Classic Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese: A Holiday Favorite

When it comes to holiday side dishes, few recipes can rival the comforting nostalgia of Green Bean Casserole. This classic dish combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions for the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or just looking for an easy side dish to complement your weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

This Cheddar Green Bean Casserole takes the traditional recipe up a notch by adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy twist that will have your guests asking for seconds. Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to create the perfect casserole that’s bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy: The addition of cheddar cheese adds richness and takes this classic side dish to the next level.
2. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh green beans, this dish is easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
3. Holiday Staple: A must-have for holiday dinners, but versatile enough for any family meal.
4. Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: With its creamy, cheesy, and crispy topping, this casserole is loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic holiday side dish:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched (or use frozen green beans, thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (use low-sodium for better control of salt)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy, melty topping)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for added depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Green Beans: Fresh green beans are preferred for their texture, but frozen or canned green beans can be used as a time-saving alternative.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy mushroom sauce for a different twist.
• Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to use other cheeses, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan, for a unique flavor.
• Crispy Fried Onions: For a healthier option, use panko breadcrumbs tossed with olive oil as a crispy topping.
• Milk: Replace with a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese

Follow these simple steps to create this creamy, cheesy, and crispy casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Trim and Blanch the Green Beans:
   • Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender.
   • Drain immediately and transfer the beans to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
   • Shortcut Tip: If using frozen green beans, simply thaw and pat them dry. For canned green beans, drain and rinse well before use.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the blanched green beans and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions to the bowl. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a casserole dish (9×13 inches works well).
2. Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup crispy fried onions.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the onions are golden, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional crispy fried onions or fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for a festive touch.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is the perfect side dish for holiday meals and weeknight dinners. Pair it with these main courses to create a complete feast:

1. Holiday Favorites: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
2. Poultry: Pair with baked chicken, roasted Cornish hens, or grilled chicken thighs for a hearty dinner.
3. Beef or Pork: Serve with meatloaf, pork chops, or pot roast for a comforting meal.
4. Vegetarian Spread: Add it to a vegetarian table with dishes like stuffed squash, mac and cheese, or roasted veggies.

Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

1. Blanch the Green Beans: This step ensures that your green beans stay vibrant green and maintain a tender-crisp texture.
2. Drain Thoroughly: Pat the green beans dry after blanching or thawing to avoid a watery casserole.
3. Don’t Skimp on the Topping: The crispy fried onions and cheese topping is the star of this dish, so make sure it’s generous and evenly distributed.
4. Taste the Sauce First: Before mixing the sauce with the green beans, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
5. Bake Uncovered: This allows the cheese to melt and the topping to become perfectly golden and crispy.

Variations to Try

1. Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the green bean mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
2. Mushroom Lovers: Stir sautéed mushrooms into the sauce for extra mushroom flavor and texture.
3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
4. Healthier Option: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version made with fresh mushrooms, milk, and flour. Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter topping.
5. Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix additional shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the green bean mixture for an even cheesier dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) up to 1 day in advance. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• When ready to bake, let the casserole come to room temperature, add the fried onions, and bake as directed.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze: Green bean casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole without the crispy onions, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned green beans?

Yes! If using canned green beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium. This is a great time-saver.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth in the homemade sauce.

3. What if I don’t have crispy fried onions?

If you don’t have store-bought fried onions, you can use toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers tossed in melted butter as a crispy topping.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, gluten-free breadcrumbs or fried onions, and gluten-free flour if making the soup from scratch.

Conclusion

Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is a timeless side dish that never fails to impress. The combination of tender green beans, creamy sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions is irresistibly good. Whether you’re serving it as part of a holiday feast or as a comforting side dish for dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite on your table.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy this delicious, cheesy twist on a classic recipe. Happy cooking!

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