This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a warm and comforting side dish. It’s packed with tender green beans, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping that everyone loves!
Honestly, this dish is like a big warm hug on your plate. I can’t resist sneaking bites while it bakes—it’s just too good! Serve it up at dinner, and watch it disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans work great here, but frozen green beans are a perfect substitute if you don’t have fresh ones. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this dish a kick! If you’re after a milder flavor, you can use medium cheddar. For a twist, try blending in Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer a homemade option, you can make your own cream sauce with butter, flour, broth, and mushrooms. For a vegetarian version using fresh ingredients, look for a veggie-based cream soup.
Sour Cream: Plain yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier option. It keeps the creaminess intact while adding a bit of tang.
French Fried Onions: Not a fan of fried onions? You can top it with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for a different crunchy topping!
How Do I Get My Cheese Sauce Creamy?
A rich and creamy cheese sauce is the heart of this casserole. You’ll want to ensure you mix your ingredients well, so everything combines nicely. Here’s how:
- Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and spices in a big bowl. Make sure the mixture is smooth without lumps before adding the cheese.
- Add the shredded cheese gradually, allowing it to mix in completely to create a nice, creamy sauce.
Stir gently to coat the green beans without breaking them too much. Make sure you fold rather than stir forcefully to keep the structure intact!
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Side Dish
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for making homemade crispy onions or to dot on top)
Time Needed:
This delicious Cheesy Green Bean Casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, totaling approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings!
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. If you’re using frozen beans, just ensure they’re fully thawed and drained.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine with Green Beans & Cheese:
Gently fold in the prepped green beans and shredded cheddar cheese until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to mash the green beans!
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. This will help it cook properly and give you a nice presentation.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the French fried onions over the top of the casserole to create a delicious crunchy layer.
7. Bake In The Oven:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This allows the dish to get warm and start bubbling.
8. Add More Crispy Topping:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out and sprinkle on the remaining French fried onions for extra crunch. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is nicely bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dish it out and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish with your favorite meal!
This casserole is perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. It’s a great way to enjoy your veggies in a delicious way!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or even a blend of cheeses for added richness. Just ensure they melt well for that creamy texture!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. If the top loses some crunch, you can add a sprinkle of fresh fried onions on top when reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! You can mix in other veggies like cooked carrots, peas, or even corn for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re adding larger or denser vegetables!
