The Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish feels like a warm hug on your plate. Imagine tender green beans enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with crispy bacon adding a delightful crunch. And let’s not forget the crispy fried onions on top, which add that irresistible texture that everyone loves. As we dive into this recipe, I can already tell you that it’s going to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, delicious, and a wonderful way to showcase those fresh green beans. Now, are you ready to impress your family and friends with this comforting classic? Let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Works
The Cheesy Green Bean Casserole combines the nostalgic flavors of classic holiday dishes with a modern twist, creating a comforting side that everyone will love. The richness of the cheese and the crunch of the fried onions elevate this dish, making it irresistible. Each bite captures that homemade goodness we all cherish, reminding us of family gatherings and special occasions. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish, perfect for potlucks or dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
You’ll appreciate this casserole for more than just its taste. It showcases tender green beans while incorporating crispy bacon and a creamy, cheesy sauce that blends together flawlessly. That makes it not just satisfying but also a great conversation starter at the table. It’s so good that you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, the joy of seeing loved ones enjoy your cooking is truly priceless.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 3 tablespoons butter
– ½ cup diced yellow onion
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– ⅓ cup heavy cream, or half-and-half
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 cups French fried onions, divided
Preparing the Green Beans
Blanch the Green Beans
Start by placing a pot of water over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and blanch them for 3 minutes; this will help keep their vibrant color and crunch.
Cool and Season the Green Beans
Immediately after blanching, drain the green beans and run them under cold water for about 2 minutes to halt the cooking process. Drain completely and season them with the remaining salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Creating the Cheesy Sauce
Cook the Bacon
Now, grab a skillet and cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes until it’s nice and crispy. Remove the bacon, but keep the greasy goodness in the pan—trust me, this flavor is essential!
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the butter to the bacon grease, which adds that extra depth of flavor. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for around 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
Thicken the Sauce
Next, stir in the flour and cook it for another minute. Then, gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. This is the moment you watch your sauce transform into something incredibly creamy!
Mix in Cream and Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the heavy cream, crispy bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted and smooth. This cheesy goodness is going to elevate your casserole to the next level!
Assembling the Casserole
Combine Green Beans and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Fold the blanched green beans and 1 cup of French fried onions into the creamy cheese sauce, making sure every bean is well coated.
Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the delicious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top it evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with the remaining cup of French fried onions. This will create a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
Baking the Casserole
Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake it for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, and the onions are lightly browned. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief wait will help set everything nicely, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with many dishes. It’s excellent alongside roasted turkey, a flavorful ham, or even a hearty salad. It adds that creamy element to any meal, making every bite a bit more special.
Tips for Success
- To ensure your green beans maintain a slight crunch, don’t overcook them. They should be tender but still have some bite.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese according to your preference; try different varieties for new flavor combinations. Experimentation can lead to fun and exciting results!
Variations
- If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon for traditional bacon.
- Want to add more veggies? Consider incorporating cooked mushrooms or shredded carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Green Bean Casserole?
Yes! It freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free flour for the sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are recommended, you can use your favorite cheese combinations for varied flavor.
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole will quickly become a cherished recipe for your family gatherings. Its creamy, savory elements make it a perfect centerpiece for any festive table, adding comfort and satisfaction to every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as delightful leftovers, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.
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Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender green beans, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Ideal for family dinners and special occasions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ⅓ cup heavy cream, or half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then cool under cold water.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then sauté onions and garlic in the bacon grease.
- Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheeses, mixing until smooth.
- Combine green beans and sauce, then add French fried onions.
- Transfer to a greased casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure green beans are slightly crisp to maintain texture.
Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 45
