Dive into the world of holiday comfort food with our Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. This heavenly dish is baked to perfection, offering a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy textures that your family will adore.
If you are looking for the perfect way to elevate your Thanksgiving and Christmas table, this easy cheesy green bean casserole recipe is for you.
With this recipe, we are skipping the cream of mushroom soup (and the cream of chicken soup), and instead making a delicious homemade mushroom sauce.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "A green bean casserole without canned soup? Is that even possible?"
Well, not only is it possible, but it's also downright delicious! You won’t believe the depth of flavor that comes from such a simple sauce - or how easy it is to make.
Ingredients for Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Frozen green beans: You can use fresh trimmed green beans if you prefer. Just remember to blanch them first.
- Butter: Use unsalted or salted butter; just adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- Sliced button mushrooms: You could use another type of mushroom or even a mixture of mushrooms.
- Diced onion: Any variety works, but I have a soft spot for sweet yellow onions.
- Minced garlic: Fresh is usually best, but if you're in a pinch, garlic powder will do just fine.
- Dried thyme: You could also experiment with rosemary or sage - both would be delightful!
- All-purpose flour: If you're gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Choose whichever suits your preference or dietary needs.
- Half and half: I like the richness this lends, but you could use whole milk if you prefer.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a tangy twist, but feel free to play around with your favorite cheeses. Parmesan cheese is also a lovely addition to this side dish.
- Sea salt: Adjust to taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Like it spicy? Feel free to add more!
- French-Fried onions: If you don't have these on hand, breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips could add a fun twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips and Tricks
- Bake it Your Way: If you prefer a deeper golden top, consider broiling your green bean cheesy casserole for a minute or two after it's done baking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Make it Ahead: Did you know you can prepare this casserole a day in advance? Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you're ready. Perfect for those busy holiday seasons!
- All About the Toppings: Fried onions give a fantastic crunch to our casserole, but there's no harm in getting creative. Consider adding some crispy bacon bits for a cheesy bacon green bean casserole.
Serving Suggestions
- Crockpot Turkey Breast. Slow-cooked to perfection, this turkey breast is tender, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with our creamy, cheesy casserole.
- If you're looking for a beefy show-stopping centerpiece, look no further than the Picanha Roast.
- My Air Fryer Biscuits are a hit at every gathering. They're light, fluffy, and have that lovely golden-brown crust on top.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes offer a different texture contrast to the green bean casserole but carry through that comforting, cheesy theme we love so much.
FAQs
Which is better frozen or canned green beans for green bean casserole?
Both frozen and canned green beans can work well in a green bean casserole, but it ultimately depends on personal preference.
Frozen green beans tend to have a firmer texture, while canned green beans are softer.
Some people also prefer the taste of one over the other. Feel free to experiment with both and see which you prefer!
Can you make green bean casserole the night before?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
Just remember to add the fried onions at the end of baking for that perfect crunch.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Frozen Green Beans
Ingredients
- 20 ounces frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- 1 onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F. Spray a 13 x 9 casserole dish with cooking spray, and arrange the green beans in the bottom of it.
- Melt the butter in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and thyme, and flour and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the broth until combined, and then add the half and half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in 1 cup of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese melts.
- Pour the sauce over the green beans, and top with the remaining cup of cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Add the onions, and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm.
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