Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Green bean casserole is one of those classic side dishes that has graced many holiday tables for decades. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family gathering, the creamy richness of green bean casserole makes it a crowd-pleaser. But what if you could elevate this comforting classic with a velvety cream cheese twist? That’s exactly what this Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese recipe does! This version takes the traditional green bean casserole to new heights with an indulgent and creamy texture, enhanced by the tanginess of cream cheese, making it an irresistible side dish.

In this recipe, we’ll walk through how to make the best Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese that’s sure to become a new favorite at your family gatherings. You’ll learn everything from the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and even serving suggestions to ensure your dish is a standout success.

Green bean casserole is one of those dishes that seem simple at first but can take on many different forms. Whether you make it with just cream of mushroom soup, with a crunchy fried onion topping, or with a more complex homemade sauce, this dish has become an iconic side dish for special occasions.

In this recipe, we give the classic green bean casserole a decadent upgrade by adding cream cheese into the sauce. The cream cheese provides a rich, smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the fresh taste of green beans. The addition of garlic, onions, and seasonings enhances the flavor and depth of the casserole, while the crispy topping brings a satisfying crunch to each bite.

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a more indulgent take on a traditional dish without straying too far from the familiar flavors that everyone loves.

Why Make Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese?

There are many reasons to love this Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese recipe. Here are just a few:

• Creamier Texture: The cream cheese creates a luxurious and velvety smooth sauce, giving the casserole a richer mouthfeel compared to the typical cream of mushroom soup-based versions.
• Extra Flavor: The addition of cream cheese brings an extra layer of tanginess that balances the earthy green beans and complements the savory flavors in the dish.
• Easy and Quick: This casserole is still easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or large family gatherings. While there are a few more steps than the canned-soup version, they are simple and easy to follow.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish will wow your guests, especially those who love a creamier and more indulgent take on traditional green bean casserole.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: With its elevated flavors and luxurious texture, this casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese:

Step 1: Preparing the Green Beans

1. Trim and Cut: If you’re using fresh green beans, trim off the ends and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. If you’re using frozen green beans, just ensure they’re thawed before using.
2. Blanch the Beans: To cook the green beans slightly and preserve their vibrant color and texture, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.

   Alternatively, you can steam the green beans if you prefer.

Step 2: Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it starts to melt and become smooth.
3. Add Milk and Sour Cream: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir the mixture together until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary). Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and stir until combined.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

1. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the blanched green beans with the creamy sauce. Make sure the green beans are evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Baking the Casserole

1. Top with Fried Onions: If you’re using French fried onions, sprinkle a generous amount over the top of the casserole. Alternatively, you can top it with breadcrumbs or shredded cheese if preferred.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
3. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set and make it easier to scoop out portions.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before using it in the recipe. This makes it easier to mix into the sauce and prevents clumps.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic to your taste. If you like a more garlicky flavor, add extra garlic powder or roasted garlic.
• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just assemble it up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as instructed.
• Use Fresh Green Beans: While frozen green beans work well, fresh green beans provide a more vibrant and crisp texture. If using frozen, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess water in the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, including:

• Roast Turkey: A traditional pairing with green bean casserole, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Baked Chicken: Serve it alongside crispy baked chicken or roasted chicken for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Beef Roast: The richness of the casserole complements hearty beef dishes like prime rib or roast beef.
• Grilled Salmon: For a lighter meal, this casserole goes wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared salmon.

Variations and Add-ins

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms to the green beans and sauce for an earthy flavor.
• Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top for an added smoky crunch.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in additional cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere, into the sauce for a cheesy casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned green beans?
While fresh or frozen green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use canned green beans if necessary. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using.

Q: Can I make this casserole without the French fried onions?
Yes, you can skip the fried onions and top the casserole with breadcrumbs or shredded cheese for a different texture.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese is a perfect twist on the traditional version, offering a creamy and decadent texture that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich flavors, it’s an indulgent side dish that will elevate any meal.

Yield: 6-8

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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Green bean casserole is one of those classic side dishes that has graced many holiday tables for decades. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family gathering, the creamy richness of green bean casserole makes it a crowd-pleaser. But what if you could elevate this comforting classic with a velvety cream cheese twist? That’s exactly what this Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese recipe does! This version takes the traditional green bean casserole to new heights with an indulgent and creamy texture, enhanced by the tanginess of cream cheese, making it an irresistible side dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or 4 cups fresh green beans, blanched)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the casserole dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with olive oil or butter.
   
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
   If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. If using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans with the creamy sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the green beans are well-coated.
   
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
   Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
   
7. Optional Topping:
   If using crispy fried onions, sprinkle them on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. Bake for the remaining time to allow the onions to crisp up.
   
8. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• Fresh Green Beans: If using fresh beans, blanching them will help keep their color and texture intact, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer texture.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble it the day before, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, adding extra time if necessary.