Name: Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 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

Nothing beats the cozy flavors of a classic side with a twist. This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe brings that comforting creaminess together with sharp cheddar and a golden crunchy topping, making it a real crowd-pleaser at any meal.

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 can’t tell you how many times this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe has been the star side dish at family dinners. It’s a fresh take on a classic that feels nostalgic but with a sharper, cheesier punch and a texture contrast that really elevates it.

Cheddar Cheese Kick: Adds a rich, tangy depth that complements the tender green beans beautifully.
Crispy Onion Strings: Those golden, crunchy bites on top provide an unbeatable texture contrast.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it easy and quick.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks—it always disappears first!

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

What I really appreciate about this dish is how well these few simple ingredients come together. Each one plays a role in delivering creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness that isn’t overloaded but just right.

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: I prefer fresh for that snap and color—just trimmed and cut bite-size for even cooking.
Cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy base that coats everything in savory flavor.
Milk: Helps thin the soup for the perfect casserole consistency.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami boost that makes the flavor pop.
Black pepper: Just a touch for mild spice and balance.
Crispy fried onion strings: The must-have topping for that crunch and extra oomph.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the beans and soup for a cheesy, comforting twist.

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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 recipe is super versatile—I love experimenting with small tweaks depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own with ease.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the cheddar for a sharp Gruyère or even a blend of cheeses for a nuttier flavor—it adds a whole new dimension.
Dietary Mods: Using a dairy-free cheese and a mushroom soup alternative can keep this recipe just as tasty for lactose-intolerant friends.
Seasonal Touch: Adding some toasted almonds or fresh herbs like thyme gives it an elevated, festive vibe.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans Perfectly

Start by trimming your fresh green beans and cutting them into bite-size pieces. Boil them in lightly salted water until they’re just fork-tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. I like to keep them bright and slightly crisp because they'll soften more in the oven. Don’t overcook here, or your casserole will turn mushy.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

While the beans cook, whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper right in your casserole dish. Doing this directly in the dish saves you an extra bowl to wash later, and it sets a smooth, savory base that coats every bite.

Step 3: Combine and Add Cheese & Onions

Stir in the drained green beans, about two-thirds of your crispy fried onion strings, and all of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The sharpness of the cheese cuts through the creaminess and adds a wonderful flavor boost. Make sure everything is evenly coated before you pop it in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Then sprinkle the remaining onion strings over the top and bake for another 5 minutes to crisp them up. This final step is what gives you that irresistible crunchy topping that everyone loves.

Top Tip

Through making this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tips that really help you get it just right on the first try.

Perfect Green Beans: Don’t skip the step of boiling the green beans first; it ensures they’re tender without turning too soft during baking.
Cheesy Balance: Use sharp cheddar for flavor punch but avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, which can cause clumping.
Crispy Topping Timing: Add the last of the onion strings only in the final 5 minutes of baking to keep them from burning or getting soggy.
Mixing Directly in Dish: Whisking the soup base straight in the casserole dish makes cleanup easier and ensures smooth sauce consistency.

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

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top after baking—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that pairs well with the cheesy, creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside roasted turkey or grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a hearty meatloaf. I love serving it at holiday tables as a vibrant and flavorful veggie side that complements heavier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this in individual ramekins topped with a swirl of sour cream and extra crispy onion strings for a fancy touch. It’s a simple way to make something classic feel a little more festive and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend adding fresh crispy onions right before reheating to keep that texture contrast alive.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times, and it does well. Just assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying. Add extra crispy onion strings on top once heated for that fresh crunch sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

You can definitely substitute frozen green beans if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid extra moisture causing a soggy casserole.

What’s the secret to crispy onion strings on top?

Add the onion strings towards the last five minutes of baking to keep them golden and crunchy. Adding them too early can cause sogginess or burning.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it in advance and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. Just add the crispy onion topping before the final bake.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is classic for this dish, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda can be great alternatives if you want to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of comfort and crunch that you just keep coming back to. It’s easy enough for midweek dinners but special enough for holidays—making it one of those dependable recipes you’ll want in your arsenal. Give it a try and see how a classic side can get totally reinvented in the best way.