Get ready to transform your mealtime with a dish that’s as comforting as it is incredibly delicious: Easy Cheesy Green Beans! This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a creamy, savory, and wonderfully crunchy casserole that promises to be the star alongside any main course. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cozy weeknight meal, these cheesy green beans come together in minutes, offering an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Easy Cheesy Green Beans: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Side
While the traditional green bean casserole often makes an appearance at holiday tables, especially Thanksgiving, this year, it’s time to introduce a delightful twist that’s equally simple yet profoundly satisfying. We’ve taken the classic green bean dish and elevated it with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and an unexpected, yet utterly addictive, crispy cornflake topping. Move over, French fried onions – there’s a new crunch in town!
This recipe is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters. The magic lies in the creamy cheese sauce that generously coats every green bean, making vegetables undeniably appealing. It’s truly amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a comforting and flavorful experience with minimal effort. Forget limiting cheesy green beans to just holidays; this versatile side dish pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken and pork dinners to a casual barbecue, making it a fantastic addition to your menu all year long.
We understand the desire for balance, especially when surrounded by an abundance of sweet treats and holiday desserts. That’s why we’re excited to share this vegetable-forward recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or indulgence. It’s the perfect way to incorporate more greens into your diet without sacrificing the joy of a truly delicious meal.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Crafting these irresistible cheesy green beans requires only a few pantry staples. This quick overview highlights the simple ingredients you’ll need. For precise measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card at the end of this post.
- French Style Green Beans: We prefer the delicate texture of French-style green beans for this casserole, but regular cut green beans work just as well. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh – just adjust cooking times accordingly. If using canned, ensure they are well-drained.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a robust, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Butter: Essential for both the rich cheese sauce and creating that perfectly golden, crispy cornflake topping.
- Cornflakes: The secret ingredient for an incredibly satisfying crunch! Crushed cornflakes offer a unique texture that stands out from traditional fried onions.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it’s wonderfully creamy and clings to the green beans.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the savory notes and acidity from the sour cream, bringing out a well-rounded flavor.
- Sour Cream: The base of our luxurious, creamy sauce, providing a tangy richness that makes this dish so decadent. Full-fat sour cream will yield the creamiest results.
Optional Additions: Feel free to customize your casserole! Consider adding minced garlic for an aromatic kick, crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty contrast, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of nutty flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Making Cheesy Green Beans is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Non-stick cooking spray: For greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Saucepan or Skillet: A large skillet (a 10-inch cast iron skillet is ideal) will be perfect for melting butter, creating the sauce, and coating the green beans.
- Large bowl: Useful for combining ingredients if preferred, though most of the mixing can happen directly in the skillet.
- 1.5-quart baking dish/casserole dish: The perfect size for baking this recipe. Ensure it’s oven-safe.
- Heat-resistant potholders: Safety first! Always use reliable potholders when handling hot dishes from the oven.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Green Beans
This cheesy green bean casserole is incredibly easy to prepare. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time. For full printable instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and necessary equipment, ensuring everything is within easy reach. This “mise en place” approach makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Topping
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the crushed cornflake cereal pieces and stir continuously until they are evenly coated in the butter and turn a light golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch. Remove the cornflakes from the pan and set them aside on a plate, allowing them to cool slightly.
Step 3: Start the Flavorful Base
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and sugar. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a bubbly paste, known as a roux. This will ensure your sauce is smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Incorporate the Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low. Add the sour cream to the bubbling flour mixture and stir vigorously until the sauce becomes smooth and wonderfully creamy. Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine with Green Beans
Add the well-drained French-style green beans to the creamy sour cream sauce in the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every green bean is generously coated with the luscious sauce. This ensures a consistent, cheesy bite in every spoonful.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole Base
Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture into your greased 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 7: Add the Signature Crunch
Evenly sprinkle the butter-coated cornflake mixture over the top of the green beans. This layer will become wonderfully crisp during baking, providing a fantastic textural contrast.
Step 8: The Grand Finale
Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the cornflake topping. Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cornflakes are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Green Beans
Ensuring your cheesy green beans are always a hit is easy with a few simple tips for preparation and storage.
Make Ahead: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of pouring the green beans into the casserole dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For the best crunchy topping, wait to add the cornflakes and shredded cheese until just before baking. This prevents the cornflakes from becoming soggy.
Storage/Leftovers: Any leftover cheesy green beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for 3-4 days.
Freezing/How to Freeze: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, transfer the green bean casserole to a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the casserole dish with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat: Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave for individual servings or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for larger portions. If reheating in the oven, you might want to add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
Creative Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Cheese Substitutions: Instead of sharp cheddar, try a blend of Gruyere and Swiss for a more sophisticated flavor, or use Monterey Jack for a milder, extra-melty result. Pepper Jack cheese will add a delightful spicy kick.
- Enhanced Flavor: For a brighter taste, add a hint of lemon zest to the sauce. Roasted garlic, added to the sauce with the flour, will infuse the dish with a wonderful aroma and depth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking can also elevate the savory notes.
- Cream Base Alternatives: If you prefer a richer, less tangy sauce, heavy cream can be used in place of sour cream. For those who enjoy the classic green bean casserole flavor, consider sautéing some fresh onions and adding them to the sauce before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a perfect side for meatless meals.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use vegan sour cream and your favorite shredded vegan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, ensure your cornflakes or alternative crispy topping (like crushed gluten-free crackers) are certified gluten-free, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce. A drizzle of sriracha sauce over individual servings adds a vibrant burst of flavor.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe easily scales up or down. To make a smaller serving size, adjust the ingredient quantities in the recipe card accordingly. For larger gatherings, simply double the recipe and bake it in two separate casserole dishes or a larger baking pan.
What to Serve with Cheesy Green Beans
These Cheesy Green Beans are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses and other sides. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:
- Salads: Brighten your meal with a refreshing fruit salad, a crisp green salad, a nostalgic Ambrosia Salad, a hearty Big Mac Salad, or a layered Seven-Layer Salad.
- Main Dishes: This casserole is the ultimate companion to grilled meats, roasted chicken, a tender Crockpot Ham, a comforting Stovetop Meatloaf, classic turkey, delicate grilled fish, an Impossible Cheeseburger Pie, the rich Million Dollar Spaghetti, or a savory Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
- Other Side Dishes: Create a complete meal with creamy mashed potatoes, additional roasted vegetables, crusty Garlic Bread, fluffy Rice Pilaf, a sweet Carrot Soufflé, or a comforting Creamed Corn Casserole.
- Desserts: Finish your meal on a sweet note with Chocolate Cake, elegant Crème Brulée Cheesecake Bars, zesty Lemon Cheesecake Bars, a decadent Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, classic ice cream, fruit pies, or a comforting bread pudding.
- Drinks: Pair with refreshing Iced Tea, sparkling water, a tangy Lemonade, mineral water, or your favorite beverage.
When to Enjoy This Delicious Side
The versatility of cheesy green beans means they’re suitable for almost any occasion!
- Family Dinner: A comforting and easy addition to any weeknight meal.
- Thanksgiving: A modern take on a classic holiday staple.
- Christmas Dinner: Adds festive flavor and color to your holiday spread.
- Easter Brunch: A delightful spring side dish.
- Potlucks: Always a popular dish that travels well.
- Church Dinners: A beloved option for community meals.
- Summer Barbecues: A fantastic companion to grilled meats like pulled pork.
- Ham Dinner: The perfect creamy and savory side dish for ham.
Discover More Great Holiday Side Dishes
If you’re looking for more delicious sides to round out your holiday meals or family dinners, explore these popular recipes:
- Apple Stuffing Recipe: A sweet and savory classic.
- Broccoli Casserole: Another creamy, cheesy favorite.
- Hasselback Potatoes: Elegant and flavorful roasted potatoes.
- Slow Cooker Corn Pudding: A sweet and easy corn dish.
- Carrot and Ginger Soup: A warming and vibrant soup.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty and beautiful vegetarian option.
- Cranberry Orange Relish: A fresh, zesty alternative to canned cranberries.
- Vegetable Side Dishes: A collection of easy vegetable sides for any occasion.
- Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes: Quick and delicious vegetarian options.
- Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes: Effortless vegetarian meals and sides.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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Cheesy Green Beans Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 cans green beans French Style, 14.5 oz cans
- 4 Tablespoon Butter divided
- 1 cup Corn Flakes
- 1 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon White Sugar
- 1 cup Sour Cream 8 ounces
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet, stir in cornflakes until well coated. Remove from pan and set to the side.
- Melt remaining butter, stir in flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and sugar until combined and bubbling.
- Reduce the skillet heat, add sour cream and stir until creamy, cook for 2 minutes on lower heat.
- Add in green beans and stir to fully coat.
- Pour green bean mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with cornflake crumbs evenly, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Kitchen Tools
- 10 inch Cast Iron Skillet
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 198