Cheesy Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, but why settle for the same old recipe? This year, elevate your holiday feast with a cheesy twist on this classic dish. Our Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is packed with flavor, features a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a crispy topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration.

Why This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is the Perfect Thanksgiving Side

Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own special touch to classic dishes. This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole builds upon the familiar comfort of the original while introducing exciting new flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Green bean casserole is a nostalgic dish that evokes feelings of warmth and togetherness. The addition of cheese takes that comfort to a whole new level. The creamy cheese sauce blankets the green beans, creating a truly satisfying and indulgent experience.

• Elevated Flavor Profile: While the original green bean casserole is delicious, it can sometimes lack depth. Our recipe solves this problem by incorporating a blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, to create a complex and savory flavor profile.

• Enhanced Texture: Texture is just as important as taste when it comes to creating a memorable dish. This recipe features a crispy topping made from a combination of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and more cheese, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.

• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavor and texture, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can create a show-stopping side dish.

• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of familiar flavors and exciting new twists will appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

Ingredients for a Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Masterpiece

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy green bean casserole masterpiece:

• Green Beans: 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces or two (14.5 ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained well. If using frozen, use about 1 1/2 lbs thawed and drained.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Mushrooms: 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided.
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons.
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup chicken broth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Gruyere Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but recommended for its nutty flavor).
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
• French Fried Onions: 1 (6-ounce) can French fried onions, divided.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese would all be delicious additions.
• Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of cremini mushrooms, you can use white button mushrooms or even shiitake mushrooms for a more intense flavor.
• Green Beans: If fresh green beans aren’t available, canned or frozen green beans can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Many traditional recipes use cream of mushroom soup as a base. While we prefer the homemade sauce, you can substitute it if you’re short on time. Use about 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of milk and broth accordingly. Omit the flour and butter slurry for the sauce if using the canned soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and cheesy green bean casserole that will impress your Thanksgiving guests:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cook the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside. If using canned or frozen green beans, drain them well.

3. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese (if using), and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the green beans evenly.

7. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ can of French fried onions evenly over the top.

8. Make the Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the French fried onions.

9. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, be careful not to overcook them. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Drain the Green Beans Well: Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or frozen green beans, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the casserole. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Use a Good Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese will greatly impact the flavor of the casserole. Use good quality cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to customize the topping to your liking. You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. You can also use different types of breadcrumbs, such as Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Make Ahead: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. It’s the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast, and it pairs well with turkey, ham, or any other main course.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with other classic Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Cheesy Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.
• Freezing: While technically possible, freezing the casserole is not recommended as the texture can change upon thawing. The sauce may separate, and the topping may become soggy. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before adding them to the casserole.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

• Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of making the sauce from scratch? Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup for the homemade sauce. Use about 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of milk and broth accordingly. Omit the flour and butter slurry for the sauce if using the canned soup.

• What kind of cheese should I use? We recommend using a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese.

• Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Yes, you can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, to make this casserole vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Why is my green bean casserole watery? The most common cause of a watery casserole is not draining the green beans well enough. Be sure to drain canned or frozen green beans thoroughly. If using fresh green beans, avoid overcooking them.

• How can I make the topping crispier? For an extra-crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.