Okay, friend, let’s chat about something near and dear to my heart (and tummy!) – Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. It’s funny, isn’t it, how some dishes just instantly transport you back to a specific time and place? For me, it’s Thanksgiving at my Grandma Rosa’s, the smell of roasted turkey swirling in the air, and always, always, a Cheesy Green Bean Casserole gracing the table.
I can still picture her, bustling around the kitchen in her floral apron, a cloud of flour dusting her hair. She never used a recipe, just a pinch of this and a dash of that, all measured with love and experience. I remember one year, I tried to “help” by adding what I thought was extra cheese. Turns out, I grabbed the parmesan instead of the cheddar! The resulting Cheesy Green Bean Casserole was… well, let’s just say it was a learning experience! The family still ate it though!
It took me years to perfect my own version, a Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that captures that same comforting flavor but is also quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal. See, with two kids and a busy blog, I don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s where my Easy Green Bean Casserole comes in. My cooking philosophy is all about simple, wholesome food that brings people together, and this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole embodies that perfectly.
I remember the “aha” moment when I realized that using good quality cheese makes all the difference. And, of course, a little sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top is non-negotiable! I first made this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole when my youngest was going through a picky eating phase, and to my surprise, he devoured it! It became a staple. It’s been tweaked and perfected ever since.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, I’m here to guide you through making this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! Let’s get started, shall we? I promise, you’ll be so glad you did! And if you’re looking for other family-friendly side dishes, be sure to check out my Southern Squash Casserole recipe. It’s another one of our favorites! This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole reminds me of another family favorite!
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. I always say, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. Plus, it prevents those “oh no, I’m missing an ingredient!” moments, which we’ve all experienced, right? For my version of Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained: I always use the no-salt-added variety so I can control the sodium levels.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is a classic, but you can also use cream of celery or chicken if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup milk: I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but any kind will work.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I always use sharp cheddar because I love the flavor, but you can use any cheese you like. For my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole recipe, I find that a good quality cheddar really makes a difference.
- 1 1/4 cups crispy fried onions: I use the pre-packaged kind for convenience, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a little kick!
When making Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, you can often find the canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup on sale, so stock up when you see a good deal! And here’s a Cheesy Green Bean Casserole trick I learned from my grandma: a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce really elevates the flavor! Don’t tell anyone I told you! For leftover crispy fried onions, I store them in an airtight container to keep them from getting stale. You can also use them on top of my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – it is so yummy!
For a cost-saving tip, consider buying a large block of cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself. It’s usually cheaper than buying the pre-shredded kind, and it melts better too. You can usually find cream of mushroom and other ingredients on sale. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for white bean soup.
Let’s Make This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Together
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe is super simple, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Just follow along, and we’ll have a delicious casserole in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, melted butter, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy – it’ll all come together in the oven. This is the foundation of our Creamy Green Bean Casserole
- Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of the crispy fried onions. Reserve the remaining cheese and onions for topping. I learned the hard way with Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that if you don’t reserve enough toppings, it just doesn’t have that satisfying crunch!
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks evenly. At this point, the mixture may look a little watery – don’t panic! The oven will take care of it.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. This is where the magic happens. The cheese will melt and get bubbly, and the onions will get nice and golden brown. In my kitchen, Cheesy Green Bean Casserole usually takes about 25-30 minutes to bake.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole should smell like a warm, comforting hug. The top should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and slightly browned.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give it time to set up a bit and prevent any accidental mouth burns! While the Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is cooling, I usually set the table and get the rest of the meal ready.
And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. See, I told you it was easy! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins to make it your own.
How I Love to Serve This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Cheesy Green Bean Casserole bubbling away – now what? Well, let me tell you, there are so many ways to enjoy this classic dish. My family loves this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole when I serve it alongside a juicy roast chicken or a hearty meatloaf. It’s the perfect comforting side dish for a chilly evening.
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to transport. This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is perfect for all occasions.
Here are some of my go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the richness of the casserole beautifully. I also love adding a side salad for a little bit of freshness.
If you have extra Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven until it’s warmed through. I’ve even been known to add leftover Cheesy Green Bean Casserole to scrambled eggs for a cheesy, veggie-packed breakfast!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a few extra crispy fried onions on top just before serving. It adds a little bit of visual appeal and extra crunch. You could also garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley or chives. Friends always ask for this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole recipe whenever I bring it to a gathering!
During the holidays, I sometimes add a layer of stuffing to the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the green bean mixture. It adds a little bit of extra flavor and texture. You can also add some cooked bacon or ham to the casserole for a heartier meal.
Your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Questions Answered
I know, I know, you probably have a few questions about making Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common questions I get from readers and my family:
1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just blanch them for a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. You’ll need about a pound of fresh green beans. You know what I do when my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is too watery? I add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the soup mixture before baking. It helps to thicken it up.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the green beans and cheese can change. However, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
4. What kind of cheese can I use?
Cheddar is my favorite, but you can use any cheese you like! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious. This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole – Southern Bite is another family-friendly and delicious recipe.
5. Can I use different kinds of soup?
Definitely! Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cream of broccoli would work well. Just choose your favorite!
6. My casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong?
This can happen if you don’t drain the green beans thoroughly enough. Next time, try patting them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the casserole. If you want to try to have a Homemade Green Bean Casserole, try not to use too much liquid.
7. My crispy fried onions burned. What can I do to prevent that?
Try adding them halfway through the baking time instead of at the beginning. This will prevent them from getting too dark. My family loves a Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole, it always brings so much joy and memories.
My Final Thoughts on This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, not just because it’s delicious, but because it reminds me of family, tradition, and happy memories. It’s also such an Easy Green Bean Casserole, you can put it together in minutes.
My Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Pro Tips:
- Use good quality cheese: It makes all the difference!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different cheeses, soups, or add-ins to make it your own.
- Serve it with love: That’s the most important ingredient of all!
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. My kids love it with a little bit of bacon added in. My husband prefers it with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. And my grandma? Well, she always insisted on adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. Check out Campbells Green Bean Casserole (Thanksgiving Classic) – Upstate … for more cooking tips.
Whether you’re making this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal, I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings my family. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I have found, making this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with my family brings laughter and good memories.
I hope you enjoy making this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole as much as I do. It is such an easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe, it will become a family staple. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Southern Squash Casserole recipe.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This cheesy green bean casserole elevates the classic comfort dish with extra cheese and a creamy sauce. A perfect side dish for holidays or any family meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Steam or boil green beans until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and the cooked green beans.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 2/3 cup French fried onions.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup French fried onions on top before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture. You can also use frozen green beans for convenience.