Description
A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish, Cheesy Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any cozy meal, this casserole elevates a classic favorite with an irresistible cheesy twist.
Ingredients
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1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1 cup French fried onions (for topping)
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Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy topping
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream and milk, simmering gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Lower heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasonings to taste.
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Toss the blanched green beans in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle French fried onions on top and optional mozzarella if desired.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
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Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Blanching green beans is optional but helps maintain texture and color.
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Adjust cheese and seasonings according to taste.
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The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
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For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes