Grandma's Green Bean Casserole
This heartwarming green bean casserole combines creamy goodness with cheddar cheese and crunchy buttered crackers, making it a perfect side dish for family gatherings and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for precise control over the saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour This helps thicken the creamy sauce. Make sure to stir it well to avoid lumps!
- 1 cup sour cream Adds a nice tang! Feel free to use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 0.25 cup diced onion Sauté these first for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor!
- 1 teaspoon salt A little salt goes a long way to enhance all the flavors in this dish.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar This tiny addition balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 3 (14.5 ounce) cans French-style green beans, drained You can also use fresh or frozen green beans if you prefer a crunchier texture!
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Mix different types for a cheese medley!
- 0.5 cup crumbled buttery round crackers These add a delightful crunch—so satisfying!
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted Drizzle over the crumbs to ensure they become golden and crispy in the oven.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in flour until smooth, and cook for 1 minute.
- Then, stir in sour cream, diced onion, salt, and sugar.
- Gently fold in your drained green beans, ensuring every bean gets coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
Topping
- Layer shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the green bean mixture.
- In a small bowl, toss crumbled crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.
Baking and Serving
- Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier melt! Don’t skip the resting time—it helps everything settle. Switch up the spices with garlic powder or crushed red pepper for a fun twist. For extra crunch, add sautéed mushrooms or fried onions on top.