Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Making Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a snap with just six ingredients. Once you’ve tasted this version, you’ll never want regular green bean casserole again! And guess what? It’s gluten-free!

Our recipe can spruce up any holiday meal, be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or Easter. It’s creamy, cheesy, and darn delicious. This twist on the classic green bean casserole is your perfect dish for any get-together.

While our Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans, Bacon Green Beans, and Crockpot Green Bean Casserole remain beloved family favorites, this holiday season, our cheesy rendition has stolen the spotlight. Combining the crunch of fresh green beans with a delectable cheese blend, it strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Creamy and irresistible, it has swiftly become the star of our holiday gatherings. If you’re in need a a fun Thanksgiving appetizer you’ve gotta try this adorable Turkey Veggie Tray!

Ingredients

• (2) 16 ounce green beans, drained ✅ 
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅ 
• 10.5 ounce cream of mushroom soup ✅ 
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 6 ounces French fried onions, divided ✅ 

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

To prepare the casserole, start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Next, gather your ingredients: 2 cans of drained 16-ounce green beans, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 6 ounces of French fried onions (divided).

In a medium bowl, combine the drained green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, and pepper. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. Then, incorporate half of the French fried onions into the mixture and continue stirring until they are evenly distributed.

Now, transfer the mixture into a baking pan, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for 25 minutes.

After the initial 25 minutes of baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining half of the French fried onions over the top of the casserole. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the onions to become crispy and add a delightful texture to the dish.

Once the casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven. The aromatic blend of flavors and textures will be enticing. Serve the casserole while it’s still hot, and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, tender green beans, and crunchy French fried onions is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What To Serve With Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy green beans will easily be one of the most requested dishes around the holidays. It pairs well with any main entree and complements all the famous side dishes.

Serve alongside Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Chuck Roast in the Oven, No-Boil Lasagna, Easy Sweet Potato Casserole, Brown Sugar Baked Beans, Easy Cornbread Stuffing, Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes, or Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes.

While green bean casserole from scratch is a great recipe to feature around the holidays, don’t stop there! It can also be served anytime of the year as a side dish. Pair with everything from Baked Pork Chops or Broiled Flank Steak to Instant Pot Meatloaf or Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Fresh Green Beans: While the recipe calls for canned green beans, using fresh green beans can add a vibrant crunch to the dish. Blanch the fresh green beans in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the casserole for a brighter color and slightly firmer texture.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to personalize the flavor profile. Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be great alternatives or additions to the sharp cheddar.
• Seasonings: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. These subtle additions can make a significant difference in taste.
• Nutty Crunch: Add some toasted almonds or chopped pecans along with the French-fried onions for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a burst of freshness to the casserole. Sprinkle them over the casserole just before serving.
• Baking Dish Size: Using a shallow and wide baking dish can help create a larger surface area for the crispy topping. This allows more of the French-fried onions to get golden and crunchy.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the top from becoming too brown. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.

• Prepare for Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the casserole according to the recipe up until the point just before it goes in the oven. Do not add the French-fried onions on top.
• Wrap and Freeze: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe lid. Make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date for easy reference.
• Freezing Duration: The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For the best quality, try to use it within this time frame.
• Thawing and Baking: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for about 24 hours. Once thawed, follow the original baking instructions. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F, bake for 25 minutes, and then add the French-fried onions on top for an additional 5 minutes of baking.
• Note: Freezing and reheating may affect the texture slightly, particularly the crispiness of the onions. However, the flavors should still be delicious.

Remember that freezing can sometimes change the texture of certain ingredients, but your cheesy green bean casserole should still taste wonderful after freezing if properly stored and reheated.

More Gluten-Free Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole
• Grandmas Chicken Casserole
• Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
• Gluten Free Chicken Casserole