This creamy and cheesy green bean casserole takes a flavorful twist on the classic holiday dish. With crispy bacon, fried onions, and a rich cream cheese base, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and Creamy: Packed with cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, and milk for an indulgent sauce.
- Flavorful Twist: The addition of crispy bacon and garlic elevates the traditional green bean casserole.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holiday dinners or as a side dish for family meals.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple steps.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
1. Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Mix the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion mixture, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and onion powder. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Add the green beans (cooked or canned, if desired) into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the green beans and mix to coat evenly.
4. Add Toppings
- Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. Add extra cheddar or Parmesan cheese if desired.
5. Bake
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra fried onions or chopped parsley for added flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Bacon: Include 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based cheese and sour cream for a vegetarian version.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, savory layer to the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the sauce fully coats the green beans, and cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the crispy onion topping just before baking.
4. Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes, use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crispy onions and ensure your cheese and milk are gluten-free.
6. Can I add a crunchy breadcrumb topping?
Absolutely! Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for added texture.
7. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen green beans before using them in the recipe.
8. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat sour cream, and less cheese to lighten the dish.
9. What other cheeses work well?
Mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack can be used for a different flavor profile.
10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time if needed.
Conclusion
This creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with crispy fried onions is a delicious twist on a classic dish. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a comforting side dish that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and bring cheesy, crispy goodness to your table!
Print
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and cheesy twist on the classic green bean casserole is elevated with crispy bacon, fried onions, and plenty of rich flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays or any special meal!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Other:
- 4 cups fresh or canned green beans (drained if canned)
- 6 strips of crispy bacon (chopped)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the onion powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Green Beans:
- Add the green beans and chopped bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with crispy fried onions.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, bacon-packed green bean casserole!
Notes
- Fresh vs. Canned: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before using.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Add the onions just before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American