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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
