AUTHENTIC FOOD FROM THE FIFTIES. The Bon Appetit article points out that the green bean casserole was invented “by Dorcas Reilly in 1955, while she was working in the Home Economics department of Campbell’s Soup Company.” (Mary Jane points out that Dorcas Reilly should be celebrated for her achievement). That it was invented in 1955 means that my mother would have been cutting edge when she began serving the dish in the fifties. That it was developed in what Bon Appetit calls “a corporate test kitchen” means that the dish should be valued not only on its merits but also as authentic fifties food.
While nostalgia is important in Thanksgiving meals, I loved the green bean casserole from the first time I had it.