Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

When I first made this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole, I had no idea how quickly it would become a family favorite. The combination of smooth cream cheese, savory cream of chicken soup, and crunchy French-fried onions creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, creamy texture paired with the familiar flavor of green beans makes it an ideal side dish, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. My family loved how it tasted just like the classic green bean casserole but with an extra creamy twist. It was a hit during the holiday season, and even the kids, who are picky eaters, went for seconds. If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity with comfort, this casserole is definitely a must-try.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 (11-ounce) cans of green beans
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup French-fried onions
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch garlic powder

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this creamy and flavorful casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Be sure to use a smaller dish to ensure that the casserole stays thick and creamy during baking.
2. Drain the Green Beans: Thoroughly drain the green beans to remove any excess liquid. This ensures that your casserole doesn’t end up too watery.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
4. Add the French-Fried Onions: Fold in ½ cup of the French-fried onions to give the casserole a nice texture and flavor. These crispy onions will melt into the dish and create pockets of crunch.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish and loosely cover it with foil. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Uncover and Stir: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole to distribute the heat evenly.
7. Top with Onions: Sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions over the top of the casserole to form an even golden crust.
8. Bake Again: Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly. This will also help it retain its creamy consistency.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: 250-300 (depending on portion size)
• Total fat: 17g
• Saturated fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

• As a side dish with turkey or chicken: It’s a perfect complement to roasted meats, especially during the holidays.
• With mashed potatoes: The creamy casserole pairs well with the softness of mashed potatoes.
• With steak or pork chops: The richness of the casserole enhances the flavors of grilled or pan-seared meats.
• On its own: This dish is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal if you’re looking for something simple and satisfying.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh green beans for an even better texture: While canned green beans are convenient, using fresh or frozen beans can elevate the dish with better texture and flavor.
2. Add shredded cheese: For an extra creamy and cheesy version, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking.
3. Use a deeper baking dish for larger servings: If you’re making a larger batch, consider using a 9×13-inch dish for more servings.
4. Season it your way: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to suit your tastes. You can even add some onion powder for a more intense flavor.
5. Top with crispy bacon: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the casserole along with the French-fried onions.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian version: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream of mushroom or vegetable soup for a meat-free alternative.
2. Add mushrooms: For a richer flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the mixture before baking.
3. Use cream cheese with herbs: If you want an extra kick, use flavored cream cheese, such as chive or garlic herb, to infuse the casserole with additional layers of flavor.
4. Low-fat version: To make this recipe lighter, use low-fat cream cheese and a reduced-sodium version of cream of chicken soup.
5. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this casserole alongside a holiday meal, such as roast turkey, glazed ham, or roast chicken.
• Pair it with stuffing or sweet potato casserole for a complete, festive side dish spread.
• Consider adding cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy casserole.
• For a lighter option, pair it with a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:

• To freeze this casserole, prepare it up to the point of baking. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual.

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen green beans. Just be sure to blanch fresh green beans before using them in this recipe.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, feel free to substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.

4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese and use a dairy-free soup.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little heat.

6. How do I make this casserole crispy on top?
Be sure to add the French-fried onions near the end of the baking process to get a crispy, golden crust.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

8. Can I use a different type of onion topping?
Yes, if you don’t have French-fried onions, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crispy onions for a similar texture.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses cream of chicken soup, which contains gluten. You can substitute it with a gluten-free version.

10. Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese would be a great addition for extra creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic dish. Whether for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture and crunchy topping, it offers the perfect balance of savory and satisfying. Make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or enjoy it fresh out of the oven—this casserole is versatile and delicious every time!

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