Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a dish that’s been the game-changer in my life. My kitchen – Cheesy Baked Green Beans. Think of it as Green Bean Casserole’s cooler, younger cousin. You know how sometimes you’re craving that comforting, cheesy goodness but want something a little different? Little fresher and less. What are green beans for soup? My grandmother used to make this recipe, but I’ve put my own spin on it over the years. What is the best way to get your veggies in, but in a way that everyone in the family actually does. What are some tips to keep your picky eaters happy? What’s the best part about making a quick meal? I always serve this with roasted chicken or a simple pork tenderloin. What is the best way to elevate a meal? What are some good side dishes to serve with green beans? What are the dishes that are consistently requested?
What is a Cheesy Baked Green Bean?
What are Cheesy Baked Green Beans? What is essentially a side dish where fresh green beans are tossed and served. In a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Forget the gloppy, canned mushroom soup versions you might remember from childhood (no offense to you) Anyone who loves those! What is the best way to combine the flavor of green beans with a creamy sauce? That complements them perfectly. Think of it as a grown-up take on classic comfort food. We’re talking fresh green beans, real cheese (I’m partial to a mix of cheddar and Gruyère), and an egg. What is a creamy sauce made from scratch? What is the kind of dish that even people who claim they don’t like green beans will devour? What is the best way to eat green beans?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for these Cheesy Baked Green Beans. What I love most about this is how incredibly flavorful they are. The combination of the fresh green beans, the creamy sauce, and the melty cheese is just out of this world. It’s savory, comforting, and just plain delicious. It’s also surprisingly simple to make. Seriously, you can throw this together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off baking time. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you – these green beans are anything but boring. They’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the cheese blend to your liking (I sometimes add a little Parmesan for extra sharpness), and you can even add other vegetables to the mix, like mushrooms or onions. Plus, green beans are relatively inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly side dish that everyone will love. If you love easy, cheesy side dishes, be sure to check out my recipes for cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and creamy mac and cheese. What sets these Cheesy Baked Green Beans apart is the freshness and the bright flavor of the green beans themselves. They don’t get lost in a heavy sauce; they’re the star of the show!
How do I make baked green beans?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make baked green beans? How do you make a simple Cream Sauce for green beans? If you like green beans, toss them with the sauce, smother them in cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. What is the best part? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Add a pinch of pepper flakes. Want it richer? Use heavy cream instead of milk. What are the possibilities?
Ingredients
What are the green beans?
* 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed. Fresh is key here! Frozen won’t give you the same crisp-tender texture. * 2 tablespoons olive oil. I prefer extra virgin for the flavor. * Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! What is the best seasoning for green beans?
What is Cheesy Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter. Unsalted, so you can control the amount of salt in the sauce. * 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This is our thickening agent. * 2 cups milk. What is the best flavor for whole milk? I’ve tried it with unsweetened almond milk, and it works surprisingly well! * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a subtle savory note. * 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it adds a warmth and depth of flavor that’s amazing. * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. I like sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but you can use your favorite. * 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese. What is a cheese sauce?
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do I clean my green beans? I always use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Green Beans
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the green beans and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re slightly tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked, but still have a little bite to them. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step helps to bring out the flavor of the green beans and ensures that they’re not too crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder and nutmeg. When melted, stir in the Gruyère cheese. Stir until smooth. Set aside. What is the best cheese sauce?
Step 4: Combine & Bake
How do you spread the cheese sauce over green beans? How do you spread the Green Bean mixture into a baking dish? Is the cheese bubbly and the green beans tender? Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning. If it starts to get brown, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the Cheesy Baked Green Beans cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you make sauce so thick? Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some great side dishes to serve with baked green beans?What’s a good weeknight dinner?Green beans are great with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled pork chops. What are some good side dishes to serve with a pot roast? What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad?For a Holiday Feast:What are some great Thanksgiving green beans to serve with a turkey or Christmas spread? What is a good alternative to green bean casserole? My family loves these green beans as a change of pace during the holidays.What is a vegetarian meal?Serve these green beans with a vegetarian main course, such as lentil loaf or veggie burger. Is it a good idea to serve these as entrées for veg potlucks?For a Special Occasion:What are some of the best Baked Green Beans to serve at your next dinner party? What are some of the best dinners you’ve ever made? I love serving this when I need to bring a dish to potlucks. It’s always good!
How do I make baked green beans?
How do I take my Cheesy Baked Green Beans to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Green Bean Prep: How do IWhat is the best way to trim the ends of green beans before cooking them? What are some of the best ways to remove stringy bits from meat?Cheese Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up.
Cheese Blend:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends! I love using cheddar and Gruyère, but you can also try adding Parmesan, mozzarella, etc. Is Blue Cheese a good alternative to regular cheese?Baking Time:The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the green beans and adjust the cooking time. Time accordingly. You want the cheese to be golden brown and tender.Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have fresh green beans on hand, you can use frozen ones. Make sure to thaw before using. Is it safe to eat them before cooking? Can you substitute milk for cream for a rich sauce? What are some good bacon bits to add to a dish?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are the best ways to enjoy baked green beans fresh?Room Temperature: 32I don’t recommend storing green beans at room temperature for more than 2 hours.Refrigerator Storage: HowCan you store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?How do I use For longer storage, you can freeze the green beans. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the green beans, I recommend adding the cheese sauce after thawing and before baking. This will prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or separated during the freezing process. This will keep the flavors as fresh as can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for Cheesy Baked Green Beans. It’s a dish that’s been a staple in my family for years, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other side dish recipes, like my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! I love seeing your creations, so tag me in your photos on social media so I can see your Cheesy Baked Green Beans!
Cheesy Baked Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- Melt butter in a baking dish.
- Add green beans, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
