Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole delivers everything you love about the traditional dish but with a rich, cheesy twist. The combination of creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar, and the buttery, garlicky biscuit topping creates layers of flavor that are both comforting and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and adds a restaurant-worthy touch to any holiday table. One bite, and you’ll never go back to plain green bean casserole again.
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Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory twist on the classic holiday side, this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and buttery Cheddar Bay biscuit topping for an irresistible, cheesy comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (or similar biscuit mix)
- 1/3 cup milk (for biscuit mix)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Add blanched green beans to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a medium bowl, combine biscuit mix with 1/3 cup milk to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the green bean mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until biscuit topping is golden and cooked through.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the baked biscuits for extra flavor.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen green beans both work — just be sure to blanch first.
- For added crunch, top with crispy fried onions before baking.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor variation.
- This dish makes an excellent side for turkey, chicken, or roast beef.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh or Canned Green Beans
The star of the dish—fresh green beans offer a crisp, vibrant texture, while canned or frozen work for convenience.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Creates the creamy, savory base of the casserole. You can substitute with homemade mushroom sauce for a richer flavor.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts into the sauce, infusing every bite with bold, cheesy goodness.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
This is the game changer—it forms a buttery, garlicky crust on top that takes the casserole to the next level.
Milk
Adds smoothness and helps blend the soup and cheese into a silky sauce.
Butter
Used in both the sauce and the biscuit topping to create that signature Cheddar Bay richness.
Garlic Powder
Adds depth and that irresistible, savory aroma associated with Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Onion
Sautéed onion builds flavor at the base of the dish, enhancing the overall richness.
Mushrooms (optional)
Sliced mushrooms add texture and an earthy note that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Fried Onions
Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and that classic green bean casserole finish.
Salt and Pepper
Seasonings that balance and bring out all the flavors in the dish.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Green Beans: If using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion (and mushrooms if using) until soft. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the green beans to the sauce and mix until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cheddar Bay Topping: In a bowl, combine Cheddar Bay biscuit mix with the required amount of milk (as indicated on the package) and stir in melted butter and extra cheese for richness.
- Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and cooked through.
- Finish with Crunch: Sprinkle fried onions over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for that crispy finish.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 50 minutes total—15 minutes prep time and 35 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes. If the topping softens, reheat in the oven to bring back its crisp texture.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Lover’s Twist
Add crispy bacon bits to the filling or sprinkle them over the top before serving for extra flavor.
Extra Cheesy Version
Mix in a blend of Monterey Jack or Gruyère with the cheddar for a richer, more complex cheese flavor.
Spicy Cajun Kick
Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Vegetarian Upgrade
Use vegetable broth and extra mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian-friendly option.
Homemade Mushroom Sauce
Replace the canned soup with a homemade roux of butter, flour, cream, and sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet touch.
Garlic Herb Crust
Add chopped parsley or thyme to the biscuit topping for a fragrant finish.
Crunchier Topping
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on top with the fried onions for extra crunch.
Make-Ahead Option
Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the biscuit topping and use a mixture of crushed pork rinds and Parmesan for a keto-friendly crust.
Seafood-Inspired
Add chunks of cooked lobster or shrimp for a luxurious, coastal twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before mixing with the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely—prepare the casserole up to the topping, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?
You can use regular biscuit mix with added cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of parsley.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use a vegetarian cream soup or make your own mushroom sauce with vegetable broth.
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, they work well for convenience, though fresh beans give better texture.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free biscuit mix and soup alternatives.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier option.
Why did my topping get soggy?
Let the casserole rest uncovered after baking to allow steam to escape.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish—add 10 minutes to baking time.
What should I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken.
Conclusion
Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole takes a beloved classic and elevates it with the buttery, garlicky charm of Cheddar Bay biscuits. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors, it’s the perfect side dish for holidays or any time you want to bring something special to the table. With its golden topping and creamy filling, this casserole delivers everything you love about comfort food—familiar, rich, and utterly irresistible. Once you try it, it’s bound to earn a permanent place on your family’s menu.
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