Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a tasty twist on a classic side dish that’s sure to brighten up any meal. It combines fresh green beans with creamy cheesiness and a crispy topping that reminds me a bit of those famous Cheddar Bay biscuits from Red Lobster. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, comforting flavor, while the green beans keep it fresh and a little crunchy.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to prepare, yet it feels a bit special and different from the usual green bean casserole. One of my favorite things to do is to sprinkle extra cheddar on top before baking to get that melty, golden edge. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to ask for seconds of, and I think it’s because it mixes comfort and flavor in such a perfect way.
When I serve this, I like to bring it out during family dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s a great side that pairs well with roasted chicken or turkey, and the cheesy, crispy topping always gets compliments. It’s simple, tasty, and feels just right for sharing with people you care about.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain first. I prefer fresh because they stay crisp and vibrant.
Butter and Flour: These make the base for the cheesy sauce (a roux). Using unsalted butter lets you control saltiness. For gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works well here for creaminess. If needed, you can use a dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk, but the sauce might be a bit thinner.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole its signature tang and gooey melt. If you want something milder, mild cheddar works too. For extra richness, feel free to add a bit of Parmesan or Monterey Jack.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute and adds a bit more protein.
French Fried Onions: These bring a crispy, crunchy topping. If you can’t find them, crushed crispy fried shallots or crispy breadcrumbs with a bit of butter work well.
How Do I Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheddar Sauce Without Lumps?
Making the cheddar sauce is the trickiest part but super doable. The key is to cook the flour and butter mixture first, then slowly whisk in cold milk to avoid lumps.
- Start by melting butter on medium heat, then stir in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes so the flour loses its raw taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. This helps the sauce stay smooth and start to thicken evenly.
- Keep stirring as it cooks so it doesn’t stick or clump. Once thick and bubbly, take off the heat before adding cheese to avoid a grainy sauce.
- Add cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted and smooth before adding more.
Taking your time with this step makes the sauce creamy and cheesy, perfect for coating the green beans well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s just the right amount for family servings.
- Large pot – for boiling and blanching the green beans easily and quickly.
- Medium saucepan – perfect for making the creamy cheese sauce without making a mess.
- Whisk – helps mix the milk and flour smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – to stir and combine ingredients evenly.
- Colander or strainer – to drain the green beans after boiling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon bits or crumbled cooked sausage to add meaty richness and crunch.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a milder or spicier touch.
- Sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs mixed with butter on top for an even crunchier topping.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups French fried onions (such as French’s)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to bake, and just a few minutes to cool before serving. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This will make sure your casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. Quickly drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them bright green. Drain again and set aside.
3. Make the Cheddar Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a paste. Slowly whisk in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Combine and Assemble:
In a large bowl, mix the blanched green beans with the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Add the French fried onions and, if you like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything for extra flavor.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to scoop and enjoy.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain frozen green beans well before using. You might skip the blanching step since frozen beans are pre-cooked, but watch the baking time as they may cook faster.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free cheddar-style shreds and skip the sour cream or replace it with a dairy-free yogurt for tang.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it a few extra minutes since everything will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems thickened.