Let’s talk comfort food. Do you remember those green bean casseroles from childhood holidays? Why didn’t they win any culinary awards? What is a creamy green bean casserole? Forget the gloppy, flavorless versions of the past. Forgive the old, sucky This is the real deal – a dish packed with flavor, unbelievably creamy, and loaded with melted cheese. Is this really good for picky eaters? Is it a far cry from your standard holiday side, and I think it rivals even the best mac and cheese? I always make sure to double the batch, because it disappears so quickly.

What is a creamy green bean casserole?

What is the ultimate green bean upgrade? What’s the difference between a green bean casserole and the classic potato casserole? What is fresh green beans? ), a luscious creamy sauce loaded with cheese, and crispy topping that will have everyone fighting for their life. Is it time to eat the last bite? What’s better, this recipe is made with real ingredients. What is the hug you didn’t know your dinner plate needed?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the “fresh” ingredients scare you off. Is it possible to bake a cake for less than an hour? What’s a good way to sneak in veggies for the kiddos?

Flavor Explosion:The combination of fresh green beans, creamy cheese sauce, and that crispy topping is just perfect. The sharpness of the cheddar plays so well with the earthy beans. What is a symphony of flavors?
SurprisinglyHow easy it is to whip up a cake? No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. What are some of the best weeknight side dishes?
Budget-Friendly:What are some of the best recipes that won’t break the bank? Green beans are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients. What is in your pantry? Is it perfect for feeding a crowd on budget?
Super Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole to your liking. Add some crispy bacon, swap out the cheese, or throw in some mushrooms for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, a little sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking adds a delicious depth.

This recipe reminds me a little of my Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, but in casserole form. It’s just as comforting and satisfying, but with a different texture and flavor profile. I honestly think this Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole deserves a spot on your regular rotation. You won’t regret it!

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Quick Overview

How do I make a creamy green bean casserole? What should I do to blanch green beans? What’s the best way to make a cheesy cream sauce? What is the best part about doing it? It requires minimal effort with maximum flavor impact. Is this a good one to impress everyone?

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole: For a
* 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed: Fresh is key here! Frozen will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as good.
* 4 tablespoons butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a lovely savory base to the sauce.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
* 3 cups milk: Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest sauce, but 2% will also work. I even tested it with almond milk once and it was surprisingly delicious!
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce so incredibly creamy.
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I love using a sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.

For the Topping: What are some
* 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions: The classic topping! You can use store-bought or make your own.
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter or cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Blanch Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Don’t overcook them, you want them to retain some crunch! Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will also help them retain their bright green color.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Add Cheese

How do you stir together the Cream Cheese and cheddar cheese? What is the magic of salt and pepper? Make sure the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy.

Step 6: Combine

Add the blanched green beans to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. How do I prepare a baking dish?

Step 7: Add Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crispy fried onions and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the green bean casserole.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken up. Serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

This Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for just about any meal! I especially love serving it with:

For Thanksgiving or Christmas: What is the difference? Roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce – the whole shebang! It’s a classic holiday side for a reason.

What’s a good weeknight dinner? Roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or even just a simple grilled steak. It’s a great way to add some veggies to your meal.

For a Potluck or Party:What are some good ways to make a casserole for supper? It’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time. I once brought it to a potluck and it was gone within minutes!

For a Cozy Night In: Sometimes, I just make this casserole for myself on a cozy night in. It’s so comforting and satisfying, and it’s the perfect way to indulge without feeling too guilty.

Growing up, my family always had green bean casserole at Thanksgiving. But it wasn’t until I started making this creamy, cheesy version that I truly appreciated it. It’s now a tradition that I look forward to every year.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole even better. Here are some of my top tips:

Green Bean Prep: Don’t skip the blanching step! It’s crucial for getting the perfect crisp-tender texture. And remember to plunge the beans into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Cheese Choice: I highly recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese for the most flavor. But you can also experiment with other cheeses, like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick. I once used a blend of cheddar and Gruyere and it was absolutely divine!

Crispy Onion Topping: Don’t add the crispy fried onions until the very end of baking, or they will burn. If you want to make your own crispy fried onions, slice the onions thinly and fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels before using.

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the sauce. This will help it melt smoothly and evenly. If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft enough to stir in.

Customization: Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking. Add some crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor. You can also use different types of vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.

Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the casserole and bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil.

One time, I accidentally added too much milk to the cheese sauce. The sauce was too thin, so I mixed a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisked it into the sauce. It thickened up perfectly!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is best served fresh, but it can also be stored and reheated.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken up as it cools.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping won’t be as crispy. I usually add a fresh sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top after reheating to revive the texture.

Remember to always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers. If it smells or looks off, it’s best to discard it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that your crispy fried onions are also gluten-free. There are many brands available that offer gluten-free options.

Do I need to blanch the green beans?

Yes, blanching is crucial! It helps to cook the green beans evenly and maintain their bright green color. It also helps to prevent them from being too crunchy or too mushy in the final casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the topping right before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy days!

What can I use instead of crispy fried onions?

If you’re not a fan of crispy fried onions, you can use breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even toasted nuts. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. I’ve even used crushed potato chips before, and it was surprisingly delicious!

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Absolutely! Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage would be a delicious addition. Just add it to the cheese sauce along with the green beans. I once added some chopped cooked ham to the casserole and it was a huge hit!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories and creates new ones. And honestly, who doesn’t love a cheesy, creamy, veggie-packed casserole? It’s a winner every single time. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Cheesy Potato Casserole or my Creamy Corn Casserole. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!