Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Combining tender green beans with a rich mixture of cream cheese, mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, then topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic casserole that’s quick and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 4 cups green beans (canned, drained; fresh, blanched; or frozen, thawed and dried)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup fried onion rings (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine the green beans: Add the drained or prepared green beans into the saucepan with the creamy mixture, stirring gently to coat the beans evenly.
- Add cheese (optional): Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese into the green bean mixture until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour and spread the green bean mixture evenly into the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Top with fried onions: Sprinkle the fried onion rings evenly over the top of the green bean mixture to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For fresher flavor, blanch fresh green beans instead of using canned or frozen.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- Omit the cheddar cheese for a milder casserole or use a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a variation.
- Use homemade fried onions for a crispier, less processed topping.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and help it set.
