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A golden-brown cheesy green bean casserole in a baking dish with a crispy topping

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

A delightful twist on the classic green bean casserole, this dish features crisp green beans enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a crunchy topping. Perfect as a comforting side for family dinners or holiday feasts, it balances savory flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Large pot (for blanching green beans)
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • Green Beans:
  • 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
  • Alternatively, use 2 cans (14.5 oz each green beans, drained)
  • Cream Base:
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or a gluten-free version, if desired)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or your preferred milk
  • Cheese:
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided (1 cup mixed in; 1 cup for topping)
  • Aromatics:
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Optional Add-In:
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture
  • Seasonings:
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Topping:
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs choose gluten-free if needed
  • For Sautéing:
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat & Prepare Dish:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Blanch the Green Beans:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the green beans and blanch for 4–5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  • Drain the beans and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the chopped onion (and mushrooms, if using) and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Mix the Casserole Base:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
  • Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in the sautéed onions (and mushrooms) along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Gently fold in the blanched green beans until evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
  • Transfer the green bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Finish with a layer of crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs.
  • Bake:
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden.
  • Serve:
  • Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6–8
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking / Casserole
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian (modify ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free needs as necessary)
  • Keywords
  • Cheesy, Green Beans, Casserole, Comfort Food, Side Dish, Holiday Recipe, Family Dinner, Baked, Creamy, Cheddar
  • Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 cup / 200g)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
  • Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses (like Monterey Jack or Parmesan) for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Tip: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Allow extra baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Extra Flavor: For a subtle twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Green Bean Tip: Avoid overcooking the green beans during blanching to maintain their crisp-tender texture.
Keyword Cheesy, Green Beans, Casserole, Comfort Food, Side Dish, Holiday Recipe, Family Dinner, Baked, Creamy, Cheddar