Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Imagine a holiday table without Cheesy Green Bean Casserole—it just wouldn’t feel right. This classic dish combines tender green beans with a creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy fried onions for the perfect bite. It’s a beloved side that always leaves guests asking for seconds.
What makes this casserole truly stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. From the crunch of the onions to the smooth, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that never disappoints. And the best part? It’s easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or a simple family meal, Cheesy Green Bean Casserole delivers both comfort and flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special and tastes amazing. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your rotation year-round.
Ready to impress your guests? Follow along with this easy, step-by-step recipe to make the ultimate Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about casseroles, especially during the cooler months. They bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of togetherness. Here’s why this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole should be on your table:
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: A cup and a half of shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess that elevate this dish beyond the standard casserole.
- Perfect for Holidays: This casserole is easy to make ahead, leaving you with more time to enjoy the holidays with loved ones.
- Customizable: Whether you’re adding bacon, swapping the cheese, or experimenting with toppings, this recipe is flexible to suit any taste.
- Crunchy Topping: French-fried onions bring that perfect crunchy texture on top, balancing the creamy green bean and cheese mixture beneath.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines everyday ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans are preferred, but canned or frozen beans work too.
- Mushrooms: White mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and texture to the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess and that delightful cheesy goodness.
- French-Fried Onions: The ultimate crunchy topping.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides the base for a creamy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor with a hint of umami.
- Butter: To sauté the mushrooms.
- Milk: Helps thin out the condensed soup.
- Optional Add-ins: Bacon, garlic, or shredded chicken for added variety.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan: Swap out the condensed cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free cheese, and skip the butter for olive oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fried onions and ensure the condensed soup is gluten-free.
- Keto-Friendly: Reduce the amount of onions and omit any added sugar in store-bought ingredients.
How to Make Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This recipe takes less than an hour to prepare and bake, making it a convenient option for busy holiday schedules. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Green Beans
If using fresh green beans, wash, trim the ends, and cut them in half. In a large saucepan, combine the green beans and chicken broth. Add enough water to cover the beans, then bring to a boil. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
Tip: Blanch the green beans in ice-cold water after boiling to preserve their bright green color.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. This step adds a deep, rich flavor to the casserole.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms, green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1½-quart baking dish and transfer the green bean mixture into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle half of the French-fried onions on top.
5. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden brown on top. About 5 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top for that extra crunchy layer.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish, but with the richness and flavor, it could even stand alone as a meal!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and mushrooms make a huge difference in flavor compared to canned or frozen.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect the texture. Shredding cheese from a block results in a smoother melt.
- Add a Flavor Boost: Try mixing in crispy bacon bits or even caramelized onions for extra richness.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Store it in the fridge without the fried onions, then add them just before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly:
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Green beans should be tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking them makes the casserole mushy.
- Skipping the Sauté: Don’t rush through cooking the mushrooms. Sautéing them properly adds an umami depth that canned mushrooms won’t give you.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Opt for a high-quality cheddar. The better the cheese, the better the flavor and texture of your casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Green Beans?
Yes! While fresh beans offer the best flavor, you can absolutely use canned or frozen green beans. For canned beans, be sure to drain them well, and for frozen, thaw and drain before using.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait until right before baking to add the French-fried onions.
Can I Make This Without Cheese?
For a traditional green bean casserole, simply omit the cheese. You can still enjoy the creamy, savory base without it.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Cheesy Green Bean Casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 362 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 245mg |
Please note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday menu. With its rich, cheesy layers, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and customize to your liking. Give it a try this holiday season—you won’t be disappointed!
