Green Bean Casserole: Best Cheeses To Use

what cheese goes in green bean casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings or any family meal. While the traditional version is delicious, adding cheese takes this casserole to the next level! The extra cheese creates a rich, gooey filling that coats the green beans in creamy, cheesy goodness.

For a classic green bean casserole with a cheesy twist, you'll need ingredients like French-cut green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French-fried onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. Simply mix everything together, bake it until bubbly, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Gouda, Parmesan, Colby Jack
Amount of Cheese 1 cup, 2 cups, 2.5 cups
Other Ingredients Green Beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Fried Onions, Bacon, Mushrooms, Worcestershire Sauce, Milk, Garlic

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Cheddar cheese

Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Cheese

A classic green bean casserole is a must-have for any holiday table, and adding cheese takes this dish to the next level. Here's a guide to making a mouth-watering green bean casserole with cheddar cheese that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For a cheesy green bean casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Green beans (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • Cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
  • French-fried onions
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Optional: milk, bacon, mushrooms, garlic, black pepper, etc.

Instructions

Here's a step-by-step guide to making your green bean casserole with cheddar cheese:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Mix your green beans and condensed cream of mushroom soup in a large microwave-safe bowl. You can also add milk for a creamier texture.
  • Microwave the mixture until it's warm, usually around 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Microwave again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • Top with French-fried onions for that signature crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Tips and Variations

  • You can make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. Just leave off the French-fried onions until you're ready to bake.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of cheddar cheese, such as sharp or mild, or a blend of both.
  • If you want to add some extra flavour, try including crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms or onions, garlic, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • To store leftovers, let the casserole cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again!

Now you're ready to impress your guests with a delicious and cheesy green bean casserole! This dish is sure to become a favourite at your holiday gatherings and comfort food cravings.

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French-fried onions

To enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, some recipes suggest mixing half of the French-fried onions into the casserole itself, incorporating them with the green beans, mushroom soup, and other ingredients. This creates a heartier dish with a more robust onion flavor. However, it is important to remember that the onions may lose some of their crispness when mixed into the casserole, so it is generally recommended to reserve a generous amount for the topping.

When baking the green bean casserole, it is standard to bake it uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Then, the French-fried onions are sprinkled on top, and the casserole is returned to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown. This final step ensures that the onions become crispy and develop a deeper flavor, adding the perfect finishing touch to the dish.

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Cream of mushroom soup

The humble green bean casserole has been a holiday favourite since its creation in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a chef from the Campbell's Test Kitchen. Campbell's printed the recipe right on the label of their soup cans, and the rest is history!

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
  • 2 jars (4.5 oz each) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1 can (6 oz) French-fried onions

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except the onions. Stir in half of the onions. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining onions over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Tips

  • You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. If using frozen beans, you'll need about 2 pounds.
  • You can use homemade or premade cream of mushroom soup.
  • You can make your own fried onions or use fried shallots.
  • For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds to the onion topping.
  • For a festive touch, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped red pepper with the soup.

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Green beans

When making a green bean casserole, it is important to consider the type of green beans to use. Fresh green beans will provide the most flavour and texture, but frozen or canned green beans can also be used. If using frozen or canned green beans, it is essential to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole.

The quantity of green beans needed will depend on the size of the casserole and the desired ratio of beans to other ingredients. Most recipes call for at least two cans or approximately two pounds of fresh green beans.

When preparing green beans for a casserole, it is usually necessary to cut them into smaller pieces. This ensures that the beans cook evenly and are easier to eat. Some recipes also call for blanching or steaming the green beans before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.

In terms of flavour, green beans have a mild, slightly grassy taste that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. They are often combined with mushrooms, onions, and cheese in casseroles. The mushrooms add a savoury umami flavour, while the onions provide a touch of sweetness and crispness.

Cheese is a key ingredient in a green bean casserole, adding creaminess and a rich, comforting flavour. The type of cheese used can vary depending on preference, but sharp cheddar is a popular choice as it has a strong flavour and melts well. Other options include mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, or Colby Jack.

To enhance the flavour of the green bean casserole, additional ingredients can be added. Bacon is a popular choice, as it provides a smoky flavour and a crispy texture. Some recipes also include garlic, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce for extra savouriness.

In terms of preparation, green bean casseroles are typically baked in the oven. The baking time and temperature will vary depending on the recipe, but it is important to ensure that the casserole is cooked until it is bubbly and golden brown. Some recipes also call for microwaving some of the ingredients before baking to speed up the process.

Green bean casseroles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it is recommended to add the fried onion topping just before baking to ensure it remains crispy.

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Monterey Jack cheese

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom condensed soup
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then return the pan to medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup and add the crumbled bacon back. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the green beans until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the fried onions. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for a green bean casserole, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, or Colby Jack.

Yes, canned green beans are a convenient option for a green bean casserole. You can also use fresh or frozen green beans.

In addition to cheese and green beans, you can include fried onions, cream of mushroom soup, bacon, and mushrooms in your green bean casserole.

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