Name: Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces; 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 2/3 cups crispy fried onion strings, divided; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

There’s something about that perfect combination of melty cheddar, tender green beans, and those addictive crispy onions that makes this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe a real crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug—and honestly, you’re going to love making and sharing it.

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole is shown. The bottom layer is made of cooked green beans in a creamy beige sauce, partially visible beneath the crispy fried onion topping. The top layer is an uneven spread of golden-brown fried onions with some darker and lighter spots, adding texture and crunch. The casserole is placed on a white marbled surface, and the edge of the dish shows slight browning from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This green bean casserole isn’t your everyday side dish—it’s a little more vibrant thanks to the sharp cheddar cheese and the textural pop of crispy onions. I remember the first time I added cheddar here, it changed the game entirely. Every bite feels cozy, cheesy, and crispy all at once.

Classic with a Twist: The cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor that lifts this casserole beyond the usual mushroom soup combo.
Crispy Onion Magic: Using crispy fried onion strings gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy green beans.
Easy and Reliable: This recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime with confidence.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this casserole always earns compliments and second helpings.

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole that has three visible layers: the bottom layer is green beans with a mix of dark and lighter green colors, covered with a creamy light beige sauce in the middle, and topped with a crunchy golden brown fried onion layer with a crispy texture spread evenly across the top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe plays a key role. From fresh green beans to those golden crispy onion strings, every component adds depth and texture to make this dish truly special.

Flat lay of fresh green beans trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with a glossy dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, a small pile of crispy fried onion strings, and a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh beans makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture compared to frozen or canned. Look for ones that are vibrant green and crisp.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy base adds savory earthiness and locks in moisture for that classic casserole creaminess.
Milk: Thins out the soup just enough so the sauce coats the beans perfectly without getting too heavy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds umami depth that subtly enhances the overall flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper balances the richness with a gentle kick.
Crispy Fried Onion Strings: These are the star crunch that I swear by—either the store-bought kind or homemade fry-ups both work.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a tangy, cheesy layer that makes this casserole unforgettable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like yours extra cheesy or prefer adding a little heat, it's straightforward to tweak to your taste.

Variation: I sometimes swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda to add a subtle smoky note—which people always ask about! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too.
Dietary Mods: To lighten it up, I've used unsweetened almond milk and reduced-fat cream of mushroom, and it still comes out creamy and delicious.
Seasonal Switch: Adding a handful of sliced mushrooms or caramelized shallots can elevate the flavor when green beans aren’t in season.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans to Tender-Crisp Perfection

Start by trimming and cutting fresh green beans into bite-sized pieces. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then add the green beans. Cook them just until they’re fork tender, about 10 minutes. You want them cooked but still bright and slightly crisp, not mushy. Drain well and set aside. This step preserves their vibrant color and keeps them from becoming soggy in the casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base in Your Casserole Dish

Take your casserole dish and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly ground black pepper right in the dish. Doing it here means fewer dirty bowls, and you’re less likely to miss any hidden lumps. Whisk until completely smooth—that creamy base is what binds everything beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Green Beans, Cheese, and Onions

Now add the blanched green beans, two-thirds of your crispy fried onion strings, and all the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the casserole dish. Stir everything gently to coat the green beans well with the cheesy mushroom sauce and onion crunch. Don’t skip stirring here—it ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop the casserole dish into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until you see the center bubbling beautifully. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, which honestly means it’s almost supper time!

Step 5: Add the Final Crispy Onion Touch

After the initial bake, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onion strings over the top for that signature crunch. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes so the onions toast lightly without burning. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful contrast between creamy and crunchy.

Top Tip

Making this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe taught me a few useful tricks that made all the difference in texture and flavor. Here’s what helped me the most to get it just right time after time:

Don’t Overcook the Beans: I used to think softer was better, but keeping the green beans a bit firm keeps the casserole from turning mushy.
Mix the Sauce Well: Whisk the soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly before adding green beans to avoid lumps and get a smooth coat.
Save Some Onion Strings: Adding half of the onions on top at the end keeps that crunch intact, as baking them from the start can make them soggy.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheeses don’t give that punch of flavor; sharp cheddar makes it taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with just a sprinkle more of crispy fried onions and a little cracked black pepper over the top. For a touch of green freshness, sometimes I add finely chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pretty color contrast and a mild herbal note.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or baked chicken for an easy family meal. I often serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce. For a veggie partner, simple roasted carrots or a crisp salad balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve tried serving this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a few whole crispy onions and a sprig of thyme. It’s elegant and makes portion control easy. You could also use mini cast iron skillets to keep each serving warm and crispy straight to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just note the crispy onions soften over time, but the casserole still tastes great reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat, adding fresh crispy onions on top to restore crunch. Freezing might slightly change the texture of green beans, so I usually do this when I’m short on time.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Then I uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the texture much better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or canned green beans instead of fresh?

You can use frozen or canned green beans, but fresh beans provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid excess water in the casserole. For canned, drain thoroughly and consider reducing added liquid slightly.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the top choice for this recipe because it melts well and adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the mushrooms and crispy onions perfectly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onions on top just before baking to keep them crunchy.

How do I keep the crispy onions from getting soggy?

To maintain the crispy texture, add most of the onion strings during the mixing stage but reserve some to sprinkle on top just before the final 5 minutes of baking. This way, the topping stays crisp and golden.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onions Recipe feels like a trusty friend in my kitchen—always delivering those cozy, nostalgic vibes with a fresh, cheesy spark. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a staple at your table for years to come. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!