Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

When I first tried making this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole, I was amazed at how it transformed the traditional green bean casserole into something even more indulgent. The combination of rich cheddar soup, creamy milk, and the irresistible Cheddar Bay biscuit topping gives this dish a delicious twist. The green beans stay tender, and the cheesy layers are perfectly complemented by the golden, buttery biscuit crust. This casserole quickly became a family favorite at holiday dinners and weeknight meals. My family couldn’t stop raving about it, and it’s become a regular request for special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or just craving a comforting side dish, this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 26 oz frozen cut green beans, thawed
• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dehydrated minced onion
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Topping

• 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Green Bean Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed green beans, cheddar soup, milk, minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and combined.
3. Add the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese to the green bean mixture. Stir again to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Make the Biscuit Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with the seasoning packet from the box. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, stirring until no large lumps remain in the biscuit batter.
6. Top the Casserole: Pour the biscuit batter over the green bean mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and fully cooked through.
8. Add the Final Touch: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the Cheddar Bay seasoning packet. Once the casserole is done baking, brush the butter mixture over the top of the biscuit topping.
9. Let the Casserole Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes to soak up the buttery goodness.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole has rested, it’s ready to be served! Enjoy the cheesy, savory flavors of this delicious Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: 350 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 12g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish to complement any meal, especially hearty mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken.
• For Holiday Meals: Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter for a festive and indulgent addition to the holiday spread.
• As a Comfort Food: This casserole is comforting and filling, making it great for family dinners or potlucks.
• For Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days, and enjoy as a quick and delicious meal or snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Green Beans: While frozen green beans work well, fresh green beans will add a bit more texture to the casserole. Just blanch them briefly before using.
2. Customize the Biscuit Topping: For added flavor, you can mix in a bit of garlic powder or onion powder into the biscuit batter.
3. Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with adding different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
4. Use Half-and-Half: If you want a creamier texture, replace the milk with half-and-half for the green bean mixture.
5. Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian-friendly version, omit any meat-based ingredients, such as sausage or bacon (if adding them), and stick with the cheesy, creamy green bean base.
• Add Bacon: If you love bacon, chop up cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the biscuit topping before baking for a smoky, savory addition.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) and a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative in place of the regular cheeses.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of green beans for a low-carb alternative, while still keeping the cheesy flavor intact.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grilled Meat: Pair this casserole with grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a balanced, satisfying meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded dinner.
• As a Potluck Dish: This casserole is perfect for potlucks. It’s easy to make in advance, and everyone will enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors.
• With a Salad: Pair with a fresh, light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s refrigerated.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the casserole.
2. Can I add meat to this casserole? Yes, cooked ground beef or bacon would be great additions to make this casserole even heartier.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free cheese and non-dairy milk to make a dairy-free version of this casserole.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
5. Can I use another type of soup instead of cheddar soup? Yes, you can substitute the cheddar soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
6. How do I prevent the biscuit topping from getting soggy? Be sure to bake the casserole until the biscuit topping is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the topping to set.
7. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish? Yes, you can use a smaller baking dish. Just adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on it to ensure the casserole is fully cooked.
8. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of the boxed mix? Yes, you can make your own biscuit dough if you prefer, though the boxed mix makes it quicker and easier.
9. Is this casserole spicy? No, this casserole is not spicy, but if you want to add some heat, you can stir in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
10. Can I use a different cheese for the topping? Yes, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer for the biscuit topping.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is an indulgent and flavorful twist on the traditional green bean casserole. It’s cheesy, savory, and topped with a golden, buttery biscuit crust that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a perfect addition to any meal. Give this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole a try, and it will quickly become a family favorite!

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