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Crunchy Cheddar Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish; it's a celebration of flavors, textures, and the comfort of home cooking. This delightful dish takes the traditional green bean casserole and elevates it with a crunchy topping of cheese and crispy fried onions, creating a perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. The appeal of this casserole lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its ability to bring people together around the dinner table.

Green Bean Casserole

Discover the Crunchy Cheddar Green Bean Casserole, a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings vibrant flavors and comforting textures to your table. This easy recipe elevates traditional green bean casserole with a creamy filling and an irresistible crunchy topping made of sharp cheddar and crispy fried onions. Packed with nutrition from fresh green beans and ideal for family gatherings, it creates moments of connection over delicious home-cooked meals. Let this casserole be the star of your next dinner!

Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sour cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup French fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Blanch the green beans: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.

      Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and any liquid released evaporates, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

        Mix the casserole filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the other half for topping). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the blanched green beans and the sautéed mushroom-onion-garlic mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.

          Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the French fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and the remaining cheddar cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well moistened.

            Assemble the casserole: Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture on top of the green bean filling.

              Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

                Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic green bean casserole with a crunchy topping!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 8 servings