Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used in this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe if you’re in a pinch. Just thaw and pat dry them before blanching or cooking. Fresh green beans, however, provide a better texture and flavor if you have access.

What can I substitute for French fried onions?

If you don’t have French fried onions on hand, you can use crispy fried shallots, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed crispy potato chips as a topping for a similar crunch and flavor contrast.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the entire casserole (except the top garnish) a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and then bake right before serving. Add the French fried onions and bacon on top for the last 5 minutes of baking.

How do I get the cheese sauce smooth without lumps?

To get a smooth cheese sauce, whisk the flour into the butter and cooked onions thoroughly before slowly adding milk. Stir constantly over medium heat until it thickens, and add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess. Patience and steady stirring are key!

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole | Easy & Delicious Comfort Food

Description

A rich and flavorful Cheesy Green Bean Casserole combining tender green beans with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and crunchy French fried onions, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 1/2 lbs fresh green beans
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Meat

1 lb bacon, chopped

Pantry

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups French fried onions
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside for later use.
Prepare green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half if preferred. Set aside.
Blanch green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes until just tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.
Cook onion and garlic: Wipe the skillet clean, then add butter and return to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Make roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add milk and season: Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Season the sauce with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add cheeses and cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add half of the cooked bacon and half of the French fried onions and stir to combine.
Assemble casserole: Place the prepared green beans in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the beans and gently stir to combine the ingredients.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Add topping and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, top with the remaining bacon and French fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy green bean casserole!

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce cheese quantities slightly.
Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Ensure green beans are patted dry after blanching to prevent watery casserole.
Feel free to add mushrooms or swap cheeses to customize the flavor.
Bacon can be omitted for a vegetarian alternative; add extra cheese and fried onions for texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg