Cheesy Green Bean Casserole {with video}

Name: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
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

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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!

cheesy green bean casserole in a baking dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

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.

onions, mushrooms, and butter in a pot with flour on top

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.

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overhead image of a baked casserole in a white dish

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 beans topped with panko breadcrumbs in a white baking dish

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep cheesy green bean casserole from getting mushy?

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.

Do you cover green bean casserole when baking?

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.

Can I half the recipe?

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!