Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the holidays roll around, or really any time I’m craving some serious comfort food, my mind often goes to the classic green bean casserole. But today, we’re taking that beloved dish and giving it a sensational upgrade: Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole. Imagine tender green beans swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, savory crust that tastes just like those famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. It’s a bold twist that transforms a traditional side into a true showstopper!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a dish that takes a classic and makes it even more exciting? I’m absolutely obsessed with Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole because it brings together so many irresistible flavors and textures. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese and that iconic savory biscuit topping truly elevates the humble green bean casserole to gourmet status. It’s incredibly creamy, delightfully cheesy, and has a satisfying crunch from the topping that’s utterly addictive. It’s perfect for holiday meals, family gatherings, or any time you want to serve a side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a stress-free addition to your menu.

The Evolution of a Classic Side

The classic green bean casserole, typically made with canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell Soup Company. It quickly became a staple at Thanksgiving tables across America due to its ease of preparation and comforting, savory flavor.

Over the years, home cooks have innovated, seeking to enhance this beloved classic. The “Cheddar Bay” twist is a brilliant modern adaptation, capitalizing on the immense popularity of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. By incorporating the garlicky, cheesy, and buttery flavors of those biscuits into the casserole’s topping, it injects a familiar, well-loved profile into the traditional dish. This fusion elevates the casserole’s texture and flavor, transforming it into a more robust and undeniably addictive side that remains a nod to its comforting origins while offering a bold, new experience.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this bold and comforting Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained (or 1.5 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, blanched until tender-crisp)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

For the Cheddar Bay Topping:

• 1 (7 ounce) box Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (like Red Lobster brand)
• Ingredients called for on biscuit mix box (typically cold water and shredded cheddar cheese)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Swaps and Notes

• Green Beans: Canned green beans are traditional for their soft texture. For a fresher taste and slightly firmer bite, use blanched fresh or frozen green beans. Ensure they are well-drained.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides the classic creamy base. You can make a homemade cream sauce (roux + broth + milk) for a from-scratch version, but the canned soup offers convenience.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the soup. Full-fat is best for creaminess.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is fantastic for flavor. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Always recommend shredding your own cheese from blocks for the best melt!
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This is the key to the unique topping! Follow the package directions for making the biscuits, but then crumble them as directed in the steps. You’ll use the seasoning packet from the mix.
• Garlic Powder (for topping): This helps enhance the “Cheddar Bay” flavor even further in the butter topping.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s bake this bold twist on a classic!

1. Prepare Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
4. Pour into Dish: Pour the green bean mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Prepare Biscuit Topping: In a separate medium bowl, prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix according to the package directions (usually involves adding water and shredded cheddar cheese from the mix packet). Once prepared, crumble the biscuit dough mixture roughly over the top of the green bean casserole.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green bean mixture is bubbly and the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Make Garlic Butter Topping: While the casserole bakes, in a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Stir in the 1 teaspoon garlic powder and the chopped fresh parsley.
8. Brush & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Immediately brush the melted garlic butter mixture generously over the hot biscuit topping. Serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Drain Green Beans Well: If using canned, ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, cheesiest sauce, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the casserole is bubbly and the biscuit topping is golden. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
• Brush Topping Immediately: Brushing the garlic butter on the hot biscuit topping allows it to soak in beautifully, enhancing the flavor and keeping it tender.
• Mix Biscuit Topping Gently: Avoid overworking the biscuit dough; it should be just combined and slightly crumbly for the topping.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a fantastic, hearty side dish for any meal:

• Holiday Feasts: A guaranteed hit for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners, offering a fresh take on a classic. It pairs wonderfully with These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
• Potlucks & Gatherings: Easy to transport and universally loved.
• With Roasted Meats: Excellent alongside roasted chicken, pork loin, or beef.
• Comfort Food Dinner: A perfect side for any homestyle meal.
• Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a crisp lager would complement this casserole nicely.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole makes for delicious leftovers, though the biscuit topping will soften.

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in the microwave, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. If reheating in the oven, you can loosely tent with foil to prevent over-browning. The topping may not be as crispy as fresh, but the flavors will still be great.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this particular casserole, as the creamy sauce and biscuit topping texture can change significantly upon thawing.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this casserole, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:

• For another deep, comforting bowl with Southern flavors, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
• If you love quick and flavorful skillet dinners, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• For an easy one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is fantastic.
• And for another easy cheesy crowd-pleaser, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are excellent.

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Final Thoughts

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole is a fantastic twist on a beloved classic, injecting bold, savory flavors and a delightful cheesy biscuit topping into a comforting side dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new tradition in your household, or what other classic dishes you love to give a bold twist. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!