# Do you usually have green bean casserole at your Thanksgiving dinner? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 28, 2015, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885 "2015-11-28T23:12:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/41 "2015-11-29T16:34:53Z")
It’s not a thing in Canada at all. I’d never heard of it before reading about it here years ago. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/42 "2015-11-29T16:44:21Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > As much as I don’t like green bean casserole, the one that really gets me, though, is that marshmallow-and-sweet potato thing some people do. Who thought of that? I’ve only once encountered that in the wild, and I just flat out don’t understand the appeal. Yeah, I don’t get this either. I make a sweet potato soufflé that has Gruyere and thyme in it. Not sweet at all. I save that for the sweet potato pie, where it belongs. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/43 "2015-11-29T17:11:47Z")
I think I may have had it as a guest at someone else’s house, but I don’t remember anyone in my family ever making it. When I was away from home in grad school, the local newspaper ran a whole Thanksgiving food section article that was nothing but green bean casserole recipes. I was totally befuddled. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/44 "2015-11-29T17:38:47Z")
I never realized how many communists were on this board. My grandmother made it… my mom made it… I make it… and my kids will make it. All these people who claim they have never had it… in the frozen foods section, there are three types of green beans… plain, with almonds, and casserole. Clearly one of the most preferred and normal ways to prepare green beans. ---
**Author:** ![tenacious\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@tenacious\_j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tenacious_j)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/45 "2015-11-29T18:24:51Z")
Liking or even preferring plain green beans has nothing to do with holiday tradition. I grew up having gbc for every holiday and some regular days too, and it was one of my favorite things as a kid. I generally cook healthier veggies now, so it’s very important to have it when I have the excuse on Thanksgiving. I have tried the homemade versions with fresh mushrooms and onions and they just weren’t any better or worth the work, especially considering how much there is to cook for a holiday. This year I ate a bunch Thursday at dinner, more later, 2 rounds on Friday, and went to bed wanting more. Made some for Second Thanksgiving on Saturday, but thanks to a very slow turkey, they sat in the crock pot for waaaaay too long and weren’t good, plus they made my car smell like onions from the ride over to the in-laws’. Needless to say, I am over gbc for at least a few months. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/46 "2015-11-29T18:31:30Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > I never realized how many communists were on this board. I know. Only such godless heathens would serve such disgusting glop to their friends and family. Maybe it’s not their fault. Maybe they stood in line at the grocer for hours, only to find nothing but canned vegetables and condensed gruel, so they threw it together and managed to call it “food” with a straight face. Clever saps, them communists. If serving green beans, I’ll lightly sauté in butter, then toss with almond slices and kosher salt (or chipotle-smoked sea salt if I’m feeling generous). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/47 "2015-11-29T18:37:07Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > All these people who claim they have never had it… in the frozen foods section, there are three types of green beans… plain, with almonds, and casserole. Really? I’ve never noticed this. I buy green beans for my wife, who likes them, and the only versions I remember seeing are regular, French cut, and the almond variety. What makes them “casserole” green beans? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/48 "2015-11-29T18:42:27Z")
We have it most years, unless my sister forgets to make it or runs out of time. She and my younger niece are the only ones in the family who like it, so if she doesn’t make it it doesn’t get made. I won’t touch the stuff but they’ll inhale it. ---
**Author:** ![soonerblue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/soonerblue/32/3302_2.png) [@soonerblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soonerblue)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/49 "2015-11-29T18:44:10Z")
I don’t remember this GBC from my childhood, but someone always brings it now. I heard that it was invented in the 50’s by someone at the Campbell Soup Co. so they could sell more Mushroom soup - they now sell more than $20 million dollars of it every year. Being Southern, I would eat an old sock if it were dressed up in creamy sauce with mushrooms and fried onions on top … but the sock has to be clean. I also have to have candied sweet potatoes every holiday meal, fresh, not canned, made with butter, brown sugar and toasty marshmallows on top. It’s the kid in me, my gran always made them. I make my greens sautéed with a smoked turkey wing and chopped onions until carmelized, keep piling fresh collards (okay, you can add a little kale) in the pot and slow cook a long time. A meal in itself with cornbread. A white woman ---
**Author:** ![Arkcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/50 "2015-11-29T18:46:36Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > to fresh hand cut green beans and homemade béchamel with mushrooms with home fried onion slivers on top… Thanks to the O.P --\*\* Idle Thoughts:\*\*, and to **WhyNot:** I now have a new “thing” to spring on my relatives from the old country _ **next** _ Thanksgiving, for surely they, like me, are just as clueless that this is a thing. This year, the mashed potatoes had, along with butter, cream that had soaked dried morels and the chopped fried morels themselves. Those were well appreciated, and now I have another mushroom dish to make. ---
**Author:** ![tenacious\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@tenacious\_j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tenacious_j)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/51 "2015-11-29T19:04:01Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Really? I’ve never noticed this. I buy green beans for my wife, who likes them, and the only versions I remember seeing are regular, French cut, and the almond variety. What makes them “casserole” green beans? It isn’t “casserole green beans” really, but pre-made GBC. I don’t think we have ever bought it, but I have seen it with the other frozen prepared veggies like creamed spinach or broccoli with cheese. …I have had lazy days, but never so lazy I couldn’t open a bag of beans and 2 cans and stir. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/52 "2015-11-29T19:11:45Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Really? I’ve never noticed this. I buy green beans for my wife, who likes them, and the only versions I remember seeing are regular, French cut, and the almond variety. What makes them “casserole” green beans? [http://www.gianteagle.com/20000125664.aspx](http://www.gianteagle.com/20000125664.aspx) 364 Days per year I would rather have steamed with or without almonds, but one day per year there is no substitute. Also remember that I NEVER exaggerate so these are the only three versions you will ever find. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/53 "2015-11-29T19:23:58Z")
To the sweet potatoes… my wife loves them, baked with butter (I’m in the take 'em or leave 'em camp). Somehow my mom picked up that she loved sweet potatoes and every time we would visit there would be a big bowl of mushed sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar. I bit my lip every time to try not to laugh as my wife diligently choked down some and smile and say how happy she was. It makes me sad that my mom hasn’t been able to host a dinner in several years, but my wife is probably very thankful. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/54 "2015-11-29T19:27:56Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > I never realized how many communists were on this board. > > My grandmother made it… my mom made it… I make it… and my kids will make it. > > All these people who claim they have never had it… in the frozen foods section, there are three types of green beans… plain, with almonds, and casserole. > > Clearly one of the most preferred and normal ways to prepare green beans. “Claiming” I never had it? Regardless of how many versions are in the freezer case (which I’ve never noticed), I’ve never had it. I’m not a fan of most cream of soup based casseroles and I grew up in a kosher home, so dairy with meat was out, so there’s no tradition and no interest. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/55 "2015-11-29T19:34:40Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > I grew up in a kosher home, so dairy with meat was out. Beans… the other green meat. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/56 "2015-11-29T19:36:31Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > I never realized how many communists were on this board. > > My grandmother made it… my mom made it… I make it… and my kids will make it. > > All these people who claim they have never had it… in the frozen foods section, there are three types of green beans… plain, with almonds, and casserole. > > Clearly one of the most preferred and normal ways to prepare green beans. Maybe it’s regional? I have never seen frozen green bean casserole. I’ve only seen the dish a couple of times, when my brother brought it to thanksgiving with his girlfriend, whose family must make it. I have seen green beans plain and with almond. I much prefer plain. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/57 "2015-11-29T19:44:20Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > [Neighborhood Grocery Store & Pharmacy | Giant Eagle](http://www.gianteagle.com/20000125664.aspx) > > 364 Days per year I would rather have steamed with or without almonds, but one day per year there is no substitute. > > Also remember that I NEVER exaggerate so these are the only three versions you will ever find. Ah, I misunderstood. I was thinking about those bags of frozen green beans and thought there was a special green bean casserole cut or something. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/58 "2015-11-29T19:48:42Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > Beans… the other green meat. The turkey is meat. The casserole had dairy. Same meal. Oy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/59 "2015-11-29T19:50:40Z")
I didn’t expect the poll answers to be so close. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885/60 "2015-11-29T19:55:59Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Ah, I misunderstood. I was thinking about those bags of frozen green beans and thought there was a special green bean casserole cut or something. Nope… it is a very complex recipe brought to you by the same people who brought you orange Jello with pineapple chunks suspended in it. Take some green beans… canned, or if you are a hippy, maybe frozen. I don’t know that it has ever been attempted with fresh. Add a can of Campbell’s Cream of Something Soup and top with some French’s Fried Onions. As awful as it sounds (and probably is) it is tradition and I wouldn’t miss it at Thanksgiving for anything. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-usually-have-green-bean-casserole-at-your-thanksgiving-dinner/738885.md?page=4)