BEST GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE EVER

I can still remember the aroma wafting from Grandma’s kitchen every Thanksgiving. It wasn’t just the turkey; it was the sides, each one a masterpiece. But the Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe was always my favorite, the one I’d sneak extra helpings of before anyone noticed. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe you’ll ever make, one that will bring back those warm, fuzzy memories and create new ones!

The Creamiest, Dreamiest Green Bean Casserole: Your New Holiday Staple

Let’s be honest: green bean casserole can sometimes be…well, bland. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. We’re ditching the dry, flavorless version and embracing a decadent, creamy, cheesy dream. This Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is the ultimate upgrade to a classic, guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

The secret? It’s all about the cream cheese! It adds a richness and tanginess that elevates the entire dish. We’re also making a few other smart tweaks to ensure maximum flavor and a perfectly creamy texture. Forget those canned soups filled with questionable ingredients; we’re building our creamy sauce from scratch, using fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

• Unbelievably Creamy: The cream cheese creates a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible.
• From-Scratch Flavor: We’re making our own creamy sauce, so you know exactly what’s going into your casserole. No more processed ingredients!
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite spices, vegetables, or even a sprinkle of bacon for a personalized touch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy holidays! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee: This is a dish that everyone will love, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe: The Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, the list looks a little long, but most of these are pantry staples!

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Fresh is best for this recipe!
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. This is the star of the show!
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup), unsalted. It adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons. This helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
• Milk: 2 cups. Use whole milk for the creamiest results.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup. Adds depth and savory flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Essential for building flavor in the sauce.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because everything is better with garlic!
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. Adds a touch of umami and complexity.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• French Fried Onions: 1 (6-ounce) can. For that classic crunchy topping.
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced mushrooms.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Magic Happen!

Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe that will wow everyone.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it. This will prevent sticking.
2. Blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
3. Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color. Let them sit in the ice bath for a few minutes, then drain well and set aside.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. The aroma will be heavenly!
5. Make the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Stir in the cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Season to taste. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning!
10. Combine the green beans and sauce. Add the blanched green beans to the creamy sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
11. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the green bean mixture in an even layer in the baking dish.
12. Top with French fried onions. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.
14. Let cool slightly before serving. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up slightly and prevents burning your tongue!

Variations and Add-Ins: Make it Your Own!

This recipe is a fantastic base for your own culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mushroom Mania: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Bacon Bliss: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the green bean mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or Gruyere cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
• Spicy Sensation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Vegetable Medley: Mix in other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, or corn for a more colorful and nutritious casserole.

Success Tips: Guarantee a Perfect Casserole Every Time!

Want to ensure your Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is a total success? Here are my top tips!

• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Overcooked green beans will be mushy and lose their vibrant color. Blanch them just until they are tender-crisp.
• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese will melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a perfectly creamy texture. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate and may leave lumps in the sauce.
• Don’t Burn the Roux: When making the sauce, be careful not to burn the flour and butter mixture (the roux). Cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is lightly golden brown. A burnt roux will give the sauce a bitter flavor.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the sauce generously with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the green beans will absorb some of the seasoning, so it’s better to slightly over-season than under-season.
• Add French Fried Onions Just Before Baking: To prevent the French fried onions from burning, add them to the casserole just before baking. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Holiday Feast

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal or special occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve it alongside roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
• Christmas Dinner: Pair it with ham, prime rib, or roast beef for a festive Christmas meal.
• Easter Brunch: Serve it with ham, quiche, and fresh fruit for a delicious Easter brunch.
• Potlucks and Parties: Bring it to your next potluck or party for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Weeknight Dinners: Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal.

While you’re planning your menu, consider these other delightful side dishes too. If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dish to pair with your green bean casserole, why not try Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole? Or, for a more elegant option, try serving your casserole alongside Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. For a quick and easy pasta dish, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is another excellent choice. And if you’re in the mood for something truly decadent, CHICKEN BACON PASTA will definitely hit the spot.

Make-Ahead Instructions: Stress-Free Holiday Cooking

One of the best things about this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is that you can make it ahead of time! This is a lifesaver during busy holidays when you have a million other things to do.

To Make Ahead:

1. Prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions, up to the point of adding the French fried onions.
2. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the French fried onions over the top.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.

Freezing Instructions: Enjoy it Later!

If you have any leftovers, or if you want to make the casserole even further in advance, you can freeze it! Here’s how:

1. Let the casserole cool completely.
2. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. To thaw, place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
5. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and foil. If the French fried onions have become soggy, you can sprinkle fresh ones over the top.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.

Note: Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the sauce, but it will still be delicious!

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Fat: 25-30g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 75-100mg
• Sodium: 500-600mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 5-7g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting hug in a casserole dish. It’s the perfect way to bring family and friends together and create lasting memories. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese recipe is a delicious and comforting upgrade to the classic holiday side dish. It features a rich, homemade cream sauce made with cream cheese, fresh green beans, and a crunchy French fried onion topping. It’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holidays or weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
• Cooked and crumbled bacon optional
• Sliced mushrooms optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• Ice bath (large bowl with ice and water)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
3. Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain well and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
10. Add the blanched green beans to the creamy sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
11. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.
12. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.
14. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps. To prevent the French fried onions from burning, add them just before baking. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.