Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a fresh take on a classic side dish with a cheesy twist. Tender green beans, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and crispy topping come together to make a dish that’s comforting and full of flavor. If you love the famous cheddar biscuits from Cheddar Bay, you’ll definitely enjoy how those flavors inspire this casserole.
I always like making this casserole when I want something a little different but still familiar for dinner or holidays. It feels homemade and cozy but with a fun cheesy kick that everyone notices right away. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead, so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
Whenever I serve this dish, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to brighten it up a bit, but it’s absolutely delicious just as it is. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or a simple baked potato for a no-fuss meal that always gets plenty of compliments. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser that I keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best here for crisp texture and color. If you’re short on time, frozen green beans are a good alternative—just thaw and drain them well before using.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and creaminess. Mild cheddar can be used if you prefer less tang, or mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
Cream and Milk: Whole milk and heavy cream create that rich, velvety sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead. Non-dairy milks like oat or cashew milk also work but may alter the texture slightly.
Fried Onions: These are essential for the signature crunch and flavor on top. You can find these in most grocery stores. For a homemade touch, you can fry thinly sliced onions yourself or substitute with panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
How Do You Make a Smooth, Cheesy Sauce Without Clumps?
Making the cheese sauce is key. Here’s how to get it creamy and smooth every time:
- Melt butter, then add garlic to gently infuse flavor, cooking just until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour slowly to create a roux; this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken.
- Add milk and cream gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and build a silky sauce.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from getting grainy or oily. Stir until melted and smooth.
Taking your time and whisking steadily helps prevent lumps. If your sauce feels thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up before mixing in the beans.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to blanch the green beans quickly and keep their bright color.
- Skillet – perfect for making the creamy cheese sauce on the stovetop.
- Whisk – helps blend the sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch) – to bake everything until bubbly and golden on top.
- Strainer – handy for draining green beans after boiling or ice bath to stop cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon bits or pancetta for smoky flavor and extra crunch.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra earthiness.
- Stir in a pinch of hot sauce or cayenne for a little heat.
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for different cheesy notes.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (French fried onions)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra topping
Time You’ll Need
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep, 5 minutes to blanch green beans, and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, plan around 40 minutes to have it ready and deliciously hot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Blanch the Green Beans
Start by trimming the fresh green beans and cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and quickly place them into ice water to stop the cooking and keep their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
2. Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux, cooking for 2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
3. Combine and Bake the Casserole
Add the blanched green beans to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Scatter the crispy fried onions evenly on top; if desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy crispness. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Then enjoy the creamy, cheesy, crunchy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid extra moisture in the casserole. You can briefly steam or microwave them to take off any chill before mixing with the sauce.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onions just before baking to keep them crunchy.
What Can I Substitute for Fried Onions?
If you don’t have fried onions, panko breadcrumbs toasted with a little butter make a great crunchy topping. You could also make your own by thinly slicing onions, breading, and frying them until crispy.