If you’re craving a comforting side dish that brings creamy, savory goodness to your table without fuss, this Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious twist on a classic favorite, combining tender green beans with rich cream cheese and hearty cream of chicken soup, all topped with crispy French-fried onions for that irresistible crunch. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers warmth and flavor in every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together effortlessly but are essential in creating the rich and creamy texture, along with that perfect balance of savory flavors and crispy topping that makes this dish so special.

3 (11-ounce) cans green beans: Conveniently canned for quick prep, these are the green beans that provide the fresh, vibrant vegetable base of the dish.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: This adds dreamy creaminess and tang to the casserole’s sauce, making every bite silky smooth.
1 cup French-fried onions: Adds the signature crunchy topping and some mixed-in texture for contrast throughout the casserole.
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Acts as a savory binder, bringing everything together with its rich, hearty flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
1 pinch garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth and makes the dish extra aromatic and flavorful.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Using the right size dish is key here—it keeps the casserole thick and creamy rather than thin and watery.

Step 2: Drain the Green Beans

Drain the canned green beans thoroughly to avoid extra liquid that could make your casserole soggy. This step ensures your casserole will have the perfect texture.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture is the heart of the Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe, giving it that irresistibly rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Green Beans and Half the Onions

Fold the drained green beans into the creamy mixture. Then, gently stir in half of the French-fried onions to distribute some crunch throughout the casserole instead of just on top.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish and loosely cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the casserole warm through evenly.

Step 6: Stir and Add Topping

Remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir, ensuring no cold spots remain. Then sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions evenly over the top—this is what will create that golden, crispy finish everyone loves.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered Until Golden

Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully browned and the casserole is bubbly all the way through.

Step 8: Let It Cool Slightly

Before serving, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. This little patience moment helps it set and makes serving easier and less messy.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Boost the visual appeal by sprinkling a few extra French-fried onions right before serving for that fresh crunch, or add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten up the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday proteins like roasted turkey or baked ham, and it’s just as perfect alongside grilled chicken or seared pork chops for a cozy family dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh thyme. You can also layer it in a clear glass dish, letting the vibrant green beans peek through, making it as attractive as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold or reheated, preserving its creamy texture nicely.

Freezing

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the onions on top from burning, then remove the foil near the end to crisp them up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them first by boiling until tender-crisp, then drain well. This will keep your casserole from becoming watery and maintain that crisp texture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the cream of chicken soup?

Yes! You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade vegetable-based cream sauce to keep the dish vegetarian while still preserving that creamy texture and flavor.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

It’s possible by using a vegan cream cheese, a dairy-free cream soup alternative, and skipping or substituting the French-fried onions with a vegan version. The flavor will be different but still delicious!

What can I add to make this casserole more flavorful?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese folded in before baking. Even a dash of smoked paprika or a bit of fresh thyme can elevate the flavor beautifully.

How do I get the French-fried onions extra crispy on top?

For crunchier onions, add them at the very end of baking or broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. This helps achieve that perfect golden crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe is truly a little treasure in the world of comfort food—simple to make, deliciously creamy, and wonderfully crunchy at the same time. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out and is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table. You owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try and experience just how satisfying homemade comfort food can be.

Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic green bean casserole. Combining tender green beans with smooth cream cheese, savory cream of chicken soup, and crispy French-fried onions, this casserole is perfect for holiday dinners or any family meal. With minimal prep and baked to golden perfection, it’s a deliciously rich side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3 (11-ounce) cans green beans, thoroughly drained

Dairy

4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Pantry

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 pinch garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup French-fried onions, divided (½ cup for mixing, ½ cup for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Using a smaller dish keeps the casserole thick and creamy.
Drain Green Beans: Drain the canned green beans thoroughly to remove excess liquid, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Add French-Fried Onions: Fold in ½ cup of the French-fried onions to incorporate a crunchy texture throughout the casserole.
Transfer and Cover: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Loosely cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and help ingredients meld during baking.
Bake Initial Phase: Bake covered for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Stir and Remove Foil: Take the casserole out of the oven, carefully remove the foil, and stir the casserole to evenly distribute heat and consistency.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French-fried onions evenly on top of the casserole for a crispy topping.
Bake Final Phase: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is fully cooked and crisp on top.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and make serving easier.

Notes

Use a 9×9-inch baking dish for best thickness and creamy texture.
Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned green beans to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American