Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a tasty twist on the classic green bean casserole you know and love. It’s packed with fresh green beans, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy, buttery topping that reminds me of those famous cheddar bay biscuits. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor that makes every bite extra special.
I really enjoy making this casserole when I want a side dish that stands out but is still super comforting. I like to use fresh green beans instead of canned because they stay nice and crisp, giving the dish a great texture. And the cheesy sauce? It’s simple to put together, but it brings everything together in a way that makes everyone ask for seconds.
My favorite way to serve this is right alongside a big roast or grilled chicken. It pairs perfectly with any meal, especially during family gatherings or holidays. I always find that this casserole gets eaten up quickly, and it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies onto the table without anyone noticing. If you love cheesy comfort food with a crunchy, buttery top, this one’s a keeper!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh green beans gives this dish a nice crunch and bright color. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw and drain them well before adding.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. Mild cheddar works too if you prefer a softer cheese taste. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheddar-style cheese.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the creamy base. If you want to skip canned soup, you can make your own cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms.
French Fried Onions & Buttery Crackers: These give the casserole its crispy topping. If you can’t find French fried onions, you can swap with crispy fried shallots or even toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for crunch.
How Can I Get the Topping Extra Crispy and Golden?
The topping is key to a great casserole! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter well. This helps them crisp up instead of drying out.
- Combine buttered crackers with French fried onions gently to keep the onions from getting soggy.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly on the casserole to allow even browning.
- Bake uncovered so moisture can escape and the topping turns golden and crunchy.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it holds everything well and makes serving easy.
- Steamer basket or pot with lid – helps you quickly blanch the green beans so they stay crispy and bright.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the sauce ingredients and the topping mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep everything precise and balanced.
- Spatula or spoon – easy for stirring and spreading the casserole evenly.
- Baking sheet (optional) – helpful if you want to toast the topping separately or broil for extra crunch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits or ham for a meaty, smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the cheese.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to deepen the flavor.
- Use fried shallots instead of French fried onions for a slightly different crunch and taste.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup French fried onions
For the Topping:
- ½ cup French fried onions
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or buttery breadcrumb topping (like from Cheddar Bay Biscuits)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll steam the green beans, mix your cheesy sauce, prepare the crunchy topping, and bake it all together until bubbly and golden. It’s a wonderfully straightforward dish that comes together fairly quickly, perfect for a weeknight or holiday side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
Steam or blanch the fresh green beans for about 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain well to avoid sogginess and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesy Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix in Green Beans and Onions:
Fold the cooked green beans and half of the French fried onions into the cheesy mixture gently, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the green bean mixture evenly into your greased baking dish.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, crushed buttery crackers, and the remaining French fried onions until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface.
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Add Extra Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese nicely.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, then serve hot. This dish shines as a comforting side full of cheesy goodness and crispy topping—perfect for your dinner table.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. You may want to reduce steaming time since frozen beans are usually pre-cooked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering loosely to keep the topping from getting too soft.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole through step 6, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for French Fried Onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions, crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make great crunchy alternatives for topping.