Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic holiday dish. Combining tender green beans with a smooth cream cheese and mushroom soup sauce, topped with crispy fried onions and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting casserole perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups green beans (canned, drained; fresh, blanched; or frozen, thawed and dried)
Sauce Mixture
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup fried onion rings (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Combine the green beans: Add the green beans to the saucepan and stir thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Add cheese (optional): Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour and spread the green bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Top with fried onions: Sprinkle the cup of fried onion rings evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the fried onions are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set.
Notes
- Fresh green beans should be blanched before using to ensure tenderness.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Homemade fried onions can be used for a fresher topping.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
