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Creamy green bean casserole with cream cheese, showcasing the delicious baked dish ready to be served.
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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

  • 9x13 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 9x13 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.