Cheesy Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe
Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving side dish, a family gathering, or just want a cozy dish to warm your nights, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole recipe is the perfect go-to. It’s simple, delicious, and a family favorite that’s ready in no time. Make it ahead for a fuss-free holiday meal!
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Why You Will Love Making Green Bean Casserole
- One of the best parts about our classic green bean casserole recipe? We always champion using fresh green beans. Trust us, the difference is noticeable. Fresh beans bring a crispness and depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with canned or frozen alternatives. But hey, if you’re in a pinch and only have frozen beans on hand, don’t fret! The dish will still be utterly delicious.
- Our green bean casserole isn’t just reserved for Thanksgiving. Nope, this beauty can grace your table at any meal. Planning a summer BBQ? Whip this up. Cozy winter dinner? You betcha. Plus, its creamy texture and golden brown topping make it a hit among both kids and adults. And did we mention it pairs brilliantly with a range of other side dishes? Winning!
- Here’s a little secret: We make our green bean casserole ahead of time. If you’re all about minimizing last-minute kitchen chaos (honestly, who isn’t?), this recipe is your best friend. Simply prepare the green bean mixture, pop it in an airtight container, and into the fridge it goes. When you’re ready to feast, just add the french fried onions, bake, and voila!
- We just can’t forget about those crispy fried onions! They’re the pièce de résistance of the dish, adding a delightful crunch and rich flavor that’s simply irresistible. Pair that with the creamy condensed mushroom soup base, and it’s a match made in culinary heaven.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Start With The Beans
First things first, let’s get those green beans ready. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen beans, you’ll want to boil them until they’re tender but still have a bite.
Trust us, getting the texture right is key to a perfect casserole.
Mixing It All Together
Once your beans are perfectly boiled, it’s time to mix them with the good stuff.
Add the green beans to a casserole dish and then combine them with condensed mushroom soup, some whole milk (or half and half if you’re feeling indulgent), shredded cheddar cheese, and a cup of French-fried onions.
Season with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir. This mixture is the heart of your dish, so make sure it’s well-combined.
Baking to Perfection
Slide the casserole dish into a preheated oven and let it bake until it’s bubbling with deliciousness.
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But wait, we’re not done! Take it out briefly, give it a stir, sprinkle on the remaining onions, and let it continue baking until those onions are golden brown and utterly irresistible.
If your oven is full to the brim with other dishes, try making our Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole instead! It’s the same recipe, baked to perfection in an air fryer.
This is a great hack when you’re running out of space and need to cook your dish quickly.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans: While we are big advocates for fresh green beans because of their unbeatable crunch and flavor, frozen beans can also do the trick when you’re short on time. The key is to ensure they’re thawed and drained properly. Canned green beans? We’d suggest you reserve those for other recipes. For our casserole, fresh or frozen is the way to go!
- How To Tell The Green Beans Are Ready: A tip we swear by is the “fork test.” After boiling, if you can pierce a bean with a fork and it’s tender but still has a slight bite, they’re done and ready to mix with the other ingredients.
- Homemade French Fried Onions: While store-bought versions work wonders, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crispy onions can elevate your casserole to new heights. Just thinly slice some onions, dip them in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, and fry till golden. They’re a game-changer!
- Crispy Topping Alternative: While french fried onions are a staple topping, panko bread crumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter or shredded parmesan cheese can offer a delightful crunch too If you’ve run out of crispy onions, or don’t want to make the homemade version.
- Other Soup Options: While the classic recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, feel free to swap it out for cream of celery or even a homemade creamy sauce if you want to mix things up. Just remember to taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Enhance The Flavor: Want to give your casserole an extra flavor boost? Try adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of minced garlic when mixing your green bean mixture. It lends a deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the condensed soup. And for the cheese lovers among us, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top never hurt!
- Make It Vegan: If you’d prefer a dairy-free version, swap out the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk, or oat milk cream. There are also great vegan condensed soups available in stores nowadays and, instead of sharp cheddar, try some perfectly tangy dairy-free cheese.
- Keep An Eye On The Oven: Ovens can be a little tricky. What works for one might not work for another. So, while we provide a general baking time, always keep an eye on your casserole. Once you see it bubbling and the onions turning that perfect shade of golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready.
- Can I add other veggies to the casserole? Why not? It’s your kitchen, after all! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or even corn for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just be mindful of cooking times for any additions.
How to Store Leftover Green Bean Casserole
Refrigerate With Care
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, if you have any of the casserole left (which, let’s face it, might be a rarity because it’s so delicious), ensure it’s cooled to room temp.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with storage wrap and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to dive into the leftovers, you can reheat the casserole in the oven. Cover it tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through.
If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved. Just be sure to sprinkle a little water or milk to prevent it from drying out.
Note: The crispy topping will probably be a little soggy from microwaving or even reheating in the oven. Our favorite solution is to sprinkle a few fresh crispy fried onions on top before digging in!
Freezing For Later
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Prepare the green bean mixture, sans the French fried onions, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with onions, and bake as directed. A perfect prep-ahead solution!
What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole pairs perfectly with so many dishes, here are a few of our favorite suggestions.
A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Delight
Our green bean casserole fits perfectly into a vegetarian Thanksgiving spread.
Just imagine it alongside a hearty lentil-walnut loaf, an Air Fryer Nut Roast, or Vegan Ham, plus creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, tangy cranberry-brie bites, and some fluffy, buttery rolls.
Together, they create a holiday feast that’s both flavorful and full of memories.
More Perfect Companions
We’re here for the sides! This casserole, with its creamy texture and crunchy topping, pairs well with a variety of side dishes on any occasion.
Serve it alongside a cheesy potato casserole, Smashed Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots, Parsnip Puree, or our incredible Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.
A mushroom risotto would also complement it beautifully.
Elevate Your Weekday Meals
While it shines during festive occasions, this casserole is versatile enough to be your busy weekday star.
Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness, and add a light, refreshing salad on the side for a balance of textures.
Our tried-and-true salads include a Classic Caprese Salad, a sweet and crunchy Waldorf Salad, and if you’re really in the mood for some comfort food, our Pizza Salad is a healthy twist on a favorite!
Drinks to Match
A crisp white wine, a light beer, a zesty Cranberry Orange, and Pomegranate Spritzer, or a tangy Cranberry Margarita can complement the creamy richness of the casserole.
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider or a refreshing lemonade would be equally delightful.
More Thanksgiving Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Vegan Ham
- Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Green beans
- 10½ oz Cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup Milk
- 1½ cup Crispy onions divided
- 2½ cups Sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Boil your green bean until tender yet crisp. Drain the beans and transfer them to a casserole dish; add mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of crispy onions, cheese, salt, and pepper and mix to combine.1½ lbs Green beans, 10½ oz Cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup Milk, 1½ cup Crispy onions, 2½ cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, Salt and pepper
- Place in the oven and bake until it's bubbling, approximately 30 – 35 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir, and top with the remaining crispy onions, return to the oven, and cook until golden, approximately 10 minutes.1½ cup Crispy onions
Notes
- Frozen or Canned Green Beans: While we are big advocates for fresh green beans because of their unbeatable crunch and flavor, frozen beans can also do the trick when you’re short on time. The key is to ensure they’re thawed and drained properly. Canned green beans? We’d suggest you reserve those for other recipes. For our casserole, fresh or frozen is the way to go!
- Homemade French Fried Onions: While store-bought versions work wonders, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crispy onions can elevate your casserole to new heights. Just thinly slice some onions, dip them in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, and fry till golden. They’re a game-changer!
- Crispy Topping Alternative: While french fried onions are a staple topping, panko bread crumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter or shredded parmesan cheese can offer a delightful crunch too If you’ve run out of crispy onions, or don’t want to make the homemade version.
- Other Soup Options: While the classic recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, feel free to swap it out for cream of celery or even a homemade creamy sauce if you want to mix things up. Just remember to taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Enhance The Flavor: Want to give your casserole an extra flavor boost? Try adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of minced garlic when mixing your green bean mixture. It lends a deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the condensed soup. And for the cheese lovers among us, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top never hurt!
- Make It Vegan: If you’d prefer a dairy-free version, swap out the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk, or oat milk cream. There are also great vegan condensed soups available in stores nowadays and, instead of sharp cheddar, try some perfectly tangy dairy-free cheese.
- Can I add other veggies to the casserole? Why not? It’s your kitchen, after all! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or even corn for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just be mindful of cooking times for any additions.
- Storage: Cool the casserole to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with storage wrap and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. Cover it tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved. Just be sure to sprinkle a little water or milk to prevent it from drying out. Note: The crispy topping will probably be a little soggy from microwaving or even reheating in the oven. Our favorite solution is to sprinkle a few fresh crispy fried onions on top before digging in!
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Prepare the green bean mixture, without the French fried onions, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with onions, and bake as directed.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Lately, I’ve been craving for something cheesy and creamy. Then, I found this recipe of yours, and then I tried making it following this whole post and your tips like adding homemade French fried onions, adding a splash of soy sauce, and adding veggies like bell peppers and carrots as per my preference. The result turned out great, so tastyyyy! My cheesy and creamy cravings are satisfied with this dish, I love your recipe, thanks 🙂
I’m so glad the result was tasty, and you enjoyed the dish. Thanks a bunch for trying it out and sharing your experience!