Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe {with video}

Take your holiday side dish game to the next level with this quick and easy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole! With a rich and creamy green bean filling and a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb topping, it’s savory, crispy, and even has a hint of herbs and spices.

What Is Cheesy Green Bean Casserole? 

Love it or hate it, no Thanksgiving table is complete without a dish of green bean casserole, right?! If you’re anything like us, it’s a staple for your holiday menu. 

However, our recipe is a bit different from the rest. Most recipes feature pre-made, canned ingredients all piled together under a crispy fried onion topping, but not our cheesy green bean casserole recipe! 

Instead, we use fresh produce and a homemade roux to create a savory flavor with tons of ooey-gooey cheese. As a result, it’s twice as tasty and completely addicting. 

And while it might sound complicated, it’s actually super simple to make! One bite and your whole family will be begging you for the recipe! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy green bean casserole recipe features many of the same ingredients you’d expect to see in a classic green bean casserole with just a few additions for even more flavor! Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Fresh Green Beans – We love the vibrant color and fresh flavor of fresh green beans. However, canned green beans or frozen varieties will also work if you can’t find them. Just be sure to thaw them first! 
• Aromatics – Onions are garlic create the base of the roux, adding a rich, savory, slightly sweet taste. 
• Mushrooms – These are folded into the roux, emulating the cream of mushroom soup found in most recipes. 
• Butter – We recommend using unsalted butter, but salted butter also works. Just adjust the amount of extra salt used to suit your flavor preferences. 
• Flour – Simple all-purpose flour is all you need.
• Milk – We use whole milk for an extra rich flavor and an ultra-creamy consistency, but any milk you have on hand will work. 
• Pimentos – A variety of chili peppers that is sweeter and more flavorful than bell peppers, pimentos add a pop of color and a vibrant taste, unlike any green bean casserole you’ve had before! 
• Cheese – A combination of shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese adds a gooey element that takes this recipe to the next level. 
• Breadcrumbs – We use classic panko breadcrumbs in place of fried onions for added crunchiness that’s super satisfying! 
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, and thyme help enhance the rest of the ingredients, adding depth and savoriness that will keep you coming back for seconds and thirds. 

Skip the Canned Soup, and Make Homemade Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Instead! 

This recipe comes together with a prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of 45 minutes or so. It does require a few extra steps when compared to traditional recipes, but it’s so worth the effort! 

1. Prepare. Preheat the oven, and grease an oven-safe baking dish with cooking oil spray. 
2. Blanch the Green Beans. Fill a large, deep pot with water, and add a sprinkle of salt. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the green beans, and allow them to blanch for just a few minutes. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl of ice to stop the cooking process. Then, drain again, and set aside.
3. Sauté. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté just until fragrant. Add the mushrooms, and allow them to soften. Stir in the flour, and cook for an additional few minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture burn! 
4. Thicken. Add the milk to the skillet, and cook, stirring consistently, to thicken the roux. 
5. Add the Cheese. Remove the skillet from the heat, and add the pimentos, Pepper Jack, salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring to combine. 
6. Layer the Ingredients. Arrange the green beans in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half the roux mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the roux followed by the breadcrumbs. 
7. Bake. Transfer the cheesy green bean casserole to the oven, and bake just until it’s hot and bubbly with a golden brown top.

Make Ahead and Storage Options 

This cheesy green bean casserole is a great option to make ahead of time so you can get out of the kitchen and enjoy your holidays! 

• Make Ahead: Prepare the recipe as the recipe card states, leaving off the breadcrumbs. Then, cover your dish, and keep it stored in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top, and follow the instructions as normal. 
• To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and keep them stored in the fridge for up to four days. 
• To Reheat: To warm leftovers, heat them in the microwave at intervals of 30 seconds. Or, pop the dish back in the oven until your desired temperature is reached.
• To Freeze: If you want to freeze your casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Simply assemble the dish as usual, leaving off the breadcrumbs. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and keep it stored in the freezer for up to two to three months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw your casserole in the fridge overnight, and bake as normal. 

Common Questions About This Easy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

More Side Dish Recipes for the Holidays

Looking for more recipes to add to your holiday table? We’ve got you covered with the family-friendly recipes below!

• Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• One Pot Mac and Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
• Fall Harvest Salad
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce