Name: Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and halved); 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup Cheddar Bay biscuit mix or crushed cheesy biscuit crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re craving the classic comfort of holiday casserole with a cheeky, cheesy twist, Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole absolutely deserves a spot on your table. Fresh green beans get the Southern treatment with a luscious cheddar cream sauce and a crisp, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuit crumble that will make you wonder how this recipe isn’t already a family tradition. Every bite is a delicious journey through creamy, crunchy, and tangy territory with a whisper of Old Bay flavor that turns your veggie side into the superstar of the meal.

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy about these ingredients, but together they create pure nostalgia with a dash of fun. Each element truly brings depth, color, or serious flavor to this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole, so don’t skip a thing.

Fresh green beans: Blanched just right, these stay vibrant and tender with just a bit of snap—ditch the cans for best flavor.
Butter: Adds richness to both the sautéed veg and the biscuit topping, setting the stage for the ultimate creamy base.
Chopped onion: Sautéed until soft and sweet, onion forms the savory backbone of your casserole.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add aromatic warmth and mellow spice, infusing every bite.
Cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy binder, giving your casserole that signature velvety texture and earthy flavor.
Sour cream: Rounds out the sauce with tang and creaminess, ensuring it stays lush and never gloopy.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Essential for bold cheesy flavor—use sharp for the right bite and melt.
Old Bay seasoning: A game changer! This blend brings coastal zing and warmth, lifting the entire dish.
Salt and pepper: Simple, but they tie all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you go.
Cheddar Bay biscuit mix or crushed cheesy biscuit crackers: The star of the topping, delivering a salty, garlicky crunch.
Melted butter (for topping): Helps the topping bake up golden and irresistible—don’t skimp!

How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your trimmed and halved green beans and let them blanch for just 3 to 4 minutes, so they stay bright green and crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately shock them in a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in their gorgeous color. Once cool, drain thoroughly and set aside—you want them dry so your casserole isn’t watery.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a roomy skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté your chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent, releasing its sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Remember, garlic cooks fast—the goal is gentle flavor, not a browned, bitter mess. Remove from the heat to cool just a bit.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and uniform. Now, gently fold in your blanched green beans, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with cheesy, savory sauce. This is where Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole starts smelling like the holidays already!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish. Pour in your green bean mixture and smooth out the top, ensuring an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (or your crushed cheesy biscuit crackers) with melted butter. Stir until the mix is crumbly, then sprinkle this buttery, garlicky goodness all over your casserole to create that classic, golden topping.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Slide your dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and you see the cheesy filling bubbling at the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving—if you can stand the wait! That’s when the flavors settle, and the slices come out perfectly.

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

Add the finishing touch with a light sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a dusting of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. For a little kick, crack some black pepper or add a dash of extra Old Bay. These vibrant green notes and colorful pops make your Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole look as fresh as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cheesy, crunchy beauty fits in at any feast, pairing especially well with roast turkey, glazed ham, or even baked tofu for vegetarian tables. Round out the plate with fluffy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, or a crisp green salad. The savory-cheesy flavors of Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole absolutely shine with all your holiday favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basic baking dish! For a playful twist, scoop and serve your Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole into individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties. Or pile leftovers onto sourdough toast for a savory brunch. Mini cast iron skillets give that vintage, homey feel that makes guests swoon. However you plate it, this casserole is made to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify, and you’ll enjoy those crispy, cheesy bits even more the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in foil and plastic for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. For baked leftovers, freeze individual portions for easy reheating—just note the topping may soften a bit but will crisp up again in the oven.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncovered to crisp the topping. Individual servings can also be microwaved, but the oven method best preserves the coveted crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and dry them well before using, so your casserole doesn’t get watery. Fresh is ideal for texture, but frozen green beans are a convenient and still delicious alternative.

What can I substitute for Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?

If you can’t find Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, simply crush up cheesy crackers or use seasoned breadcrumbs with extra shredded cheddar and garlic powder. The goal is a crispy, cheesy topping, so feel free to get creative!

Is it possible to make this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole gluten free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and swap in your favorite gluten-free biscuit mix or crackers for the topping. Always double-check your labels to be sure everything is safe for your needs.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the filling and topping separately, cover, and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking so it stays crisp and fresh.

What else can I add to jazz up the casserole?

A handful of chopped cooked bacon or crispy fried onions mixed with the topping can add even more big flavor and crunch. Fresh herbs, diced pimentos, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika also make fun additions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that feels both familiar and brand new, give Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole a try. Every bite will remind you why some dishes are worth celebrating all year round. Your table is about to get a whole lot cozier—enjoy!

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole combines the classic flavors of green bean casserole with a cheesy Cheddar Bay topping for a delicious twist on a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for the Casserole:

1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and halved)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1/2 cup Cheddar Bay biscuit mix or crushed cheesy biscuit crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare green beans: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3–4 minutes, then shock in ice water. Drain and set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion in butter until soft, then add garlic.
Mix casserole ingredients: Combine soup, sour cream, cheddar, sautéed onion, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Add green beans.
Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Mix biscuit mix with butter, sprinkle over casserole. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.