Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic side dish, featuring tender green beans mixed with creamy sauce and topped with a generous layer of melty cheddar cheese and those irresistible crispy crackers. The cheddar adds a comforting, cheesy flavor, while the crunchy topping brings the perfect texture contrast to every bite.
I love making this casserole when I want something familiar but a little extra special. It’s one of those recipes that gets compliments every time because it’s simple yet so satisfying. The best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven just before dinner, so it’s a great go-to for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
My favorite way to enjoy this casserole is alongside a juicy roast chicken or baked ham, but honestly, it pairs well with almost anything. I also like to sneak in some extra garlic or a sprinkle of paprika on top for a little flavor boost. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for seconds, and I always find myself making it again soon after the first time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best for that crisp bite. If you’re short on time, frozen green beans are a great alternative—just thaw and drain them well before use.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and gooey texture. You can swap in Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if you want a milder, creamier taste.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These make the casserole creamy and rich. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier, lighter option.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Classic for casseroles, but cream of chicken or even homemade white sauce works if you want to avoid canned products or mushrooms.
Buttery Crackers: Cheez-It or Ritz crackers give a salty crunch. For a gluten-free twist, try crushed gluten-free crackers or crushed toasted nuts for texture.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping Without It Getting Soggy?
The crispy cracker topping is what makes this dish so special. To keep it crunchy:
- Mix crackers with melted butter thoroughly before sprinkling—it helps them toast evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Wait until the very last few minutes of baking to add any extra cheese on top, so it melts without making the topping soggy.
- Bake uncovered to allow moisture from the casserole to escape, which keeps the topping crisp.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the topping firm up and stay crunchy as you serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits the casserole perfectly without overcrowding.
- Large mixing bowl – for combining the green beans, cheese, and creamy sauce easily.
- Small bowl – to mix crushed crackers with melted butter for topping.
- Boiling pot – needed if you’re blanching fresh green beans to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Whisk or spatula – for stirring and mixing the ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon or crispy pancetta for a savory, meaty boost.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added depth and texture.
- Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the creamy mixture if you like a spicy kick.
Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 4 cups frozen green beans, thawed)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For The Topping:
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Cheez-It Cheddar Jack or Ritz crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, including blanching fresh green beans if using, and about 25-30 minutes baking time. Plan for a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Then, let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Green Beans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to get ready for the casserole. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain well. If using frozen green beans, make sure they are thawed and drained before mixing.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Gently fold in the green beans and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, being careful not to break up the beans.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the creamy green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter until all the cracker pieces are coated.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping. If you like, lightly sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect creamy, cheesy, and crunchy side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure the frozen green beans are fully thawed and drained before mixing to avoid extra moisture in the casserole. This keeps the dish from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the step before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, sprinkle the topping and cheddar cheese on top, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help keep the topping crispy.
Can I Substitute the Crackers with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use crushed French fried onions for a classic green bean casserole twist or crushed gluten-free crackers if you need a gluten-free option. Just toss them with melted butter before topping.
