If you’re searching for a comfort food classic that’s irresistibly creamy and loaded with fresh, vibrant flavor, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole. It features perfectly tender green beans wrapped in a rich cream cheese sauce with a hint of cheddar and finished with crispy fried onions for that signature crunch. This side dish fits seamlessly into holiday spreads or weeknight dinners, and it’s so simple to prepare, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole lies in its classic, no-fuss ingredients that come together with ease yet deliver big-time taste. Each element adds its own charm—whether it’s the creamy tang of the cheese, the savory undertone of sautéed onions, or the unmistakable crunch of crispy fried onions.

Fresh green beans: These provide the perfect crisp bite; you can also use frozen green beans for convenience—just remember to thaw first!
Butter: Gives the sauce richness and helps soften the aromatics for extra depth of flavor.
Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness that builds savory layers in the cheese sauce.
Garlic: A couple of cloves make a big impact, adding warmth and aroma to each bite.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient—makes the casserole luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Milk: Helps loosen the sauce and gives it just the right consistency for smothering those beans.
Salt: A little goes a long way to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: For a touch of heat and earthiness to balance the creaminess.
Onion powder: Deepens the overall flavor and gives it a familiar, comforting essence.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): If you love a little cheesiness, this is your secret weapon for extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Crispy fried onions: The finishing touch—half for baking into the casserole, half for that golden, crunchy topping everyone loves!

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures every spoonful of creamy goodness comes out smoothly when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your fresh green beans. Only 4–5 minutes are needed—just until they’re tender-crisp and bright green. Drain and set aside. If you’re opting for frozen beans, simply thaw and skip boiling entirely!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic for a final minute until everything smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to keep things gentle, then blend in the cream cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir the mixture slowly and watch it transform into a velvety, smooth sauce. At this point, if you’re a cheddar fan, add your shredded cheese and let it melt right in.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Fold the cooked (or thawed) green beans into your creamy sauce until each bean is well coated. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish. Now’s the moment to sprinkle half of those crispy fried onions across the top to infuse extra texture and oniony flavor as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Pull it out, scatter the remaining fried onions over the surface, and pop it back in for 5 more minutes. The top turns irresistibly golden and crisp—just how an Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole should be!

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley or chives—adds a lovely bright note to the rich casserole. For a bit of zest, try a sprinkle of lemon zest or cracked black pepper over the hot casserole just before serving. These little touches truly highlight the colors and flavors in your Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully versatile and shines next to classic favorites. Serve it alongside roast turkey or chicken, glazed ham, or a hearty vegetarian main. Whipped potatoes or fresh bread are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, making every bite a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinner parties. Or, layer the casserole in a large, shallow platter, then add extra crispy onions and colorful veggie sides for an eye-catching buffet display. However you present it, Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole will steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole left after dinner, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it just as delicious (if not more so) the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months, though it’s best to do so before adding the final layer of fried onions to prevent sogginess. Wrap the dish tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, add fresh fried onions before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—usually 20 to 25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add an extra sprinkle of fresh fried onions just before serving for that perfect crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, canned green beans work well. Just drain and rinse them first, and skip the blanching step. The texture will be a bit softer, but the Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole will still taste great.

Is it okay to prepare Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Simply assemble everything except the final fried onion topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the crispy onions and pop it in the oven.

What’s the best way to make this casserole vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian as written! If you want extra heartiness, add cooked mushrooms or swap the dairy milk and cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives for a vegan twist.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need a few extra minutes to get that bubbly, golden finish on top.

How do I keep the fried onions extra crispy on top?

Add half the fried onions before baking for flavor and moisture, then wait to scatter the remaining half on top during the last five minutes in the oven. This way, they stay fresh and crunchy for every serving of Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to add Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole to your family’s favorites. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or planning a simple weeknight dinner, this creamy, craveable side is sure to impress. Give it a try and let it warm your table and your heart!

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a rich and creamy twist on a classic side dish. With tender green beans coated in a decadent cream cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 1 (16 oz) bag frozen green beans, thawed)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 cup crispy fried onions, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
Cook the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. (If using frozen green beans, skip this step.)
Prepare the cream cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Combine and bake: Add the cooked green beans to the sauce and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of the crispy fried onions. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with the remaining fried onions, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead—assemble the casserole without the fried onions, refrigerate, then add onions just before baking.
For extra flavor, add chopped cooked bacon or mushrooms to the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American