If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any family gathering or weeknight dinner, look no further than Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole. This irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and crunchy side dish takes a classic favorite to the next level with the addition of rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and a shower of crispy fried onions. It’s unfussy, comes together in under an hour, and delivers every bit of the nostalgia you crave—along with a silky, elevated flavor you’ll fall in love with bite after bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each one thoughtfully chosen to amplify flavor, provide velvety texture, or add an irresistible crunch. Every element serves a purpose, coming together in cozy harmony and making this casserole the star of any meal.
- Green beans: Fresh adds tenderness with a little bite, frozen works for convenience—just be sure to blanch or thaw them for consistent texture.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for a wonderfully creamy, slightly tangy base that clings to every green bean.
- Sour cream: Balances the richness of the cream cheese and adds a subtle zing for extra depth.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed for a mellow sweetness that forms the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
- Garlic: Just two cloves add warm, savory notes that meld beautifully into the creamy filling.
- Butter: Softens the onions and builds a rich, flavorful foundation for the entire casserole.
- Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings let all the other flavors shine, rounding out the whole dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For those who love extra cheesy goodness and a melty golden top.
- Crispy fried onions: The essential crunchy topping, adding both savoriness and a lovely golden finish.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Green Beans
Whether you’re working with fresh, frozen, or canned, prepping your green beans is the first step to perfect Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole. If you have fresh beans, trim and halve them, then blanch in boiling water for a few minutes before rinsing under cold water to keep their vibrant color and crisp-tender snap. For frozen, simply thaw. If using canned, make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid watery casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté for 4 to 5 minutes; you want it soft and slightly golden but not browned. Stir in your minced garlic, cooking for just a minute until fragrant. This onion-garlic base infuses the whole casserole with warmth and homey flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Drop the heat to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to your skillet. Stir patiently as everything melts together. The result should be a luscious, creamy sauce that coats your spoon. This is where that classic comfort of Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole starts to shine!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add your prepped green beans right into the skillet, followed by half the crispy fried onions. Gently mix until every bean is nicely coated and you have a perfect balance of beans, creamy sauce, and a hidden layer of crunch. This mixture gets transferred to your greased 9×9-inch baking dish, ready for its final transformation.
Step 5: Topping and Baking
If you love extra cheese, sprinkle your shredded cheddar evenly on top. Finish by scattering the remaining crispy fried onions all over for that iconic look and texture. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden on top. Serve warm and watch this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole disappear fast!
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole, you can keep it traditional with a generous crown of crispy fried onions. For a pop of fresh color and flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving. A little zest of lemon can also brighten up the creaminess for a lovely twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with roast turkey, baked ham, or any festive main. Try serving it alongside herby mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, or a tart cranberry salad to cut through the richness. The familiar flavors make it a seamless addition to both holiday spreads and regular family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole by serving it in small ramekins for individual portions—guests love the personalized touch! You can also layer the casserole in a deep, wide serving bowl for a rustic, family-style centerpiece. For potlucks, bring it in your prettiest casserole dish and add a sprig of rosemary for flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the contents to an airtight container. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making next-day servings extra delicious.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly if you want to prep ahead for busy weeks or holiday feasts. For best results, assemble but don’t bake or add the crispy onion topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with onions, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole, pop it into a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 15–20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. If the topping needs crisping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch for individual portions—just keep an eye on the crispy onions to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! Canned green beans work fine for Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole when you’re short on time. Just make sure to drain them well so your casserole doesn’t turn watery, and consider reducing the salt slightly since canned beans can be a bit saltier.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular crispy fried onions for a gluten-free version (many grocery stores carry them now), or make your own using gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for gluten-sensitive guests.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, try substituting with plain Greek yogurt or even a splash of heavy cream for similar creaminess. Both options keep that classic tang and silkiness in your Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything except the final layer of crispy fried onions (so they don’t get soggy). Cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours, then add the onions and bake just before you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
To give your Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole even more personality, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a handful of sautéed mushrooms, or substituting Monterey Jack for cheddar cheese. A dash of hot sauce in the creamy sauce can also kick things up a notch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole part of your regular recipe rotation. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and delightful crunch make every bite a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself reaching for seconds—this is one dish everyone will request again and again!
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic holiday side dish. Creamy and flavorful, it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!
Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a skillet, sauté onion in butter until softened. Add garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add green beans and half of the crispy fried onions to the cream cheese mixture. Mix gently.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese and remaining fried onions. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use canned green beans as a quick substitute.
- To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole without toppings and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
