Description
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a delightful homemade twist on the classic dish, made without using mushroom soup. It features fresh green beans in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crispy fried onion topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1.5 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- ½ cup grated colby jack cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Blanch Green Beans: 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 immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, low-sodium chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Monterey jack and grated colby jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Then fold in ½ cup of crispy fried onions to add texture and flavor to the sauce.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add the blanched green beans to the cheese sauce and toss to coat them evenly.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and starting to turn golden on the edges.
- Add Topping: During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the onions are lightly browned and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve hot as a cheesy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If preferred, substitute low-fat milk to reduce calories, though whole milk yields creamier results.
- Make sure to ice shock the green beans after boiling to retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
