Name: Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces; 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 2/3 cups crispy fried onion strings, divided; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

There’s something about that perfect crunch paired with creamy, cheesy goodness that really hits the spot — that’s why I adore this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe. It’s a fresh twist on a classic casserole that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table all at once.

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole is shown. The bottom layer is made of cooked green beans in a creamy beige sauce, partially visible beneath the crispy fried onion topping. The top layer is an uneven spread of golden-brown fried onions with some darker and lighter spots, adding texture and crunch. The casserole is placed on a white marbled surface, and the edge of the dish shows slight browning from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe because it perfectly balances creamy texture and a crispy finish — just what you want in a side dish. It’s made with simple ingredients but feels extra special.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Crispy Onion Strings: The crunchy onions on top are the star, giving that crave-worthy contrast to smooth cheddar and green beans.
Cheddar Cheese Kick: Using sharp cheddar adds a tangy richness that takes this casserole beyond the usual cream of mushroom soup base.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s holiday dinner or a weeknight side, this casserole feels festive and comforting without much fuss.

A white oval baking dish filled with a green bean casserole that has three visible layers: the bottom layer is green beans with a mix of dark and lighter green colors, covered with a creamy light beige sauce in the middle, and topped with a crunchy golden brown fried onion layer with a crispy texture spread evenly across the top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe serves a purpose—from fresh veggies for crunch to creamy soup and sharp cheese for flavor. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp green beans and a good quality sharp cheddar to elevate the taste.

Flat lay of fresh green beans trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with a glossy dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, a small pile of crispy fried onion strings, and a small mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh beans rather than canned keeps the casserole bright, with the perfect bite.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This acts as the creamy base to bind everything while adding classic flavor.
Milk: Helps thin out the soup for a smooth, luscious sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds depth and umami, balancing the richness.
Black Pepper: Fresh ground black pepper adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
Crispy Fried Onion Strings: Divided between mixing and topping, they deliver that signature crunch you’ll crave.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the casserole beautifully and brings a savory, tangy flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This casserole is one of those recipes I love tweaking depending on what’s in my fridge or the occasion. You can swap out ingredients or add extras to make it uniquely yours — I encourage you to play around with it!

Variation: I sometimes toss in cooked bacon pieces for an extra smoky crunch — it’s such a nice twist that adds a savory punch.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use a dairy-free cream soup and cheese substitute if you need to accommodate dietary preferences; it still comes out creamy and delicious.
Seasonal Twist: Swap green beans for asparagus or even mixed veggies when you want something a bit different for spring or summer dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Green Beans

Start by trimming and cutting your fresh green beans into bite-size pieces. This helps ensure every forkful is easy to enjoy. Next, boil them in lightly salted water until fork tender—about 10 minutes. Don’t overcook here; you want them tender but still with a little snap, because they’ll cook a bit more in the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base Right in the Casserole Dish

Instead of dirtying an extra bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper directly in your casserole dish until smooth. This simple step saves time and means less cleanup—trust me, it’s a game changer.

Step 3: Combine and Cheese It Up

Now, add your cooked green beans, about two-thirds of the crispy fried onion strings, and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything gently to coat the beans evenly in that creamy, cheesy sauce. This is where the magic starts to shine.

Step 4: Bake and Top for Ultimate Crunch

Pop your casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges. Then, sprinkle the remaining crispy onion strings on top and bake a bit more—about 5 minutes—to get that irresistible golden crust. Serve it straight from the oven for maximum wow factor.

Top Tip

Having made this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. These tips will help you nail that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

Don’t Skip the Fresh Beans: The difference between fresh and canned green beans is night and day here—bright color and texture really elevate the dish.
Add Onions Twice: Mixing some crispy onions into the casserole before baking and saving some for topping creates layers of texture that keep each bite interesting.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheese won’t give you the same flavor punch; sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds tanginess that complements the creamy base.
Mind Your Baking Time: Keeping an eye on your casserole so it’s bubbly but not dried out will keep it perfectly moist and cheesy.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe

Green Bean Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra crunch beyond the onion strings by sprinkling just a touch of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. It adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor that lightens the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, juicy grilled chicken, or even meatloaf. For a full meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad to balance out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like serving this in individual ramekins topped with crispy onion strings and a tiny sprig of thyme. It makes each portion feel special and festive, perfect for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep the crispy onions from getting soggy too quickly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole once or twice with decent results. Just bake it almost fully, cool completely, then freeze before the final crispy onion topping. When ready to eat, reheat thawed casserole and add fresh crispy onions on top.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the texture intact. Microwave works in a pinch but can soften those crispy bits — so oven reheating is my go-to for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

You can absolutely use frozen green beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery.

What’s the best way to make crispy onion strings from scratch?

Thinly slice onions and toss them in seasoned flour before frying in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool fully before using to keep them crisp in the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just add the final layer of crispy onion strings before baking to maintain crunchiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on the brand of cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions you use. Many commercial versions contain gluten, so look for gluten-free labeled products or make your own crispy onions using gluten-free flour.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes that never fails to impress. It’s simple, delicious, and hits all the right notes whether you’re serving a crowd or just making a comforting meal at home. Give it a try — I bet you’ll fall for it just like I did!