Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with cheesy, savory goodness and has that perfect crispy golden topping, look no further than this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe. This recipe transforms the classic green bean casserole into something irresistibly rich by layering tender green beans with creamy cheddar soup, Italian seasoning, and not one but two kinds of cheese. Then it’s crowned with a fluffy, flavorful biscuit topping inspired by Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. The result is a dish that’s incredibly comforting and elegant enough to shine on your holiday table or any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the bold flavors and textures that make this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe stand out. Each element brings something special to the party, from the crisp-tender green beans to the cheesy, buttery biscuit topping.

• 26 oz frozen cut green beans, thawed: Provides the fresh vegetable base with a crisp bite after baking.
• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup: Adds creamy, cheesy depth and moisture to the filling.
• 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the condensed soup and helps create a smooth sauce.
• 1/4 cup dehydrated minced onion: Brings a subtle onion flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Adds herbal warmth with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Lends a gentle touch of heat.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Boosts cheesy richness in the casserole filling.
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a slightly nutty, savory contrast.
• 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The secret to that iconic biscuit-like topping that’s soft inside and crisp on top.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the biscuit batter for extra cheesy flavor.
• 2 cups milk: Moistens the biscuit batter to create a tender crust.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: Used both in the batter and brushed on top to add richness and the signature garlic-buttery finish.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole starts baking at the perfect temperature, cooking evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Bean Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the thawed green beans, condensed cheddar soup, milk, minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This blend creates the creamy, flavorful base of the casserole that will make you want to dive right in.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Next, fold in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese until the mixture is evenly combined. These cheeses melt into the sauce, creating that classic melty, cheesy texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, letting you focus on enjoying the dish.

Step 5: Add the Green Bean Mixture

Pour your cheesy green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This lays down the hearty base for the delicious biscuit topping.

Step 6: Make the Biscuit Topping

In a separate bowl, pour the biscuit mix and set aside the seasoning packet. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, blending until smooth with no lumps. This batter will become the golden, cheesy crown of your casserole.

Step 7: Top the Green Beans with Biscuit Mix

Evenly spread the biscuit batter over the green bean mixture. The biscuit batter might seem soft but it will bake into a delightful crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes or until the biscuit topping is beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch. This baking time allows all the flavors to marry and the topping to get that signature crust.

Step 9: Add Butter and Seasoning

While the casserole is baking, mix the melted butter with the Cheddar Bay seasoning packet. Once the casserole is out of the oven, brush this buttery, flavorful mixture over the biscuit topping for that irresistible garlic-butter finish.

Step 10: Rest the Casserole

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This short break lets the butter soak into the biscuit topping and the filling to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and even more delicious.

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a bright, fresh touch, consider garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. These herbs add a lovely pop of green and a mild onion flavor that balances the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or baked ham. It also shines alongside simpler dinners such as grilled chicken or pork chops, bringing richness and comfort to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions of this casserole in mini ramekins or cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but ensures each guest gets a perfectly baked portion of cheesy green bean goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it great for next-day enjoyment or meal prep.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the casserole dish tightly with foil and label it with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the biscuit topping is crisp again. You may want to cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning as it reheats.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans will work beautifully. Just blanch them first in boiling water for a few minutes to soften before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it doesn’t include meat. Just double-check that the cheddar soup and biscuit mix don’t contain animal-derived ingredients if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.

Can I make the biscuit topping from scratch?

Yes, you can make your own biscuit dough, but the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix provides that unique flavor and texture that really sets this casserole apart.

What can I substitute for the condensed cheddar soup?

You can make a homemade cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese for a fresh alternative if you prefer avoiding canned soups.

How spicy is the casserole? Does it have heat?

This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe isn’t spicy; it’s more about savory, cheesy, and herby flavors with a touch of garlic from the biscuit seasoning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting yet elevated dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with that incredible biscuit crust that brings a little something extra to the table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress and satisfy. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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