Name: Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans (ends trimmed and cut into halves); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced); 1 tsp minced garlic; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup chicken broth (use a broth made from permissible ingredients); 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground black pepper; Salt (to taste); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 cup French fried onions

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that combines fresh vegetables with a rich, cheesy sauce and a delightfully crispy topping, look no further than this Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole. This recipe elevates the traditional green bean casserole by adding sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a luscious, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender green beans and crispy French fried onions. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner side, this casserole brings warmth, flavor, and a satisfying crunch to your table.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Green bean casseroles have long been a classic, but this Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole takes the best parts and turns up the flavor dial. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that combines fresh green beans with a homemade creamy sauce, rather than relying on canned soups. The blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan adds depth and richness, while the paprika and black pepper give it a subtle kick. Plus, the French fried onions on top deliver that iconic crispy finish everyone loves.

This casserole is versatile enough to complement a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to beef or pork dishes. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some green beans for picky eaters. If you enjoy dishes like the Roasted Garlic Green Beans Lemon Almond Crumbs or the creamy textures in Crispy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes With Garlic Cream, this casserole will fit right into your repertoire.

Ingredients at a Glance

1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into halves
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth (use a broth made from permissible ingredients)
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup French fried onions

Equipment Breakdown

Large pot – for blanching green beans
Large skillet or saucepan – to prepare the cheese sauce
Whisk – for smooth sauce preparation
Mixing spoon – to combine ingredients thoroughly
Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended) – to bake the casserole
Grater – for shredding cheddar and Parmesan cheese

Directions: Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans, trimmed and halved, and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Add Cheese

Stir in the paprika, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Green Beans and Sauce

Add the blanched green beans to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the beans evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the cheesy green beans mixture into your baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the French fried onions generously over the top of the casserole. This will give the dish a crunchy, golden crust once baked.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian side.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a protein-packed dish like the Baked Ranch Chicken Cheddar Potato Casserole.

Make It Your Way

Swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheese profile.
Add sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon bits for extra savory notes.
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version; adjust cheese accordingly.
Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a subtle tang.
Top with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an alternative crust.

Things That Go Wrong

Soggy topping: If your French fried onions get soggy, try adding them in the last 5 minutes of baking or broiling briefly at the end for extra crispness.
Runny sauce: Ensure you cook the flour in butter long enough to make a proper roux and allow the sauce to thicken before adding cheese.
Overcooked green beans: Blanch just until bright green and tender-crisp; overcooking will result in mushy beans in the casserole.
Cheese clumping: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly; avoid adding cheese to boiling liquid to prevent clumping.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftover Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through, until hot. To keep the topping crispy, you can add fresh French fried onions right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw and drain them well before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery.

What can I substitute for French fried onions?

If you don’t have French fried onions, crushed crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter can provide a similar crunchy topping.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the French fried onions just before baking to keep them crisp.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure that the French fried onions and cheeses used are free from animal-derived rennet if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian-friendly.

That’s a Wrap

This Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a celebration of fresh ingredients and indulgent flavors. The tender green beans bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with crunchy onions create a dish that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking lineup, delivering cozy vibes and delicious bites every time.

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