If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and a touch of nostalgia to your table, this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on the classic green bean casserole, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and crowned with crispy fried onions that add irresistible crunch. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want a dish that feels like a cozy hug, this casserole balances creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fresh green beans providing color and freshness, to the sharp cheddar adding depth and richness, and the crispy onions delivering that signature crunch we all love.
- Fresh green beans (2 pounds): Choose beans that are vibrant and firm for the best texture after cooking.
- Table salt (2 tablespoons): Helps season the beans as they blanch and enhances all other flavors in the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup (21 ounces): The creamy base that binds all the ingredients together for a luscious finish.
- Milk or cream (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect casserole consistency.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1 teaspoon): A secret umami boost that deepens the savory notes without overpowering.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar brings a wonderful tang and melty texture to the casserole.
- Crispy fried onions (6 ounces, divided): One container is used in two stages for maximum crunchy topping and mixed-in texture.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning that brings out all the dish’s layers.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and position your oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot filled with 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of table salt to the boiling water, which seasons the beans as they cook and helps maintain their vibrant green color. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them until the texture is just right for your taste – usually between 7 and 10 minutes for tender-crisp or softer beans.
Step 3: Shock and Dry the Beans
While your beans are cooking, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl. Once the beans have finished blanching, drain them quickly and plunge them into the ice water to stop the cooking process immediately. This step locks in their bright color and perfect texture. After cooling, spread the beans on paper towels and gently pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or your preferred cream), soy sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir in your blanched green beans and mix gently until the beans are evenly coated. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and bake it at 425°F for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps meld the cheese and soup, creating a bubbling, cheesy layer that’s full of flavor.
Step 6: Add Crunch and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, pull the casserole out and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top — this final topping will toast beautifully, creating a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy interior. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are crisp and the casserole is bubbling to perfection.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of this casserole perfectly. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky accent that pairs really well with the cheddar.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast turkey or baked ham, making it a holiday staple. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic mashed potatoes for comfort that shines in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, prepare individual servings in small ramekins topped with the fried onions just before serving, so everyone gets their own crunchy crown. Or turn the casserole into a layered bake with sliced mushrooms and caramelized onions for extra depth. Even adding a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans can bring a surprising crunch that complements the crispy onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and crispy topping as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. For best results, assemble but do not add the fried onions on top before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the crispy onions, and bake as usual. This way, your topping stays fresh and crunchy.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, but for the full crispy effect, reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until bubbling and the onions return to crispiness. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out and remove it during the last few minutes to refresh the topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh green beans provide the best texture and vibrant color, canned green beans can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly and adjust seasoning since canned beans tend to be softer and saltier.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and select a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. It won’t be exactly the same but still tasty and creamy in its own right.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing finely chopped mushrooms and onions, then stirring in flour, broth, and milk until thickened. This fresh version enhances the casserole with bright mushroom flavor without the canned texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is perfect for preparing a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor and crispy topping.
How spicy is this recipe?
This casserole has no heat from spices, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your soup mixture for subtle warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the crunchy onion topping makes every spoonful a joy. Whether for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight side, giving this recipe a try means sharing a little love in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and add it to your family’s favorite traditions!
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Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe combines tender fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom soup sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions for a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Seasonings and Condiments
- 2 tablespoons table salt (for boiling beans)
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade, about 2 cans)
- ¾ cup milk (or half and half or heavy cream)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 6 ounces crispy fried onions (divided, about 1 container; French’s recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the oven rack in the middle. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Boil water: In a large Dutch oven or pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.
- Cook green beans: Add 2 tablespoons of table salt and the prepared green beans to the boiling water. Cook the beans for 7-10 minutes until they achieve your preferred tenderness, either barely crisp or soft.
- Prepare ice bath: While the beans cook, fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside to shock the beans after cooking.
- Shock beans: Drain the green beans in a colander once cooked, then immediately plunge them into the ice water bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their color and texture.
- Dry beans: Remove the beans from the ice water and spread them over paper towels, gently patting them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or cream), low-sodium soy sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of crushed crispy fried onions. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Combine beans and sauce: Add the dried green beans to the mushroom soup mixture and stir gently to coat the beans evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the coated green beans evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake first phase: Bake the casserole at 425°F for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Reduce oven temperature: Remove the casserole from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 350°F in preparation for final baking.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 5 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes at 350°F, or until the onion topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half and half or heavy cream for the milk.
- French’s crispy fried onions are recommended for the classic crunch and flavor.
- Blanching the green beans in salted boiling water then shocking them in ice water helps maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- You can prepare the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
- Adjust salt levels according to the saltiness of your mushroom soup and soy sauce.
