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 truly comforting about a classic casserole that's been given a fresh, flavorful twist. This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe is one of those dishes that brings the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying crunch — a combo you just can’t resist!

A white oval dish filled with a green bean casserole, showing green beans coated in a creamy light tan sauce, topped with a generous layer of crispy, golden-brown fried onions scattered unevenly across the surface. The casserole edges show a bit of baked sauce residue, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface. 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

This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe takes that nostalgic favorite and elevates it with sharp cheddar cheese and those irresistible crispy onion strings on top. I promise, it’s the kind of side dish that steals the show at every holiday and family dinner.

Classic Comfort with a Twist: The cheddar adds a sharp, rich flavor that makes this casserole feel extra special.
Perfect Crunch: Crispy onion strings on top give a satisfying texture contrast that everyone raves about.
Simple But Flavorful: With just a handful of ingredients, you get big flavor without the fuss.
Great Make-Ahead Option: It’s easy to prep in advance and pop in the oven right before dinner, freeing you up to enjoy time with friends and family.

A white baked dish filled with green beans in a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy layer of golden brown fried onions. The green beans are mixed evenly through the creamy base, while the crispy fried onions cover the top in a textured, slightly crumbly layer. The edges of the creamy mixture show hints of browning from baking, and the dish sits 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 interacts perfectly to create a harmonious dish. Here’s a little insight into why these ingredients work so well — plus some shopping tips so your casserole turns out 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 of milk, a small white bowl containing Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small pile of crispy fried onion strings, a small mound of sharp shredded cheddar cheese, all placed in perfect symmetry 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 always prefer fresh because they have a bright flavor and crisp texture that canned just can’t match. Trim and bite-size pieces cook evenly.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The classic creamy base that brings everything together — it’s rich and comforting, and helps coat the beans well.
Milk: Adds the perfect amount of creaminess without weighing the dish down.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds depth and a subtle umami kick that makes the casserole taste homemade and gourmet.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives a little zip and balances the creaminess.
Crispy Fried Onion Strings: This is the star crunch—sprinkled inside and on top for the best texture combo. I like to look for thin, crunchy onion strings rather than thick fried onions.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adding sharp cheddar brings a savory richness and a little bite that melts beautifully 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 Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I love experimenting with add-ins and toppings to make it uniquely mine—and you’ll enjoy those chances to put your own spin on it, too.

Variation: I once tried adding a bit of cooked bacon for a smoky twist — the crispy onion strings still shine, but that touch of bacon adds a whole new level of flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the cheddar for a plant-based cheese and use a dairy-free cream soup alternative; the casserole still tastes amazing.
Seasonal Change: In spring, I add fresh peas along with the beans for a pop of sweetness and color.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans with Care

Start by bringing a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. I like to test the green beans by tasting one after about 10 minutes — you want them fork-tender but still bright and slightly crisp. Overcooking can leave them mushy, so keep an eye on them. Drain and set aside to cool while you mix the sauce.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Sauce Right in Your Casserole Dish

This trick saves you a dish! In your casserole dish, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper until smooth. This sauce coats the green beans perfectly and delivers that classic comfort-food flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Layer the Goodness

Add the green beans, two-thirds of the crispy onion strings, and all the sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so the beans get evenly coated and the cheese starts melting into the mix.

Step 4: Bake ’Til Bubbly and Golden

Pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes—or until you see bubbling around the edges. Then take it out, sprinkle on the remaining onion strings for maximum crunch, and bake for another 5 minutes. This final step gives that beautiful golden crunch that everyone looks forward to.

Top Tip

From my experience with countless casserole trials, small details make a huge difference in this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe. These tips have saved me time and prevented common pitfalls.

Don’t Skip the Blanching: Cooking the green beans until just tender ensures they hold their shape and color after baking.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Using freshly shredded cheddar melts better and helps avoid that waxy texture from pre-shredded cheese.
Save Some Onion Strings: Adding some crispy onion strings before baking and some on top right at the end guarantees crunchy texture all the way through.
Cover While Baking: If you’re cooking this ahead of time, cover the casserole with foil for most of the baking time and remove it for the last 10 minutes to get that golden finish.

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

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here—freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a touch of cracked black pepper just before serving for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked ham, making it an ideal holiday side. For weeknight dinners, I love serving it alongside mashed potatoes and a crisp garden salad for a comforting yet balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I’ve spooned this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe into little individual ramekins. It feels extra special and looks charming on the table! Another fun idea is layering green beans in a clear baking dish so you can see all the layers of cheese and crispy onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually mellow out and blend even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner side.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this casserole, assemble it but skip baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed—add a few extra minutes if needed until it’s bubbly and hot.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F to keep that crispy onion topping nice and crunchy. Microwave works in a pinch, but the texture won't be quite the same. A few minutes under the broiler at the end can help if you lose any crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you use frozen green beans, just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery. You might want to reduce blanching time since frozen beans are pre-cooked.

What’s the best way to get the onion strings super crispy?

Make sure the onion strings are dry before you add them on top and add them in the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to avoid sogginess. For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole uncovered for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch carefully!

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it on the day you’re serving it, and add the crispy onion strings at the very end for the best texture.

Is there a way to lighten up this dish?

To lighten it up, I swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade white sauce made with low-fat milk and a bit of flour, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also mix in more fresh veggies to bulk it up with fiber and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring comfort food to the table with a little extra flavor and flair. It’s that reliable side dish that earns compliments every time I make it—whether for a casual dinner or a holiday feast. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a go-to in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you try the cheese and onion string combo, you’ll wonder how you ever had green bean casserole without it!