7:48 am

Growing up in Massachusetts in the '50s, I remember when there was a "buzz" about this green bean casserole dish for Thanksgiving. If I remember correctly, Campbell Soup and French's fried onion rings companies came up with this recipe, with which they were successfully able to influence millions. I have tasted it, at a '50s friend's home, but my mother (who was a gourmet cook) viewed it with disdain, and never made it. I have to say, I did not like it when I tried it all those years ago. Therefore, I have never made it for my children, who are now all grown and do not make it for their kids and grandkids. As far as being regional, I think it has enjoyed varying degrees of success in most areas of the country. Probably, in homes where less and less home-cooking is done, due to work schedules, etc. Anyway, it is interesting to read what appears to be popular in different areas of the country, and what different items are called. For instance, soda, when I was a girl, was called tonic wh

Hollister

Nov. 14, 2012 7:49 am

My youngest son would never forgive me if I did not make green bean casserole and since we celebrate his birthday on TG I make it for him. My other children will not touch it with a ten foot pole. I like it but the husband will not eat it either...just leaves more for me and the son. heh

dogsnfood

Nov. 14, 2012 8:01 am

Someone asked about corn; around here (southcentral PA) there is a company that has for years made dried corn (Copes). It is an absolute must at our holiday meals; I don't follow the package directions, instead soak about 3 packages in lots of hot water with sugar and salt to taste. After cooling off and checking the water level as it really does soak it up, it goes into the fridge for about 3-4 days until T-day, then cook it with lots of butter. As kids we mixed it into our mashed potatoe filling; either plain or mixed, it is just wonderful.

Reddmary

Nov. 14, 2012 8:05 am

I think things get added to or subtracted from Thanksgiving and Christmas meals as we expand our tastes. I grew up with southern meal of turkey, ham, duck, mashed potatoes, greens of every kind, green beans, yams, sweet potato casserole, pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie and ice cream. Later, we added green bean casserole and sauerkraut. We subtracted the duck and sometimes the ham. Golly, I feel so full I might explode.

Dana

Nov. 14, 2012 9:38 am

I grew up in Louisiana, and we've always had green bean casserole - and not just for Thanksgiving. It's just a family preference....doesn't have to be regional, or universally liked. Everyone can have whatever their family likes....what's the big deal?? It's your very own holiday...enjoy it!

bob

Nov. 14, 2012 9:47 am

Green bean casserole is not one of my favorites, though it is for my kids and grandkids. I personally like a different green bean dish that I found on this site and sorta changed: crisp two strips of bourbon bacon, cut into small pieces, in a heavy sauce pan, making crackling. cut a quarter lb of smoked ham into small pieces, with fresh vidalia onions for flavoring. when the bacon and ham are browned, pour in a half cup of chicken stock, put two lbs of fresh green beans on top and steam for about 15mins, or tender. Yummy, and two lbs will go much faster than you would believe.

tanya0

Nov. 14, 2012 9:53 am

My daughter was born on Thanksgiving Day- 7 years ago (but ths year her bday is a Saturday)- She is overly excited about Thanksgiving since it is "her day"- she is helping me decide what recipes are for the dinner table. Traditions are always changing; we always had meatloaf on the table growing up because my gpa hated turkey- no more meatloaf. My thoughts are if our visitors/ family don't like it; go home and eat! My tradition is my children and I decorate and bake, I want them to remember time we spent together instead of what was served.

tanya0

Nov. 14, 2012 10:07 am

But gpa will not be missed- he had a "corn" black iron thingy that we are making corn bread with. that will go with the handmade turkey breadbowl (saw the directions in a magazine) with zuc bread, pumpkin muffins, and buscuits. If anyone has any ideas for a soup- I am up for suggestions.

Sher

Nov. 14, 2012 10:21 am

Green Bean Casserole was created by Campbell soups in 1955. A big hit in the mid west. Make it so much more then just Thanksgiving.. add mushrooms,crumbled crisp bacon and a dash of worchestershire...yum

Luckylinda

Nov. 14, 2012 10:42 am

Well, it is a fairly new dish. My mom or grandmother never made it, but now our holiday meal wouldn't be complete without it, and my broccoli/rice casserole!!

Toni6921

Nov. 14, 2012 11:15 am

I'm from Western Pennsylvania, and parents migrated from South Carolina. We never had Green Bean Casserole, although I did hear of it. We always had fresh greens and green beans, and we still continue this tradition. I've eaten it at potlucks, but never cared for it. Too many processed foods in the versions I tasted. Wouldn't mind fresh mushrooms sauteed with fresh green beans, but I'm not enthralled with the casserole version.

Toni6921

Nov. 14, 2012 11:21 am

I never heard of sauerkraut for Thanksgiving until I met a co-worker from Baltimore. Seems it is indeed a tradition no matter what your ethnicity. He's African-American, and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving for his family without sauerkraut. Another friend and co-worker from Southern Maryland has "fresh stuffed ham", which is a fresh ham stuffed with greens and is boiled and baked. Never heard of it until I met her, but it is truly delicious. It takes a lot of time to prepare, thus, there's no way I would ever make it.

Toni6921

Nov. 14, 2012 11:31 am

I like sweet potatoes with apples, which is a departure from my Mother's traditional Candied Sweet Potatoes..Never cared for them..too sweet for my tastebuds. But, I do like my change by adding apples and cutting down on the sugar. My kids and grandkids love them this way, so this has become our family trradition.

VickiLan

Nov. 14, 2012 12:46 pm

Hahaha..you think green bean casserole is bad? Try mashed turnips...My dad is from New England and every Thanksgiving he insisted on it. He was the only one who liked them. Yuck!

storlie2000

Nov. 14, 2012 12:47 pm

Oh Toni6921. That sounds delish! the apples w/ the Sweet potatoes.. I will be giving that a try for sure! are You using Granny Smith Apples.. to Me that would really be yummy! Happy Thanksgiving, and TY for the tip!

carol

Nov. 14, 2012 3:03 pm

I am from new enland i am in my sixty never never heard of it. it does sound good. But i like my new england thanksgiving dinner.

redd-9577

Nov. 14, 2012 3:26 pm

As a kid growing up ( In Las Vegas) my family always had Green bean casserole and I Hated it! I tried variations over the years and never liked them. when I got married my husband wanted GB casserole so I merged two different recipes and my family LOVES The resulting holiday casserole. It looks nothing like the traditional one as it contains no mushroom soup. The fried onions are there with bacon, swiss cheese and other awesome ingredients. Finally a green bean casserole I Love!

Deb

Nov. 14, 2012 6:02 pm

Dianne & Marjek...love scrapple, I live in Houston,TX so I only get scrapple when I go to the NE to visit my sisters!!! Love it!!

Trish

Nov. 14, 2012 10:01 pm

I've been making green bean casserole for years, but instead of using Campbell's cream of mushroom, I use their cheddar cheese soup. Just what comes out of the can, no milk added, some seasoning and, yeah, the Durkee's onion rings. Much better in my opinion.

AdeB

Nov. 15, 2012 8:27 am

I grew up in the 50s and 60s in the Midwest and DO remember having green bean casserole for every Thanksgiving since it was "invented." I think Mom made it on request, since we all HATED her creamed baby onions (she's the only one who liked them). This was a great substitute. When I moved to the Caribbean, for awhile I couldn't get the French's onions and had to try different potato chips. By the way, most of my Caribbean friends think this casserole is disgustingly soggy and bland. I still like it.

Kellygirl

Nov. 15, 2012 10:33 am

Loved all the casserole comments. I'm from NE, never liked it, never will. Fresh green beans only for me no matter what the recipe and we never had traditional thanksgiving without them. I grew up in the 50's and tried to get my mother to make it, no luck.

Jeanne

Nov. 15, 2012 12:24 pm

I grew up in New England also and we never had green bean casserole. I moved to WA state and it became part of Thanksgiving because it was a tradition for my sons and daughter in law. Personally I can do without it. What is really necessary is Turnips (love them smashed and buttered). Here in the west they are what we call rutabagas back home. Also it was always stuffing for us but here it is dressing.

ella

Nov. 15, 2012 1:43 pm

We had green bean casserole every holiday. We still do. It is a favorite with all my children and relatives.

BODIODI1

Nov. 15, 2012 1:44 pm

you must not live in the Midwest then

Becky1234

Nov. 15, 2012 2:39 pm

Its funny how everyone has a strong opinion on Green Bean Casserole! It is a tradition on my Thanksgiving table and we LOVE it! But Once a year only.

Arlene

Nov. 15, 2012 8:32 pm

About turkey, I never EVER roast a turkey without brining it. What a wonderful technique that makes the bird so juicy! Make my cornbread dressing in a casserole dish and NEVER stuff the bird. (By the time the dressing is sufficiently done inside the bird, the breast meat is too dry.) Use Alton Brown's (Food Network online) method for brining as well as baking: roast at 450 degrees for 30 minutes, turn down to 325 and bake until done (depends on the size of the turkey)...I always use a meat thermometer...roast until internal temperature is 165. I discovered brining about 8 years ago and always always brine my birds...even chickens. P.S. I don't make green bean casserole...don't like it.

Janet

Nov. 15, 2012 10:40 pm

I really enjoyed reading everyone comments about traditions and family on thanksgiving.I have had green bean casserole in which I prepared myself for my kids and I. It's good the first day. But, of course with everything else on the plate at that time you get to taste a lot of different foods. And it's all good! And yes, we call stuffing dressing and it is prepared in a separate dish and my turkey I season with a mixed herbs,salt&pepper.After I rub it with olive oil and stuff it with an onion,head of garlic, couple of bay leaves,Thyme,celery and seasoning.And I go underneath the skin on each side and add a mix of my compound butter with herbs and just add a bay leaf or celery leaf on top of the butter to show through the skin after the roasted results.I use a brown paper bag that i get from the grocery store and put my turkey inside the bag folding up the end tightly and roast as the info says. It turns out juicy and brown every time!And so good! It sounds a little crazy I know but, I

Jayno

Nov. 16, 2012 5:45 am

Green bean casserole not my fav. I asked each of my kids they would like for Thanksgiving. Green bean casserole was a request. sigh....

Diane E.

Nov. 16, 2012 6:37 am

Green bean casserole is a regular dish throughout the year in many midwest homes. They even used to serve it in school lunches. I have become bored with it and have tried lots of variations. One uses drained canned whole green beans (or fresh already steamed), refrigerated alfredo sauce, sliced water chestnuts, roasted red pepper strips, bacon bits (optional)and the FF onions (mixed in, not on top). Easy to increase and has a different taste than the mushroom soup type. It can be made & kept warm in a crockpot or even the microwave as all you are doing is heating it up.

jimcritt

Nov. 16, 2012 8:58 am

Just an FYI regarding all the talk of Green Bean Casserole; as per wikipedia... The green bean casserole was first created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company. Dorcas Reilly led the team that created the recipe while working as a staff member in the home economics department.[1] The inspiration for the dish was "to create a quick and easy recipe around two things most Americans always had on hand in the 1950s: green beans and Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup." We've always made it in our house for the holidays but never with canned beans...always frozen or fresh if still available.

Ed & Barbara Means

Nov. 16, 2012 12:55 pm

I am 78 years old and made GB cassserole for the first and last time last Christmas. It was so gross looking it was hard to eat. There is nothing like fresh green beans!

aunt tilly

Nov. 16, 2012 2:08 pm

There's a great article on this site about brining your turkey before roasting it. It insures a moist turkey every time. No guessing game on if it's going to be dry or not! Lots of good advice on that article too! Take a look for it. As I said, it's an article, not a video or recipe. Green bean casserole is my daughter's favorite item for the holidays.....she loves it. I like it but I have a firm rule that everyone at my table gets their 'favorite' holiday dish made with lots of love no matter what it is.

Tyland04

Nov. 16, 2012 8:43 pm

I can't believe that green bean casserole made the essential 8 but where is the baked macaroni and cheese???? Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without macaroni And cheese fresh outta the oven !

Dinner Date

Nov. 16, 2012 9:07 pm

Does anyone beside me make candied sweet potatoes? Not the kind with marshmallows and canned sweet potatoes (yuck!), but the kind made from fresh sweet potatoes (or yams, I can't tell much difference). I grew up with them every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I never measure anything, so I can't give an exact recipe (if there is one), but it is peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, lots of brown sugar, white sugar and butter. That's about it. Bake them with a lid until the sugar melts and they are soft, then remove the lid and bake until they get candied...literally. Takes about an hour or so. The texture of the potatoes changes a bit and they get a very thick syrup. My husband can't get enough of those things, and I have to admit I really like them, too. NO holiday around here without them! We just bought several sweet potatoes tonight so that we would be sure to be able to have them next week. (I probably didn't buy enough.) We also love baked sweet potatoes...just not for Thanksgivi

JustMe

Nov. 16, 2012 9:33 pm

Can't stand the Casserole with regular cut green beans, that is really bad. You have to use Del Monte's Seasoned Green Beans, spice it up with fresh ground black pepper and some pepper sauce. I use Datil Pepper's Devil Drops (in a lot of things)you can order online, along with the soy sauce and Whole milk or 1/2 n 1/2. Cook on stove, then bake until it's bubbling pretty good. I usually add extra red and yellow peppers and some garlic! Love all the flavors together, OH, AND,,,I eat it about every 2-3 weeks!!!:)

msrwl

Nov. 17, 2012 6:42 am

There is a green bean casserole war at our house also. My husband and I never had it growing up and we both hate it. But now I have two daughters-in-law who love it. So we compromise and they make the casserole for the two of them, and we make fresh green beans with crispy shallots and bacon for us! BTW, my husband and I grew up in Baltimore and we both came from families where sauerkraut was a tradition. I love it, especially with gravy and cranberry, but unfortunately there are so many other wonderful side dishes, we don't include that anymore. My husband is a big corn pudding fan. Gotta have his corn pudding!

donnap

Nov. 17, 2012 8:30 am

I also have never had green bean casarole growing up but I had seen it being made on the food network and I tried it .. That was about 6 years ago and my whole famly loved it! I used fresh strng beans and carmelized onions and cream of mushroom with roasted garlic and follwed the recipie from the food network and just awesome!...I have been making it every Thanksgiving ever since and also for other holidays. Its a staple at our table..

LiLTacomaGirl

Nov. 17, 2012 9:34 am

I don't care for green bean cassarole but, my Daughter does. So out of a family of 9 and growing, plus friends. I make it for her. Happy Holidays Everyone :)

mcgruder

Nov. 17, 2012 9:51 am

I NEVER had green bean casserole growing up in MS. In fact like several others stated here I only came to know of it as a result of commercials on television. I'm 46 and i've only cooked it once!! The kids enjoyed it and had seconds, but no one has ever asked for it again. :-) At any rate I too will be cooking up a storm with dishes such as rutabagas, stuffing, sweet potato pie, rolls, turnip greens, potato salad, glazed ham, small turkery, and maybe a some liver and onions. I know, I know, that last item is not so holiday right? It's ok, I did say maybe. ;-) Everyone please have a lovely and safe holiday.

mcgruder

Nov. 17, 2012 9:53 am

The liver and onion statement should have read a SIDE of ...

Cookiequeen1978

Nov. 17, 2012 10:43 am

I can't imagine slathering something healthy, tender-crisp and flavorful with condensed soup and fried onions, but to each his or her own! Happy Thanksgiving!

momoffive1975

Nov. 17, 2012 12:26 pm

I just think it's hilarious that the majority of the comments are about green bean casserole (gbc)! That first person who commented didn't know what they were starting by making that first comment. :) So, I shall also make my gbc comment. We have it every Thanksgiving because my sister is not a cook, and it's the one thing she will make to contribute to the meal. I really have enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble

Stephanie Rose

Nov. 17, 2012 1:03 pm

The casseroles I always get "assigned" for Thanksgiving dinner are broccoli cheese casserole and sweet potato casserole with toasted pecans on top. I'm not crazy about the green bean casserole but can choke it down if I have to - lol.

Henrietta M

Nov. 17, 2012 9:58 pm

Not my favorite, but the family loves it so we always have it for thanksgiving!

aunt tilly

Nov. 17, 2012 10:29 pm

I could never stand the thought of sweet potatoes in any way shape or form until I tried a recipe from this very site about 11 years ago because my mother loves them and I wanted to find some other way of serving them instead of opening a can and adding some butter. The recipe I found changed my whole opinion of SPs!! It turned them into forkfuls of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness!! A casserole dish with cooked & mashed taters adding butter, cream, vanilla, and eggs with a caramel pecan butter topping that was like candy!! Love them now! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!

Lindee

Nov. 18, 2012 9:11 am

Yes it is an upper midwest (MN) thing. I am 65 yrs old and we had it as far back as I can remember. I think Cambells cream of mushroom had it as a recipe on their cans. Probably to replace the old fashions white sauce and mushrooms.

AMBERGEN

Nov. 18, 2012 9:51 am

I'm from N'awlins, so oyster dressing was a must. We've never been able to replicate Daddy's. So resorted to a nice cornbread recipe with boiled eggs, sage & breakfast sausage. I do a savory type sweet potato with rosemary, whole garlic and olive oil. Yummy! Grew up with the gbc. But not a family fav. Tastes have definitely changed! Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll!

cookiemaker1420

Nov. 19, 2012 5:31 am

I grew up in Minneapolis and since the 1950's at least, we have had Green Bean Casserole. That's back when cream of anything soup was used in all casseroles (hot dishes) and gravies. I am 66 years old and have since outgrown the gbc, but some of my family still insists on this dish for Thanksgiving. Have a happy and safe one, Cooks and Eaters.

Waltraud

Nov. 20, 2012 3:47 pm

I came here from Germany in the early 60. Never even know what a green been Casserole was. The firt time I ate it i liked it and have been making it ever sice for the Holidays.

vrd

Nov. 20, 2012 7:40 pm

I'm in Ontario (Canada), so our Thanksgiving is over for this year but I really enjoyed reading all the comments on the Green Bean Casserole and other traditions throughout the country. I always roast our turkey with bread and onion 'dressing' seasoned with sage, thyme, savory, and lots of butter (cooked in the bird), have to make a lot extra because Granddaughter will eat bowls of it before it gets near the turkey. Other 'must haves' are sweet potatoes, turnips, butternut and acorn squash, niblet corn and piles of mashed potatoes.Of course there must be my own recipe cranberry sauce, my wife won't eat any other with out complaints. Holiday meals are so unique to each area and family, but that is what makes it so memorable. I hope everyone has a great holiday, be safe.

I'mabakernotacook

Nov. 21, 2012 9:10 am

Mac 'n cheese -- for Thanksgiving??? Never heard of it! Must be a regional and/or ethnic thing. I also don't know what all the fuss over green bean casserole is, either. (To paraphrase another poster, what a horrible thing to do to a perfectly healthy vegetable! I concur!) I haven't a clue as to why green bean casserole (yes, it was created by Campbell's Soup) is considered to be such a holiday "classic" anyway. I've never had it; I'd never even HEARD of it until I started seeing it advertised on TV! (I can't stand green beans anyway, unless they're fresh from the garden.)

bakingnut

Nov. 21, 2012 7:15 pm

I grew up in the 50's and 60's and never saw this dish at anyone's table. Not until Durkee started advertising it. I hate the stuff and only make it if someone coming to dinner requests it. Had 1 request in 37 years. Glad to see I'm not the only one that doesn't care for it.

RAZZBERY1

Nov. 21, 2012 7:25 pm

Saw the green bean casserole recipe in a few magazines.It's definitely not for me. Too mushy and has extra calories I'd rather save for pumpkin pie.

joanna38

Nov. 23, 2012 2:21 am

I did not make that old green bean casserole every Thanksgiving as my family did nt care for it al that much, BUT, this one received a second reading from me and I decided to try it this. It was a hit! Everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe!

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