If you’re searching for a side dish that will steal the show at your next dinner or holiday gathering, look no further than this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy marvel featuring tender green beans swimming in rich cheddar soup, complimented beautifully by shredded parmesan and cheddar cheese. What truly elevates this casserole to legendary status is the golden, buttery Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping that crisps up perfectly on the surface. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become your go-to crowd-pleaser that everyone will be asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe is brilliant because it brings together a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory sharpness of cheddar cheese to the cozy familiarity of green beans, and that unforgettable biscuit topping, everything works in harmony.
- 26 oz frozen cut green beans: Thaw these ahead for tender, fresh flavor and great texture.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup: This adds the creamy, cheesy base that holds everything together.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the soup just enough to keep the mixture silky.
- ¼ cup dehydrated minced onion: A subtle, savory depth to complement the cheesy richness.
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous punch that rounds out the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick and balance.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic sharp cheddar bite throughout.
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, slightly tangy nuance to the casserole.
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The secret to that irresistible biscuit topping everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the biscuit batter for extra cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups milk: Helps create a smooth biscuit dough that bakes up fluffy and golden.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Used to brush over the finished casserole for that signature buttery finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Green Bean Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, take your thawed green beans, condensed cheddar soup, milk, dehydrated minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and combine them in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended. This step ensures every green bean is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce that makes this casserole irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Cheeses
Now it’s time to bring in the cheeses that give this casserole its signature richness. Add both the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded parmesan to the green bean mixture. Give it another good stir so the cheeses mix evenly throughout, promising cheesy pockets in every bite once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer
Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish well with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the green bean-cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly, creating the hearty filling that will soon be topped by the buttery biscuit layer.
Step 4: Make the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
Using a separate bowl, mix the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with shredded cheddar cheese and the milk. Set aside the seasoning packet that comes with the biscuit mix for later. Stir the mixture until there are no large lumps and the batter is smooth. This cheesy biscuit batter will form the crowning glory on your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the biscuit batter evenly over the green bean mixture in your baking dish. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes. The biscuit topping should be a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked and delightfully crisp on top.
Step 6: Add the Signature Butter Glaze and Rest
While the casserole is baking, combine the melted butter with the Cheddar Bay seasoning packet you set aside earlier. As soon as the casserole is out of the oven, brush this flavorful butter mixture over the biscuit topping. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the butter to soak in beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh burst of color and texture, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. A few crispy fried onions scattered on the biscuit topping can also add wonderful crunch and that classic green bean casserole vibe with a twist.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs brilliantly with roast turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a simple garden salad. The cheesy biscuit topping makes it rich enough to stand on its own, but it also complements protein dishes and hearty sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer the casserole in a trifle-style glass dish, allowing guests to admire the vibrant green beans nestled under that golden biscuit crust before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick reheats and second helpings.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the biscuit topping feels crisp again. Avoid microwaving, if you can, to preserve that delightful biscuit texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp, then cool them in ice water before using. This helps maintain their bright color and texture in the casserole.
Can I substitute the Red Lobster Biscuit mix with homemade biscuit dough?
Of course, you can! While the biscuit mix gives that signature Cheddar Bay flavor, a good homemade cheesy biscuit dough will also work and create a delicious topping. Just be sure to incorporate shredded cheddar cheese for that authentic taste.
Is this casserole suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve to achieve the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Just double-check that your condensed cheddar soup is vegetarian-friendly or substitute it with a homemade or vegetarian-friendly cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally meat-free.
How spicy is the casserole?
This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe is mild, with a gentle peppery kick from the seasoning. It’s designed to be comforting and cheesy rather than spicy, making it a hit with all ages.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy to any table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with the kind of biscuit crust that makes you want to sneak a taste even before dinner starts. If you’re craving a side dish that’s both familiar and exciting, this casserole is your answer. Go ahead, make it soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Take your holiday side dish game to the next level with this Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole—a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic green bean casserole topped with irresistible Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a crowd-pleasing savory treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Green Bean Casserole
- 26 oz frozen cut green beans, thawed
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup dehydrated minced onion
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Cheddar Bay seasoning packet (from biscuit mix box)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Green Bean Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed green beans, condensed cheddar soup, ½ cup milk, dehydrated minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded parmesan cheese to the green bean mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend the cheeses evenly throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the prepared green bean mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare Biscuit Topping Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, pour the biscuit mix from the box and set aside the included Cheddar Bay seasoning packet. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups milk to the biscuit mix. Stir until no large lumps remain, creating a smooth batter.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly pour the biscuit batter over the green bean mixture in the baking dish, creating a thick biscuit topping layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Butter Topping: While the casserole bakes, combine the ¼ cup melted butter with the reserved Cheddar Bay seasoning packet in a small bowl.
- Brush Butter Mixture: When the casserole is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and brush the melted butter and seasoning mixture evenly over the biscuit topping.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes to let the butter soak in and flavors meld. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole!
Notes
- Ensure green beans are fully thawed before mixing for best texture.
- Use cooking spray liberally to prevent biscuit topping from sticking to the baking dish.
- Brush the butter mixture immediately after baking to keep the biscuit topping moist and flavorful.
- Resting the casserole allows the biscuit topping to absorb the butter seasoning and enhances the overall taste.
- This casserole can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American