Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe {with video}
Unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before, this Cheesy Green Bean Casserole recipe blows the traditional recipe out of the water! Made with a homemade roux and topped with Cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs, it’s cheesy, flavorful, and full of texture you’ll adore. Any easy recipe, it’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving dinner or holiday table!
Why We Love This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
It’s not Thanksgiving without a side of classic green bean casserole, right?! If you’re anything like us, it’s a staple for your holiday meal. However, we guarantee our recipe is unlike anything you’ve ever had before. One bite, and it’ll become your new favorite tradition!
You see, unlike most recipes that feature pre-made, canned ingredients, our cheesy green bean casserole utilizes fresh produce and a homemade roux. As a result, it’s twice as flavorful and unbelievably addicting! Don’t worry, though. While it might look complicated, it’s one of our easy recipes that will have your whole family begging for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For his easy green bean casserole recipe, you’ll find many of the ingredients you’d expect to see along with a few additions that make it extra tasty! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Green Beans – If preferred, you can use cans of green beans or frozen varieties instead. However, we think that fresh green beans create the best flavor and most vibrant color!
- Garlic and Onions – Used to add a rich, savory taste.
- Mushrooms – Technically optional, we love the extra flavor and texture mushrooms add. Plus, they’re a good source of extra plant-based protein and nutrients!
- Butter – Unsalted butter helps sauté the veggies and forms the base of the roux.
- Flour – We use regular all-purpose flour, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour can be used, too.
- Milk – We recommend whole milk for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Pimentos – Not commonly found in other cheesy green bean casserole recipes, these contribute a pop of color and sweet flavor.
- Cheese – A combination of shredded Pepperjack and Cheddar cheese takes this recipe to the next level.
- Breadcrumbs – Used to replace fried onions for incredible taste and texture.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, and thyme help enhance the rest of the ingredients, creating an ultra-savory casserole.
How to Make Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Prepare the Green Beans. Fill a deep pot with water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, and blanch the green beans. Then, remove them immediately, and transfer them to a large bowl of ice water. Drain, and set aside.
- Create the Roux. Use a large skillet to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter over medium-high heat. Once soft, add the flour and cook for a minute or two. Then, pour in the milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove the mixture from the heat, and stir in the cheese, pimentos, and seasonings.
- Bake. Add half the green beans. Pour the roux on top, and stir. Then, add the remaining sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until the top is bubbly and the Panko is golden brown.
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 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top, and follow the instructions as normal.
Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and keep them stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To warm leftovers, heat them in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds. Or, pop the dish back in the oven until your desired temperature is reached.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Frequently Asked Questions
The key to creating the best green bean casserole is to have enough of the roux mixture to coat the green beans but not so much that they are dripping and soggy. If it is too runny, try letting it simmer a bit longer or adding just a touch of extra flour.
We do not cover our cheesy green bean casserole in the oven. However, if you find that it is cooking too quickly, go ahead and place foil on top, removing it for the last minute or two to help the breadcrumbs crisp.
Yes, just use a smaller baking dish, and adjust the baking time as needed!
More Side Dish Recipes Perfect for the Holidays
Looking for more family-friendly recipes? Try out more of our favorite sides listed below!
- Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
- Fall Harvest Salad
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green beans (ends cut off)
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup button mushrooms, chopped
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups warm whole milk
- 4 ounces pimentos
- 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13×9 baking dish, and set aside.
- Fill a deep pot with water and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and add the green beans. Blanch for 4-5 minutes. Remove the green beans immediately, and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add onions and garlic, and sautè for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the mushrooms, and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add the flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes in order to cook. Be careful not to burn!
- In the skillet, add the milk, stirring until the roux thickens. Remove the mixture from heat, and add the pimentos, Pepper Jack cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add the green beans to the prepared baking dish. Pour half the roux mixture on top, and stir to combine. Top the mixture with the remaining roux followed by the Cheddar cheese and Panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and the panko is nice and golden brown.
- Bake 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the Panko is golden brown.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This serves 8!
Fixed the green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, the whole family loved it! Thanks Food Dolls for the recipe ♥️
Yay! Glad it was a hit! xo, Alia & Radwa