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)
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