When you need the ultimate comfort food side that still manages to feel a little bit fancy, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole. It takes the classic green bean casserole we all grew up with and gives it a velvety, tangy twist with the addition of cream cheese and sour cream, all wrapped together with savory Parmesan, sweet onions, and plenty of that beloved crispy onion topping. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or craving a weekday pick-me-up, this casserole brings creamy, cheesy, and crunchy together in one glorious dish your family will request again and again.

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole are refreshingly simple, but each one is essential for delivering the dish’s signature blend of flavors and textures. Every component plays a delicious role, from snapping-fresh green beans to the creamy cheeses and that irresistible oniony crunch on top.

Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh green beans gives the casserole a vibrant color and satisfying bite; they stay tender-crisp after baking.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to a tangy, luscious sauce that hugs every green bean; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of creamy tang and keeps the sauce light on the palate.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and green beans.
Onion: Sautéed until soft and sweet, onion creates a flavorful foundation for the cheesy sauce.
Garlic: Two cloves minced for an aromatic kick that infuses the sauce.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic; adds subtle flavor and a silky texture to the base.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
Black Pepper: A little goes a long way for balancing the richness with gentle heat.
Crispy Fried Onions: Folded in for crunch and layered on top for a toasty golden finish that everyone loves.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the fresh green beans and let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes—just long enough for them to turn bright green and become barely tender. Immediately drain them and give them a rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. This simple step keeps your green beans crisp-tender and beautifully green, never mushy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

While the beans cool, set a skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and starts to turn translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant, just about one minute—this builds the savory base for your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Creamy Cheese Sauce Time

Turn the heat down low and stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the salt and black pepper to bring out all the cheesy, garlicky flavors, and stir well so every bite will be seasoned to perfection.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and gently fold them into the cheesy sauce until they’re evenly coated. Then, sprinkle in one cup of crispy fried onions for a little crunch inside the casserole itself—trust me, this makes every serving extra irresistible!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the entire mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until everything is hot and starting to bubble at the edges. For the grand finale, scatter more crispy fried onions on top and pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes, just until golden and crisp.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole with a crown of extra crispy fried onions, or try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and brightness. If you love a little heat, a pinch of cracked black pepper adds a lovely contrast to the creamy base.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a knock-out alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or prime rib for holiday celebrations. For more casual gatherings, pair it with simple grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main. You can also serve it with a fresh, lemony salad or buttery mashed potatoes to make a cozy, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own portion with plenty of crispy topping. Or, layer it in a shallow dish so you can scatter extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top just before serving. Serve leftovers on toasted bread as a decadent open-faced sandwich, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a fun, family-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it just as tasty the next day!

Freezing

Want to get a jumpstart on meal planning? Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy holidays or when you need a comforting side in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, top with a fresh handful of crispy onions, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. For a quick single serving, you can also use the microwave—just be sure to add the onions after heating for max crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great shortcut—just thaw and drain them well to prevent extra moisture in the casserole. They’ll save you time and still deliver plenty of flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to keep the green beans crisp?

Don’t overcook them during the blanching step and be sure to rinse them with cold water right after boiling. This helps lock in their vibrant color and just-right texture, so they stay crisp-tender even after baking.

Can I make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, add the topping and bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday prep or hosting big gatherings.

How do I make this casserole richer for special occasions?

If you want an extra-indulgent version, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce or add a handful of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese. It makes for an even more decadent and cheesy experience!

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is vegetarian as written. Always double-check your Parmesan and crispy fried onions to ensure they’re free of animal rennet or other non-vegetarian additives if you’re serving strict vegetarians.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is pure comfort on a plate, blending nostalgia with a creamy, cheesy upgrade the whole table will love. Give it a try for your next celebration or weeknight dinner—you might just start a delicious new tradition!

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole. Fresh green beans are smothered in a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and baked to perfection. A delicious side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions (plus more for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Green Beans: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 4–5 minutes, then drain and cool.
Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: Sauté onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic. Reduce heat and mix in cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Bake: Stir in green beans and fried onions. Transfer to baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes. Top with more fried onions and bake for 5 additional minutes.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can use frozen green beans if fresh are not available. Thaw and drain before use.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as a comforting side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American