Crispy Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Zesty Crispy Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe for All

Green beans burst with creamy goodness in this classic cheddar bay green bean casserole that seamlessly blends comfort and crunch.

Savory herbs and rich cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors in every bite.

Crispy breadcrumbs dance atop a velvety vegetable base, promising a delightful side dish that steals the spotlight.

Restaurant-style magic happens when simple ingredients come together with unexpected twists.

Fresh green beans provide a vibrant foundation for this indulgent recipe.

Each forkful promises a delectable balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible crowd-pleasing side dish.

How to Bake a Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and grab a baking dish, giving it a quick grease to prevent sticking.

  • Create the Creamy Green Bean

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings in a big mixing bowl. Toss in green beans and mix until every bean is coated in deliciousness.

  • Build Your Casserole Foundation

Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out nice and even.

  • Craft the Cheesy Biscuit Topping

In another bowl, combine biscuit mix, cheese, melted butter, and milk until you’ve got a thick, dreamy batter. Dollop spoonfuls across the top of your green bean base.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

  • Add Extra Crunch

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some crispy fried onions over the top during the last few minutes of baking.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a moment, then dive in and savor every cheesy, crispy bite.

Flavor Swaps That Work in This Classic Dish

  • Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the green bean mixture for extra savory depth and protein punch.
  • Swap regular milk and cheddar with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe lactose-free without sacrificing rich flavor.
  • Experiment with different vegetable combinations like mixing cauliflower or broccoli with green beans for a more complex nutritional profile and interesting texture.
  • Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Use gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy.

Serve That Green Bean Dish with Comfort Foods

  • Festive Family Feast: Perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners, this casserole shines as a comforting centerpiece that brings everyone together.
  • Potluck Party Champion: Easily transportable and crowd-pleasing, this dish will be the star of any community gathering or workplace potluck event.
  • Side Dish Superstar: Pair beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak for a complete and satisfying meal that delights taste buds.
  • Leftover Love Transformation: Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy topping, or enjoy cold as a tasty next-day lunch option that keeps flavors intact.

How to Keep Casserole Fresh for Leftovers

  • Keep the prepared casserole in an airtight container, ensuring it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
  • Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature for even cooking.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the Cheddar Bay topping from becoming soggy?

Ensure the biscuit batter is thick and drop it in small spoonfuls over the green bean mixture. This prevents the topping from sinking and helps maintain a crispy texture during baking.

  • Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them first by boiling for 3-4 minutes, then immediately placing in ice water to stop cooking. This helps maintain their crisp texture and bright green color in the casserole.

  • What can I do if my casserole looks too dry?

If the mixture seems dry before baking, add a bit more milk to the green bean and soup mixture. The extra liquid will help create a creamy consistency and prevent the casserole from becoming too thick or dense.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the Cheddar Bay topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole

For Casserole Base:
  • Green Beans: Crisp, tender vegetable that provides the hearty foundation of the dish, select fresh or high-quality frozen beans for best texture.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding element that adds rich, earthy flavor and smooth consistency to the casserole.
  • Milk: Helps create a silky sauce and enhances overall moisture of the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and adds deep, savory flavor to the casserole.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides warm, aromatic seasoning that complements the green beans and cheese.
  • Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the base.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.
For Cheddar Bay Topping:
  • Biscuit Mix: Quick-mixing base that creates a fluffy, golden topping with minimal effort.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds extra cheesy goodness and creates crispy, melted edges.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy topping.
  • Milk: Helps bind the topping ingredients and create a smooth batter.
For Optional Crunch Topping:
  • Crispy Fried Onions: Adds delightful crunch and extra flavor to the casserole's surface.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, textural layer that enhances the overall eating experience.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean garnish and visual appeal.

Kitchen Gear to Nail That Crunchy Topping

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining green bean mixture and creating Cheddar Bay topping.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for spreading and baking the casserole evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly.
  • Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping parsley or optional garnishes.
  • Pastry brush (optional): Helpful for greasing the baking dish with butter or oil.
Print
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Crispy Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Crispy Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Red Lobster’s cheddar bay green bean casserole blends classic comfort with coastal flavors. Creamy sauce, crispy topping, and cheesy biscuit crumbles create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 mL) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL) milk
  • 1 cup (120 g) biscuit mix (like Bisquick or homemade)
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Set the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, blending in cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Bean Coating: Thoroughly mix green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage with the flavorful mixture.
  4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the green bean mixture uniformly across the greased baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
  5. Topping Preparation: Combine biscuit mix, additional cheddar, melted butter, and milk to form a thick, cohesive batter.
  6. Topping Application: Distribute the cheddar bay batter evenly over the green bean surface, aiming for a rustic, appealing appearance.
  7. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden-brown and the edges bubble vigorously.
  8. Final Touch: Optionally sprinkle crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking for added texture and crunch.
  9. Serving Preparation: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting flavors meld and the dish stabilize.
  10. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbal accent before serving to eager guests.

Notes

  • Adjust Moisture Carefully: Monitor liquid content to prevent soggy or dry casserole, balancing cream of mushroom soup and milk precisely for perfect consistency.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity, ensuring even melting and rich taste throughout the dish.
  • Topping Technique: Spread cheddar bay batter gently and evenly, avoiding dense clusters to guarantee uniform golden-brown coverage and consistent texture.
  • Vegetable Preparation: Blanch fresh green beans briefly before mixing to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing mushiness in the final casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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