Homemade Creamy & Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
4
🛒 Ingredients
🥬 For the Green Beans:
1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt (for blanching water)
🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
🥘 For the Topping:
1 cup crispy fried onions
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt.
Add green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Immediately transfer to an ice bath (bowl of ice water) to stop cooking.
Drain well and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (do not brown).
Slowly whisk in milk (and cream if using).
Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread blanched green beans evenly in the dish.
Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently mix to coat.
Sprinkle Parmesan (if using) and half of the crispy fried onions on top.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges.
5️⃣ Add Final Crunch
Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining fried onions on top.
Return to oven for 5 more minutes until golden and crispy.
🍽️ Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.