Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic green bean side dish, combining tender green beans with a cheesy, buttery sauce inspired by those famous cheddar bay biscuits. It’s topped with a golden, crispy layer that adds just the right amount of crunch to every bite. If you love cheesy flavors and comfort food textures, this casserole will quickly become a favorite at your table.
I really enjoy making this casserole because it’s both simple and impressive. I like to mix in sharp cheddar cheese and a little garlic seasoning to mimic that iconic cheddar bay biscuit flavor. One of my favorite parts is when the cheese melts and browns on top, creating a warm, inviting aroma that fills the entire kitchen. It’s easy to put together, and I appreciate how it elevates a basic green bean dish into something special.
For serving, I usually bring this casserole out during holiday meals or family dinners. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or ham, and everyone seems to go back for seconds. If I have extra cheddar bay biscuits, I’ll serve those alongside to double down on the flavors. This recipe is a great way to make green beans exciting and a little more indulgent while still keeping things cozy and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give you the best texture and flavor when blanched just until tender crisp. If you’re short on time, canned green beans work fine—just drain well to avoid soggy casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the signature tangy and rich flavor here. Try smoked cheddar for a deeper taste or use a mild cheddar if you prefer something less intense.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It creates a creamy sauce base. For a homemade twist, replace with a simple mix of sautéed mushrooms, cream, and a little flour for thickening.
French Fried Onions: These crunchy toppings make the casserole special. If unavailable, crushed crispy fried shallots or even toasted breadcrumbs with butter offer a nice alternative.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These seasonings mimic the savory notes of Cheddar Bay biscuits. Fresh garlic could work, but garlic powder is gentler and easier to blend in evenly.
How Do You Get the Casserole Topping Crispy and Golden?
The topping is key to a great casserole—crispy, buttery, and golden. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Coat the French fried onions with melted butter. This helps them brown nicely and adds flavor.
- Sprinkle the onions evenly on top of the casserole to cover it well but don’t pile too thickly—it can prevent crisping underneath.
- Bake the casserole uncovered so moisture escapes, helping the topping stay crisp instead of soggy.
- If your onions aren’t as crunchy as you’d like after baking, try broiling for 1-2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
With these tips, your Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole will have that perfect crispy, golden top that everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I use this because it fits all the ingredients nicely and spreads everything evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all the cheesy, creamy ingredients without making a mess.
- Small bowl – to mix the French fried onions with melted butter for topping.
- Pot for blanching green beans – if using fresh; a standard pot works quickly and easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the perfect proportions of ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding cooked bacon bits or pancetta for a smoky crunch that pairs well with the cheesy goodness.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to boost earthy flavors and add texture.
- Swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce mixed into the creamy base for a little heat.
Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half (or 2 (14 oz) cans green beans, drained)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 2 cups French fried onions (store-bought crispy onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra topping flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting this casserole ready will take about 10-15 minutes of prep time and about 25-30 minutes baking time. If you’re using fresh green beans, allow a few extra minutes to blanch them, then 5 minutes to let the casserole rest before serving. Overall, it’s an easy dish to pull together in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Green Beans:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready. If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Then drain and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain them well.
2. Mix the Cheesy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until smooth and well blended. Next, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and those green beans, stirring until every green bean is coated in the cheesy sauce.
3. Assemble and Add the Topping:
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the green bean mixture evenly inside. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with the French fried onions, tossing to coat them lightly. Sprinkle this buttery onion mixture all over the top of the casserole. If you like, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
4. Bake and Serve:
Place your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, until you see it bubbling and the topping turns crispy and golden brown. When done, let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Then dig in and enjoy that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using. You may want to reduce or skip blanching since frozen beans are typically pre-cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Try substituting dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise, and use a plant-based cheese alternative. For the topping, check for dairy-free crispy onions or make your own with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the crispy topping right before baking to maintain its crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to help keep it creamy if needed.