Cheesy Delight: 10 Irresistible Green Bean Recipes That Steal the Show

Take your side dishes to the next level with these green bean recipes with cheese! Whether you’re craving a classic green bean casserole, a cheesy roasted green bean bake, or a creamy gratin, these recipes are perfect for adding a rich and savory twist to this versatile vegetable. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts!

 

1. Cheesy Garlic Skillet Green Beans

This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh green beans into a cheesy side dish bursting with flavor. Simply sauté blanched green beans in butter and garlic, then top with your choice of cheese (like sharp cheddar and mozzarella) and crispy panko breadcrumbs. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and takes just minutes to prepare!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes
3. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper
4. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes until beans are tender-crisp
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over beans
6. Top with mozzarella cheese
7. Cover skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh green beans for best texture
• Adjust garlic to taste preference
• Can substitute cheeses as desired
• Serve immediately while cheese is hot and melted

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	180	9%
Protein	8g	16%
Total Fat	14g	18%
Carbohydrates	10g	3%

2. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

A modern twist on the classic holiday dish, this cheesy green bean casserole is a must-try. Loaded with sharp cheddar and topped with crispy onions, it’s creamy, savory, and provides the perfect crunchy finish.

Key Ingredients:

• Green beans (fresh or canned)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• French-fried onions
• Milk
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce)

Preparation Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Drain green beans
3. Mix green beans with soup, cheese, and half the fried onions
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish
5. Top with remaining cheese and fried onions
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh green beans for best texture
• Can add bacon or ham for extra flavor
• Experiment with different cheese varieties
• For a crispy top, add extra fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350	18%
Protein	12g	24%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Carbohydrates	25g	8%

3. Cheesy Bacon Green Beans

For a rich and hearty side dish, try this cheesy green bean casserole with bacon. Combining crispy bacon with fresh green beans, sharp cheddar, and a creamy base, this recipe will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method:

1. Boil green beans in salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp
3. Remove bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in pan
4. Add butter to bacon grease and brown for 3-4 minutes
5. Sauté onions and garlic in butter mixture
6. Add green beans to skillet, stirring to coat
7. Top with crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese
8. Season with salt and pepper

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh green beans for best texture
• Drain beans thoroughly after boiling
• Brown butter adds extra flavor
• Can substitute other cheeses as desired

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	220	11%
Protein	8g	16%
Total Fat	16g	20%
Carbohydrates	10g	3%

4. Green Beans with Cheese Sauce

A straightforward yet indulgent dish, this recipe features steamed green beans drenched in a homemade cheese sauce. It’s a fantastic side for grilled meats or as a comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Lemon zest

Preparation Method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes
2. Quickly transfer beans to ice water to stop cooking
3. In a saucepan, sauté garlic in butter and olive oil
4. Add flour and whisk until light caramel color
5. Gradually add stock and milk, whisking constantly
6. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth
7. Add blanched green beans to cheese sauce
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	280	14%
Protein	12g	24%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Carbohydrates	10g	3%

5. Cheesy Green Bean Salad

For a refreshing spin, this green bean salad combines crunchy beans with a tangy dressing and crumbles of feta cheese. It’s ideal for summer barbecues or as a light side dish.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• Cheese options:
  • Goat cheese
  • Feta cheese
  • Blue cheese
• Optional add-ins:
  • Candied or toasted nuts
  • Bacon
  • Dried cranberries
  • Fresh herbs

Preparation Method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes
2. Immediately cool in ice water to preserve color and texture
3. Drain and pat dry with paper towels
4. Create dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard
5. Toss green beans with dressing
6. Top with chosen cheese and additional ingredients

Dressing Options:

• Red wine vinegar and olive oil
• White balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice and Dijon mustard

Serving Suggestions:

• Can be served warm or cold
• Prepare ahead and refrigerate
• Excellent side dish or light lunch

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	180-220	9-11%
Protein	8-10g	16-20%
Total Fat	14-16g	18-20%
Carbohydrates	10-12g	3-4%

6. Green Beans with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

For a gourmet touch, combine green beans with rich blue cheese and crunchy walnuts. This sophisticated side is perfect for holiday meals or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Preparation Method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes
2. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and preserve color
3. Drain and pat beans dry
4. Lightly sauté beans in olive oil
5. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and blue cheese
6. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Cooking Tips:

• Toast walnuts in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes for enhanced flavor
• Use fresh, crisp green beans
• Can be served warm or cold
• Substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if desired

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	165-262	8-13%
Protein	6-10g	12-20%
Total Fat	12-21g	15-27%
Carbohydrates	11-12g	4%

7. Cheesy Vegetable Gratin

A delicious side dish combining green beans with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe offers a versatile and elegant way to enjoy vegetables.

Key Ingredients:

• 20 ounces green beans (frozen or fresh)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg

Preparation Method:

1. Caramelize onions in butter (10-15 minutes)
2. Add garlic and flour to create a roux
3. Slowly whisk in milk, thyme, and nutmeg
4. Add green beans and half the cheese
5. Transfer to baking dish
6. Top with remaining cheese and buttered breadcrumbs
7. Bake until golden and bubbly

Cooking Tips:

• No need to thaw frozen green beans
• Caramelize onions slowly for best flavor
• Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350	18%
Protein	15g	30%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Carbohydrates	25g	8%

8. Green Bean and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

A delightful fusion recipe combining two classic ingredients into a tasty vegetarian dish. This recipe transforms traditional stuffed peppers by incorporating green beans and cheese as the primary filling.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bell peppers
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 1/2 cups cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: chili powder, cumin

Preparation Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Halve and clean bell peppers
3. Sauté green beans, onions, and garlic
4. Mix green beans with rice, cheese, and seasonings
5. Stuff peppers with green bean mixture
6. Top with additional cheese
7. Bake 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese melts

Cooking Tips:

• Blanch green beans briefly before chopping
• Use fresh, crisp bell peppers
• Can substitute different cheeses
• Serve with optional garnishes like cilantro or salsa

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	280	14%
Protein	15g	30%
Total Fat	16g	20%
Carbohydrates	22g	7%

9. Cheesy Green Bean and Potato Bake

A delicious casserole combining green beans and potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This comforting dish can be prepared easily and serves as an excellent side dish or light main course.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 cups green beans
• 4-5 cups potatoes, diced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

Preparation Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Precook potatoes until tender
3. Make cheese sauce by:
   • Melting butter
   • Whisking in flour and seasonings
   • Gradually adding milk
   • Stirring until thickened
   • Mixing in cheese
4. Layer potatoes and green beans in baking dish
5. Pour cheese sauce over layers
6. Optional: Top with breadcrumbs
7. Bake 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen green beans
• Can substitute different cheeses
• Precooking vegetables ensures proper texture

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350	18%
Protein	15g	30%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Carbohydrates	25g	8%

10. Mac and Cheese with Green Beans

This delightful dish combines the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese with the freshness of green beans, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 cups cold milk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup French-fried onions (for topping)

Preparation Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 4 minutes until they start to become tender but are still crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water, add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes (1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for a few minutes until it turns light golden.
   • Gradually add the cold milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Cook until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
   • Stir in salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, white pepper, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked green beans to the macaroni in the bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with French-fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy green bean mac and cheese!

This dish is not only comforting but also adds a nutritious twist with green beans, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350	18%
Protein	15g	30%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Carbohydrates	30g	10%
Sodium	600mg	26%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugar	3g	–
Calcium	300mg	30%
Iron	2mg	11%

Conclusion

Green beans deserve a spot at every table, especially when paired with cheese. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick side dish or a comforting casserole, these cheesy green bean recipes will delight your taste buds and ensure your meal is memorable. Give them a try and let the cheesy goodness elevate your dining experience!