Name: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar 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 comforting and nostalgic about a classic green bean casserole – but this Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe takes it up a notch with gooey cheddar and those irresistible crispy onion strings on top. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday or weeknight dinner!

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 Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly think this version of green bean casserole is one you’ll find yourself making over and over. The sharp cheddar melts into every bite, balancing that creamy mushroom base beautifully, while the onion strings add the perfect crunch – seriously addicting.

Simple yet elevated: Classic comfort food with bold flavors that make it special.
Crunchy topping: Those crispy onion strings aren’t just garnish—they’re the star of texture.
Easy to prepare: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients, perfect for busy cooks.
Perfect for any occasion: Holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner side dish.

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

The magic behind this Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe lies in how each ingredient complements the others. Fresh green beans bring that vibrant pop; creamy mushroom soup adds depth, and sharp cheddar cheese cuts through it with rich, tangy goodness.

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 recommend fresh over frozen for the best texture and color; just trim and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Cream of mushroom soup: The classic base that gives the casserole its signature creaminess; choose your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Milk: Helps smooth out the soup while keeping it less heavy than cream.
Worcestershire sauce: This little splash adds a savory umami boost that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Black pepper: Just a touch for a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
Crispy fried onion strings: Think of these as the crunchy crown of the casserole—don’t skimp here!
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded and sharp is key for adding flavor and gooey texture throughout.

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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

One of the best things about this Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, but you can totally tweak it to suit your tastes.

Vegetarian variation: Just double-check the Worcestershire sauce doesn’t contain anchovies or swap it out for soy sauce.
Add bacon: Crispy bacon bits tossed in make it extra indulgent—perfect for parties!
Cheese swap: Try gouda or pepper jack if you want to mix up the cheese flavor.
Use frozen green beans: If fresh isn’t available, frozen works fine—just thaw and drain well before mixing.

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

Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Green Beans

First up, get a pot of salted water boiling. While it heats, trim and cut your fresh green beans into bite-sized pieces. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, just until they're fork tender but still have a little bite. Overcooked green beans turn mushy, and you want them to hold their shape. Drain them well and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

While your beans are cooking, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper right in your casserole dish for less clean-up. Stir until it’s completely smooth and creamy – no lumps, just deliciousness waiting to happen.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Next, stir in the blanched green beans, about two-thirds of the crispy onion strings, and all the sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure the green beans get fully coated in that cheesy mushroom gravy—that’s where the magic lives!

Step 4: Bake and Top

Pop the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center bubbles up and the cheese looks melted and inviting. Then, pull it out and sprinkle the remaining crispy onion strings on top. Slide it back in the oven for another 5 minutes to crisp those onions perfectly. That final crunch? Totally worth the wait.

Top Tip

Through countless times making this Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep it tasting fresh, creamy, and perfectly crispy every time.

Don’t skip blanching: Blanching sets that beautiful green color and prevents mushiness in the oven.
Add the crispy onions last: Baking them alone on top preserves their crunchiness instead of letting them get soggy in the mix.
Use sharp cheddar: It melts well and adds that intense cheesy flavor you want without being overpowering.
Drain well: Make sure to drain green beans thoroughly after blanching to avoid a watery casserole.

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

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right after baking for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Plus, an extra handful of crispy onion strings on the side is never a bad idea—because you can always use more crunch!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with pretty much any roasted meat—think golden turkey, herb-roasted chicken, or tender beef brisket. I especially enjoy serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls to soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this dish in individual ramekins topped with onion strings and a tiny sprig of rosemary—everyone loved the personal touch! You can also layer it in clear glass baking dishes so the beautiful textures and colors shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days. Just keep the onion strings separate if you have any leftovers that may still be crunchy, so they don’t lose their crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking—just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding the crispy onion strings just before the last 5 minutes of baking for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to keep that crispy topping intact. Microwave makes it soggy here, so avoid that whenever possible. A quick 15-20 minutes in the oven usually does the trick to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well if fresh aren’t available—just make sure to thaw and drain them really well before mixing into the casserole to prevent watery results.

How do I keep the onion strings crispy?

Add most of the crispy onion strings inside the casserole before baking, then save some for the very end. Sprinkle those on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to keep them perfectly crunchy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, then add the final onion string topping just before baking for fresh crunch.

What can I serve with this green bean casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and fresh dinner rolls. It’s a versatile side that complements almost any main course.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Strings and Cheddar Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — creamy, cheesy, with that unforgettable crunch. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—because nothing beats sharing comfort food that everyone will rave about.