If you’re searching for a comforting dish that dazzles with vibrant colors and a delightful medley of textures, this Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender green beans and sweet corn mingling with crunchy water chestnuts and savory onions, all wrapped in a creamy blanket of sour cream and soup, topped with melty cheddar and a buttery, crispy cracker crust. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and happiness to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe so unforgettable.
- Whole corn (12-ounce can, drained thoroughly): Sweet pops of color that add natural juiciness to every bite.
- French-style green beans (12-ounce can, drained): Tender and vibrant, providing that classic green bean crunch and chew.
- Water chestnuts (6-ounce can, drained): The secret weapon for an unexpected, satisfying crunch.
- Sweet yellow onion (1/2 cup diced or chopped): Adds subtle sharpness and depth—onion flakes work well as a convenient alternative.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings creaminess and a soft tang that marries the vegetables beautifully.
- Cream of celery or mushroom soup (12-ounce can): The comforting base that pulls the casserole together with rich, savory undertones.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, enhancing flavor and richness; Gruyere is a fantastic alternative for a nutty twist.
- Melted butter (6 tablespoons): Drizzled for that golden, crispy, buttery finish on top.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of aromatic magic that lifts the entire dish.
- Ritz crackers or buttery crackers (15 crackers, crumbled): Creates the irresistible crunchy topping that everyone will love.
How to Make Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish
Start by giving your 9×13-inch casserole dish a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and ready for baking once your layers are assembled.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables
Begin with a beautiful foundation by layering the drained corn, green beans, crunchy water chestnuts, and diced onion directly into the casserole dish. This medley creates the perfect harmony of freshness and texture.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and your choice of cream of celery or mushroom soup. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the layered vegetables, coating every bit to ensure maximum creaminess.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Garlic Powder
Sprinkle your shredded Cheddar cheese evenly across the creamy top, followed by a dusting of garlic powder. This cheese layer not only adds flavor but also creates that mouthwatering melty texture.
Step 5: Top with Crumbled Crackers
Generously scatter the crumbled Ritz crackers over the cheesy surface. This buttery crust will bake to golden, adding a delightful crunch contrast to the smooth interior.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter over the cracker topping. This final touch ensures that crisp, golden finish and infuses the crust with a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is irresistibly golden and the entire dish is bubbly and inviting.
Step 8: Enjoy Immediately
Once baked, let it rest just for a moment, then dig in and enjoy this soul-warming Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe with family and friends.
How to Serve Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh finishing touch by sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. These herbs bring a pop of color and a fresh bite that complements the creamy casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, especially for festive dinners. It also works wonderfully alongside simple grain dishes like rice pilaf or warm, crusty bread to soak up every delicious bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinners or potlucks. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese and cracker crumbs midway through baking for a double-layered crunchy top that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delicious—if not more—when reheated.
Freezing
This Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, but hold off on the cracker topping and butter. Freeze for up to 2 months, then add the topping when you’re ready to bake fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. To revive the crunchy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned for this casserole?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans, corn, and water chestnuts can be used. Just be sure to cook or blanch the green beans and corn first to ensure they’re tender before assembling the casserole.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream or want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully and provides a similar creamy texture with a slight tang.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Simply use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom or celery soup, and double-check that your cheese and crackers are vegetarian. It makes a delicious meatless side dish.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and confirm that the soup and other canned items are gluten-free. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free options these days.
How can I make this dish more festive for holidays?
Consider adding some crispy fried onions on top or mixing in a handful of cooked bacon bits. You can also swap cheddar for Gruyere or smoked cheese for a sophisticated twist perfect for holiday tables.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside—comforting, flavorful, and just downright delicious. Whether for a family feast or a casual weeknight meal, it always manages to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. Featuring a medley of vegetables combined with a creamy sour cream and soup base, topped with a cheesy, buttery cracker crust, this casserole is both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 ounce can whole corn, drained thoroughly
- 12 ounce can French-style green beans, drained
- 6 ounce can water chestnuts, drained
- 1/2 cup sweet yellow onion, diced or chopped (or 1 tablespoon onion flakes)
Creamy Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 ounce can cream of celery or mushroom soup
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (Gruyere also recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 15 Ritz crackers (or other buttery crackers), crumbled
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or equivalent) with non-stick spray and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.
- Layer the vegetables: In the prepared dish, evenly layer the drained corn, French-style green beans, water chestnuts, and diced sweet onion to create the base of your casserole.
- Mix and pour creamy topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and the cream of celery or mushroom soup. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered vegetables in the casserole dish.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese and garlic powder evenly over the sour cream and soup mixture, distributing the flavors well.
- Top with crackers: Crumble the Ritz crackers and scatter them over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Pour melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crumbled cracker topping to help it brown and crisp as it bakes.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve as a delicious side dish to your meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider substituting Gruyere cheese for the Cheddar cheese.
- If you can’t find French-style green beans, regular green beans work perfectly fine.
- You can use either cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup depending on your preference.
- Ensure all canned vegetables are drained thoroughly to avoid a soggy casserole.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats.
