Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Cheddar Cheese (2024)

November 2, 2023 Updated: January 3, 2024 By Katie Crenshaw 18 Comments

This is not your everyday classic green bean casserole! This recipe combines green beans in creamy cheese sauce that is topped in a crunchy Ritz cracker and crispy onions topping.

It is baked until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve it for a delicious Thanksgiving side dish or on your next holiday meal!

This green bean casserole recipe is a little different from the traditional classic version.

My recipe does not use canned mushroom soup. Instead, I create a creamy sauce using a roux and sour cream.

I add cheese, because lets face it, EVERYTHING is better with cheese!

I also add a buttery Ritz crust mixed with French fried onions on top of the casserole. Both ingredients make a delicious topping on their own.... combined they become the ULTIMATE crunchy topping!

Try it this holiday season as a side dish to your turkey! You will love this homemade green bean casserole with your Thanksgiving dinner!

Ingredients

To make this easy green bean casserole recipe, you will need the following ingredients.

• Ritz Crackers or buttery round crackers
• green beans-I personally think the best way to make this recipe is with canned green beans. Using canned green beans are a time saver. They are also tender and taste great in this casserole. You can use French green beans or cut green beans, either will turn out delicious. See note below about fresh and frozen green beans.
• flour
• seasoned salt-You can substitute with salt and pepper or cajun seasoned salt.
• butter-Use real butter, not margarine.
• sour cream
• cheddar cheese
• fried crispy onions

*Full recipe with ingredient measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Note:

Note: You can use fresh or frozen green beans. If using fresh or frozen green beans, substitute with 4 cups of cooked, cut green beans.

Watch how to make

Tip

Tip: If you are watching your salt intake, use salt free butter and salt free green beans in this recipe. You can also use reduced sodium Ritz crackers.

See Also

Ultimate Green Bean CasseroleGreen Bean Casserole (Best Recipe)The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Mom On TimeoutWe Tested 4 Famous Green Bean Casserole Recipes and Found a Clear Winner

Steps

Follow these simple steps to make the best green bean casserole recipe!

1. In a large sauté pan, melt butter on medium-high heat. Stir in flour. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Mix in sour cream and seasoned salt. Add drained green beans and half of the cheddar cheese. Gently mix.
3. Pour green bean mixture into a greased 2½ quart baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
4. Mix crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a small bowl.
5. Mix in french fried onions with the Ritz crackers. Evenly top cracker mixture over the cheese.
6. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to rest 5 minutes or more before serving.

Can you make green bean casserole ahead of time?

You can make green bean casserole ahead of time. Make the casserole according to directions without the topping. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to cook. Set out 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to warm to room temperature and add the topping.

It is important not to prep the casserole in advance with the topping. Once refrigerated, the topping will become soggy and it may not crisp up when baking.

Can you freeze green bean casserole?

You can freeze green bean casserole. Wrap green bean casserole in freezer wrap or transfer casserole in an airtight, freezer safe container without the topping. It can be frozen up to 5 months.

When ready to serve, thaw green bean casserole and add topping. Bake uncovered in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.

For best results, reheat in the oven or Air fryer at 350 degrees. You can microwave leftovers, however the topping will be soggy.

Please leave me a comment below if you make this classic holiday side dish and tell me what you think.I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of yourcasseroleonInstagramorFacebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags!I will share with my followers! xoxo!

Recipe