green bean cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
green bean cheese recipe
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The Best green bean cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – green bean cheese. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender green beans and creamy cheese is a match made in heaven, and I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does.

As for where this recipe comes from, I’ve been making it since I was a teenager, when my mom first introduced me to it. She got it from her mother, who was an excellent cook in her own right. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, but the basic concept remains the same. It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to please.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply sauté the green beans with some garlic and onion, then stir in the cheese until it’s melted and gooey. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor or texture. Of course, no discussion of green bean cheese would be complete without talking about its health benefits.

As we all know, green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the cheese adds a nice dose of calcium to boot. Plus, using low-fat cheese keeps things relatively guilt-free compared to other rich side dishes. My kids have always loved helping me in the kitchen with this recipe – they love mashing up the garlic and onion with their hands (and getting their hands all smelly!) , and then stirring in the cheese until it’s all smooth and creamy.

This recipe is perfect for any time of year, but especially during holidays when you need something comforting and familiar on your table. And let me tell you – this dish never fails to impress at potlucks or family gatherings! Now that I’ve shared my love for green bean cheese with you, I hope you’ll give it a try! You won’t regret it.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cheese

Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cheese

4.5 from 1782 votes

This rich and comforting casserole combines tender green beans with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy topping. It is a perfect side dish for holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the green beans and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
4Drain the beans in a colander and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
7Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
8Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
9Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
10Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
11Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
12Stir gently until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
14Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them gently in the cheese sauce until they are fully coated.
15Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
16In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
18Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Whisk
8×8 inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor. Make sure to blanch the green beans just until tender to keep them crisp in the casserole.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cheese Works

This green bean cheese recipe is a keeper because it is easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and it reheats well in the microwave or oven.

For serving, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top to brighten it up, and it goes perfectly with roasted meats or a simple salad. Whether it is a holiday dinner or a casual get together, this dish is always a good idea and never lasts long on the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cheese

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

For this recipe, I like to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella – the sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mozzarella.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen green beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw them first by leaving them in room temperature or by microwaving them according to package instructions.

Q: How long do I cook the green beans for?

Cooking time will depend on how tender you like your green beans – if you prefer them still crisp but slightly tender, cook for about 5 minutes; if you prefer them fully tender but not mushy, cook for about 10 minutes.

Q: Can I add other ingredients besides garlic and onion?

Of course! Some people like to add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to give their green bean cheese an extra boost of flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover green bean cheese?

You can store leftover green bean cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – just reheat before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

No – since this recipe calls for dairy products (cheese), it’s not suitable for vegans unless you substitute with plant-based alternatives.

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