Cheesy Green Bean Casserole | Rich Creamy Recipe

A rich, cheesy green bean casserole with a perfect blend of tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese that will become your new favorite side dish.

I’m Elena, bringing you my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole that combines American comfort food with Italian cheese expertise. When I first arrived in America, I was fascinated by the green bean casserole tradition but knew it needed the magic of cheese. After perfecting this recipe, it’s now the most requested dish at every family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Irresistible Cheesy Goodness

First, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole features three types of cheese for maximum flavor impact. Moreover, the cheese blend creates a creamy texture that perfectly coats every green bean.

Perfect Texture Balance

Additionally, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole combines creamy sauce with crispy topping. Therefore, you get the ideal contrast in every satisfying bite.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

Furthermore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole appeals to almost everyone, even vegetable skeptics. Consequently, it has become my reliable dish for potlucks and holiday meals.

Versatile Side Dish

Similarly, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Thus, you’ll find yourself making it year-round for various occasions.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

Fresh Vegetable Components

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh green beans	2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Cremini mushrooms	8 ounces, sliced
Yellow onion	1 medium, finely diced
Garlic	3 cloves, minced

Cheese Selection

Ingredient	Quantity
Sharp cheddar cheese	1½ cups, shredded
Gruyère cheese	1 cup, shredded
Parmesan cheese	½ cup, grated

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter	4 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Whole milk	1½ cups
Heavy cream	½ cup
Chicken or vegetable broth	½ cup
Worcestershire sauce	1 teaspoon
Soy sauce	½ teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Nutmeg	⅛ teaspoon

Crunchy Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Panko breadcrumbs	¾ cup
Fried onions	1 cup
Parmesan cheese	¼ cup, grated
Butter	2 tablespoons, melted

How to Make Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a 2½-quart baking dish.
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes, then transfer to ice bath.
3. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Sauté onions and mushrooms until tender, about 6 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
7. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth until smooth.
8. Add Worcestershire, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, simmer until thickened.
9. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
10. Fold in green beans and transfer to prepared dish.
11. Mix panko, fried onions, Parmesan, and melted butter for topping.
12. Sprinkle topping over casserole and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Action	Duration
1	Preheat oven and prepare dish	5 minutes
2	Blanch green beans	8 minutes
3	Sauté vegetables	7 minutes
4	Make sauce	10 minutes
5	Add cheese and assemble	5 minutes
6	Prepare topping	3 minutes
7	Bake	25-30 minutes

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 320

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen green beans if fresh aren’t available. Additionally, substitute Monterey Jack for Gruyère if preferred. Furthermore, gluten-free flour works well in this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.

How to Make It Healthier

Reduce cheese by one-third and increase mushrooms for more volume. Moreover, use low-fat milk and reduce butter in the topping. Therefore, you can enjoy a lighter version of this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.

Serving Ideas

Pair with roasted turkey or ham for a classic holiday meal. Additionally, serve alongside miso mushroom udon for an interesting fusion. Furthermore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole complements greenbean casserole recipe for variety.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Storage and Reheating

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Therefore, you can enjoy this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole long after the special occasion.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Moreover, add fresh topping before serving to restore crispness. Consequently, your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole will taste freshly made.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overbake, as this can cause the cheese to become oily. Additionally, avoid adding cheese while the sauce is boiling, which can cause graininess. Therefore, following these tips guarantees perfect Cheesy Green Bean Casserole every time.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole FAQs

How do you make a cheesy green bean casserole?

To make a cheesy green bean casserole, start with a creamy cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and your favorite cheeses. Additionally, combine with blanched green beans and mushrooms, then top with a crunchy mixture. Therefore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole delivers rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.

What cheese works best for green bean casserole?

Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan work best for green bean casserole. Additionally, cheddar provides bold flavor, Gruyère adds creaminess and nuttiness, while Parmesan offers salty depth. Therefore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole uses all three for maximum impact.

Can you use fresh green beans in a cheesy casserole?

Yes, fresh green beans work perfectly in cheesy casserole and actually provide better texture. Additionally, blanch them briefly before adding to maintain their crisp-tender quality. Therefore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole features fresh green beans for superior taste and texture.

How do you keep the cheese creamy in the casserole?

To keep cheese creamy, remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese and stir until melted. Additionally, avoid high heat after adding cheese to prevent separation. Therefore, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole maintains a smooth, creamy texture throughout baking and serving.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole represents the perfect marriage of American comfort food and Italian cheese expertise. The combination of fresh green beans, rich cheese sauce, and crispy topping creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. While I love the traditional versions like old fashioned green bean casserole and world’s best green bean casserole, this cheesy variation brings something special to the table. For those who prefer the classic Campbell’s version, my green bean casserole Campbell’s recipe offers that nostalgic taste. No matter which version you choose, these green bean casseroles will become beloved additions to your holiday table and weeknight dinners alike.

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