Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Combining tender green beans with rich cream cheese, savory cream of chicken soup, and a crunchy topping of French-fried onions, this classic casserole offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s simple to prepare and bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 (11-ounce) cans green beans, thoroughly drained
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
Other
- 1 cup French-fried onions, divided (½ cup for mixing, ½ cup for topping)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Using a dish this size ensures the casserole remains thick and creamy rather than thin.
- Drain Green Beans: Thoroughly drain the canned green beans to remove all excess liquid, preventing the casserole from becoming watery.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and the cream cheese is well incorporated.
- Fold in Onions: Gently fold in ½ cup of the French-fried onions to add crunchy texture throughout the casserole.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Cover: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly during the first part of baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes to allow it to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Stir the Casserole: After baking for 25 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir the casserole to distribute heat evenly throughout the dish.
- Add Remaining Onions and Bake Uncovered: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French-fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Ensure green beans are well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian twist, but this will change the flavor profile.
- Adding extra garlic powder or herbs like thyme can enhance the flavor if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
