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 incredibly comforting about a classic casserole with a twist, especially when it’s loaded with sharp cheddar and topped with crispy onion strings for that perfect crunch. This Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe brings that nostalgic flavor but elevates it with bold, cheesy goodness and irresistible texture you won’t want to miss.

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

Honestly, this green bean casserole is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s not just about green beans and mushroom soup anymore—adding cheddar and crispy onion strings takes it to a whole new level that everyone at the table will rave about.

Cheesy Upgrade: The sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy depth that makes the casserole cheesier and more satisfying than the usual versions.
Perfect Crunch: Using crispy fried onion strings on top gives a fantastic contrast to the creamy green beans inside.
Simple Yet Impressive: With just a few pantry staples and fresh green beans, this dish comes together quickly but feels special enough for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Family Favorite: I love how this recipe pleases both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for potlucks or cozy family meals.

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

What I love about this version of the green bean casserole is how thoughtfully each ingredient pulls its weight. The fresh green beans give it a bright snap, while the cream of mushroom soup keeps it cozy and creamy. Then there’s the cheddar cheese, which amps up the flavor, and, of course, those crispy onion strings for texture magic.

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: Look for bright green pods that snap easily when bent—the fresher, the better for texture.
Cream of mushroom soup: This is classic casserole glue—it adds umami and richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Milk: Helps thin out the soup to create a smooth sauce without making it too runny.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle savory depth; a little goes a long way in boosting flavor complexity.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked, if you can, to bring a slight kick that balances the creaminess.
Crispy fried onion strings: Divided into the mix and on top, these bring irresistible crunch and flavor contrast.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star upgrade—melts beautifully and gives the casserole a cheesy punch.

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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 easy it is to tweak. Personally, I love adding a little garlic powder or swapping sharp cheddar for smoked gouda for a different smoky twist. Feel free to experiment—it’s all about what makes you and your family happy!

Variation: I once tried mixing in some crumbled cooked bacon for an extra savory hit, and it took the dish up a notch. You can easily omit or add ingredients to your taste.
Dietary modifications: For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cheese and plant-based cream of mushroom soup if you want to make it dairy-free.
Seasonal changes: Swap fresh green beans with frozen if fresh aren’t available—they work just fine and save prep time.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Green Beans

Start by trimming and cutting your fresh green beans into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and makes for easier eating. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the green beans for about 10 minutes or until they're just fork tender, not mushy. I like to taste one around the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Drain them well and set aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your casserole dish (yes, it can be done right there!), whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until nice and smooth. This method means fewer dishes, and the flavors blend beautifully as you stir in everything else.

Step 3: Combine Green Beans, Cheese & Onion Strings

Stir the cooked green beans into the creamy mixture, then add about two-thirds of the crispy fried onion strings and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is evenly coated—you want every bite cheesy and crunchy!

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop the casserole into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese has melted into a glorious golden layer of goodness. Then, sprinkle the remaining fried onion strings on top and bake for another 5 minutes. This last step is what gives you that irresistible crispy finish—trust me, don’t skip it!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe a few times, these little tips made all the difference in getting the perfect finish that kept everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t overcook the green beans: They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so just aim for tender-crisp when boiling to keep that fresh snap.
Use sharp cheddar: The flavor stands out better and melts into a creamy base compared to milder options.
Add crispy onions at the end: Adding all of them at the start can make them soggy, so reserve some for the very last minutes of baking.
Whisk sauce in the dish: Mixing the sauce ingredients directly in the casserole dish saves you a bowl and helps everything blend smoothly.

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

green bean casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra crispy fried onion strings on top because those add that satisfying crunch everyone loves. Sometimes, I scatter a bit of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness that balances the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a simple glazed ham. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette works beautifully alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, serving this casserole in individual mini ramekins is a fun way to add a personal touch and keep portions neat. I’ve also placed it in a pretty ceramic dish on the table and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole is still great when reheated, though the crispy onions will be a little softer. I like to add a fresh sprinkle of fried onions on top before warming it back up to revive that crunch.

Freezing

This casserole freezes pretty well, especially if you wait to add the crispy onion strings at serving time. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes covered with foil, which helps keep it from drying out. Then, I uncover it for the last few minutes to crisp up the edges. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just remember to add crispy onions fresh after warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

Yes! Frozen green beans are a great substitute when fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them before mixing into the casserole. Cooking time remains about the same.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you want to skip canned soups, you can make a quick homemade mushroom sauce using butter, mushrooms, flour, and milk or cream. This gives a fresh flavor and lets you control the ingredients.

How do I keep the fried onion strings crispy?

Add most of the fried onion strings right before baking and save some to sprinkle on top in the last 5 minutes. Also, avoid mixing them in too early so they don’t get soggy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then bake as directed, adding fresh crispy onion strings near the end.

Final Thoughts

Making this Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar and Crispy Onion Strings Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen traditions. There’s something so satisfying about combining creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements into one dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Give it a try—it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to wow your family or guests with something easy but packed with flavor. I promise, once you make this, it’ll be one of the recipes you reach for again and again!