A Classic Dish with a Rich History

“No potluck or family table feels complete without the comforting layers of creamy, crunchy green bean casserole.” It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth, reminding many of gatherings with loved ones and shared laughter. Green bean casserole has been a staple of American kitchens. Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s Soup employee, created it in 1955. Designed as a simple and affordable recipe, it quickly became a household favorite.

Over the decades, green bean casserole has earned its place as a culinary classic. It is loved for its versatility. Its crowd-pleasing nature is appreciated. It is more than just a dish. It symbolizes togetherness and simplicity. This makes it a perfect addition to any gathering.

The Ingredients That Make It Special

The heart of green bean casserole is its simple ingredients. These include tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Each element complements the others, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. The green beans provide a fresh, mild base, while the cream of mushroom soup adds a savory richness. The fried onions? They bring a delightful crunch that ties everything together.

Modern cooks have put their own spin on this classic dish. They add fresh green beans for a vibrant, crisp texture. Some replace the cream of mushroom soup with alternatives like cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup. Some cooks enhance the flavor profile with garlic. Others use grated cheese or crumbled bacon. Some make it vegetarian-friendly with plant-based soups and toppings.

The enduring popularity of green bean casserole lies in its flexibility. You can stick to the original recipe. Alternatively, you can adapt it to your tastes. The dish’s comforting flavors and simplicity make it a perennial favorite for gatherings of all kinds.

The Role of Green Bean Casserole in Community and Tradition

Few dishes are as synonymous with community as green bean casserole. Its comforting, familiar flavors have made it a staple at potlucks, community meals, and family dinners for generations. It’s a dish that bridges divides, bringing people together around a shared table.

Green bean casserole is also incredibly practical. It is affordable and easy to prepare. This makes it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd. It’s often included in food pantry boxes or shared at community events. For individuals or families receiving pantry support, green bean casserole represents more than just sustenance. It’s a way to create a meal that feels special and celebratory. This is true even on a tight budget.

At our food pantry, green bean casserole has become a recurring favorite. One recipient shared a touching story. A donated can of fried onions reminded them of making the dish with their grandmother during childhood. Another family expressed gratitude. They recreated the dish for their own dinner table. They used ingredients from one of our food boxes. Stories like these remind us of the power of food to create connection and joy.

Recipe Spotlight: How to Make the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

For those looking to create this timeless dish, here’s a straightforward recipe that never fails:

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir in the green beans and ⅔ cup of the fried onions.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips:

• For extra flavor, sauté fresh mushrooms and garlic before mixing them with the soup.
• Use fresh green beans for a brighter, crisper dish. Blanch them before baking for the best results.
• Make it vegetarian by using plant-based cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This dish can be a canvas for your culinary imagination, so feel free to customize it to suit your tastes.

Sharing the Love with Green Bean Casserole

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and green bean casserole is no exception. We encourage you to share your favorite recipe variations or memories of making this dish with loved ones.

If you’d like to help others enjoy this comforting meal, consider donating the ingredients. These include canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. You can donate them to our pantry. Your contribution can help a family experience the joy of creating and sharing this timeless dish.

You’re also invited to join us for an upcoming community potluck, where green bean casserole will take center stage. Let’s celebrate the power of food to foster connection and kindness.

Why Green Bean Casserole is Here to Stay

Green bean casserole is more than just a recipe. It’s a tradition that carries the warmth of home. It also brings the joy of sharing. Served at a community dinner or a family table, it appeals because of its simplicity. It has the remarkable ability to bring people together.

Thank you to everyone who supports our food pantry and helps spread the love of food and connection. Together, we’re ensuring that no one goes without a meal that feels like home.

Here’s to the timeless tradition of green bean casserole—and the many stories it inspires.

There are few dishes that embody the essence of comfort and celebration quite like a beautifully baked ham. Whether it’s for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or a Sunday dinner, baked ham is a centerpiece that’s both impressive and relatively easy to prepare. With its sweet, savory glaze and tender, juicy meat, a well-cooked ham is the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days to come.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of baking a ham at home, fear not. This simple recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve a flavorful, succulent ham with a delicious glaze that your family and guests will love. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the perfect baked ham!

Why Bake a Ham?

Ham is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that is often reserved for special occasions, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to make. Baked ham is not only delicious, but it also offers the convenience of leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, soups, or salads throughout the week. The beauty of ham is that it’s already cooked when you buy it (unless you opt for a raw ham), so all you’re really doing is reheating it while infusing it with your choice of flavors through a glaze.

This recipe focuses on using a bone-in, fully cooked ham, which is ideal for baking. The bone adds extra flavor, and the meat around it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. You can use a spiral-sliced ham if you prefer, but the steps remain the same.

Ingredients for Baked Ham

For this baked ham recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Ham:

• 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter) for rubbing the ham

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or orange juice for a sweeter taste)
• 1/4 cup honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm, spicy note)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional for a subtle kick)

Instructions for Baking Ham

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures that the ham heats slowly and evenly, which keeps it moist and flavorful.

Next, prepare your ham by removing any packaging, including the plastic cap that often covers the bone. If there’s any excess fat on the surface of the ham, trim it off, but leave a thin layer to help keep the meat juicy as it cooks. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and rub the entire surface with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the glaze stick and adds flavor.

Step 2: Score the Ham

To allow the glaze to penetrate the ham and give it a beautiful, caramelized finish, you’ll want to score the surface. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond or crisscross pattern about 1/2-inch deep across the top and sides of the ham. Scoring the ham also helps with the presentation, as the glaze will settle into the cuts, giving the ham a glossy, attractive look.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Now it’s time to prepare the glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and any optional spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Once the glaze is ready, set it aside.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

Place the prepared ham on a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. If you have a rack to place the ham on, that will help keep it elevated and cook more evenly, but it’s not necessary.

Now it’s time to bake! Brush a generous amount of glaze over the top and sides of the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas. Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes to build up layers of flavor.

Step 5: Final Glaze and Caramelization

After 1.5 to 2 hours of baking, remove the foil and give the ham one final glaze. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and caramelized. The surface of the ham should have a beautiful, sticky shine.

During this final step, keep an eye on the ham to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn. If the glaze starts to darken too much, you can tent the ham loosely with foil again and continue baking until the ham reaches the desired color.

Step 6: Let the Ham Rest and Serve

Once the ham is done baking and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

When slicing, cut along the bone, starting at the larger end and working your way to the smaller end. The slices should be about 1/2-inch thick, but you can adjust according to your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Ham

• Choose the right size ham: A 8-10 lb ham is typically perfect for a family of 6-8 people, but you can adjust the size based on the number of guests you’ll be serving.
• Make extra glaze: If you love that sticky, sweet glaze, you can double the recipe and reserve some to serve on the side for dipping.
• Use a meat thermometer: To be sure your ham is perfectly heated through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C) if it’s fully cooked. If you’re cooking a raw ham, you’ll want the temperature to reach 190°F (88°C) to make it tender enough for easy slicing.
• Leftover ham ideas: Leftover baked ham is incredibly versatile. Use it in sandwiches, soups, salads, or casseroles. It also freezes well for later use in recipes like ham and cheese quiches or ham croquettes.

Final Thoughts

Baked ham is the kind of dish that never fails to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a tender, flavorful ham with a beautiful caramelized glaze that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a hearty family dinner, this baked ham recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Happy baking!

Festive and Nutritious Holiday Recipes: Feeding Families with Love and Health in Mind

The holiday season is often a time for gathering, sharing meals, and creating memories around the dinner table. However, for many families, putting together a nutritious and festive holiday meal can feel like a daunting task—especially when working within a limited budget. But it doesn’t have to be. At our food pantry, we understand the importance of providing not only filling meals but also ones that are nourishing and healthy. With a little creativity and planning, you can make holiday meals that are both festive and nutritious, offering families a chance to celebrate the season while also prioritizing their health.

In this article, we’ll share some holiday-inspired recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients. These meals focus on using accessible pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create balanced, delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy. From hearty soups to vibrant side dishes and wholesome desserts, these recipes will add flavor and nutrition to your holiday gatherings.

1. Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

A warm bowl of soup is the perfect way to start a holiday meal, especially when you’re looking for a comforting yet nutritious option. This vegetable and bean soup is filling, affordable, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also versatile, allowing you to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand or find at your local food pantry.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped leafy greens (such as spinach or kale)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking and stir until wilted.
5. Serve hot with a slice of whole-grain bread for a filling, nutritious holiday starter.

This vegetable and bean soup is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Walnuts

Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, and they’re a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness, and when paired with cinnamon and walnuts, you get a festive, nutrient-dense side dish that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and golden.
4. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the sweet potatoes and return to the oven to toast the nuts.
5. Serve warm as a side dish that is both festive and full of nutrients.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts, makes this dish both delicious and nutritious.

3. Cranberry Apple Salad

Cranberries are often associated with the holidays, and while they’re typically served as a sauce, they can also be used in salads to add a burst of flavor and antioxidants. This cranberry apple salad is light, refreshing, and a great way to balance out richer holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed if frozen
• 2 medium apples, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and cinnamon to create the dressing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, apples, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

This simple salad is packed with antioxidants from the cranberries and apples, along with healthy fats from the nuts, making it a vibrant and nutritious addition to any holiday spread.

4. Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Desserts don’t have to be indulgent to be enjoyable. This pumpkin chia pudding is a healthy, satisfying way to end your holiday meal. Made with nutrient-packed chia seeds and the fall flavors of pumpkin, it’s a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir in the chia seeds, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken.
4. Serve chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for added texture.

This dessert is not only healthy but also a wonderful way to incorporate pumpkin, a rich source of beta-carotene, into your holiday festivities.

5. Holiday Hummus Platter with Veggies and Whole-Grain Crackers

For a light, festive appetizer, consider serving a colorful hummus platter. Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, and when paired with fresh veggies and whole-grain crackers, it makes for a healthy and satisfying snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes
• Whole-grain crackers or pita bread

Instructions:

1. Arrange the hummus in a small bowl in the center of a platter.
2. Surround the hummus with an assortment of sliced vegetables and whole-grain crackers or pita bread.
3. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to dip the veggies and crackers into the hummus for a nutritious, festive appetizer.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is about sharing food, laughter, and memories, and with these recipes, you can provide your loved ones with meals that are both festive and nutritious. At the food pantry, we believe that nutritious food should be accessible to all, regardless of budget. By incorporating simple, wholesome ingredients like beans, sweet potatoes, and seasonal produce, you can create meals that nourish the body and celebrate the season. These recipes are just the beginning—get creative with what you have on hand, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to make your holiday meals healthy, festive, and full of joy.