Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Frozen vegetables often have a fresher flavor, though the texture may be slightly different. You'll need about 1.5 cups each of corn and green beans.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using low-fat sour cream and soup, reduce the butter by half, and use whole grain crackers. You can also add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or red bell peppers for additional nutrients.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything except the cracker topping and refrigerate overnight. Add the cracker and butter topping just before baking, and add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with a cold casserole.

My family doesn't like water chestnuts. What can I substitute?

You can simply omit them or replace them with diced celery or jicama for crunch, or add extra corn and green beans. Another option is to use slivered almonds for a different type of crunch.

Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe

Name: Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-ounce can whole corn, drained thoroughly; 12-ounce can French-style green beans, drained; 6-ounce can water chestnuts, drained; 1/2 cup sweet yellow onion, diced or chopped (can substitute with 1 tablespoon onion flakes); 1/2 cup sour cream; 12-ounce can cream of celery or mushroom soup; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (Gruyere works great too!); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 15 Ritz crackers (or other buttery crackers), crumbled; 6 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together crisp vegetables, creamy soup, and a golden, buttery cracker topping. In just 50 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors makes this casserole irresistibly delicious without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and canned vegetables you probably already have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy days when you need to prep ahead – assemble in the morning and bake when you’re ready.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy goodness with that crunchy topping wins over even picky eaters every time.
Versatile: Works as a side dish for weeknight dinners but is special enough for holiday tables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole Corn: Provides sweet pops of flavor throughout the casserole. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
French-style Green Beans: These thin, tender green beans distribute perfectly throughout the dish. Again, draining well is key!
Water Chestnuts: The unsung hero that adds an unexpected delightful crunch. Don’t skip these – they make the texture extraordinary.
Sweet Yellow Onion: Adds a gentle flavor foundation. If you’re in a hurry, onion flakes make a perfect substitute.
Sour Cream: Creates richness and tanginess that balances the sweetness of the corn.
Cream of Celery or Mushroom Soup: The binding agent that brings everything together in creamy harmony.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, melty layer. Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor punch.
Butter: Transforms the cracker topping into a golden, crispy crown. Real butter (not margarine) makes a noticeable difference.
Garlic Powder: Just enough to enhance the savory notes without overwhelming.
Ritz Crackers: Creates that signature buttery, crunchy topping that makes this casserole memorable.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Heartier

Transform this side dish into a main course by adding 2 cups of diced cooked chicken or turkey.

Spice It Up

Add a kick with a dash of cayenne pepper or a few tablespoons of diced jalapeños mixed into the soup layer.

Fresh Vegetable Version

Replace canned vegetables with fresh corn kernels (2 cups) and blanched fresh green beans for a farmers’ market twist.

Holiday Upgrade

Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and substitute Gruyere for the cheddar to create an elevated version perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How to Make Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables

Spread the drained corn, green beans, and water chestnuts evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the diced onion evenly over the top. The layering creates defined flavors throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Layer

In a bowl, mix the sour cream and condensed soup until well combined, then pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables. Use a spatula to ensure it covers everything.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle the shredded cheese in an even layer over the creamy mixture, followed by the garlic powder. The cheese will create a beautiful melty layer between the vegetables and topping.

Step 5: Create the Crunchy Topping

Crush the Ritz crackers (placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin works perfectly) and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Add the Butter Finish

Drizzle the melted butter over the crackers, ensuring even coverage for that perfect golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: Really drain those canned vegetables well – excess moisture can make your casserole soggy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing with soup for smoother blending.
Cheese Recommendation: Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.
Topping Trick: For extra-crispy topping, melt the butter and toss with the crackers before sprinkling over the casserole.
Even Distribution: Use the back of a spoon to gently press down the layers for even cooking and serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This casserole complements roasted chicken, turkey, ham, or meatloaf beautifully. The creamy texture works well alongside protein-focused main dishes.

Holiday Serving

For Thanksgiving or Christmas, place this colorful casserole between the turkey and cranberry sauce on your buffet – it bridges savory and sweet elements.

Weeknight Companion

On busy weeknights, serve alongside a simple rotisserie chicken and dinner rolls for a complete meal with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance but add the cracker topping just before baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping will soften but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Freeze unbaked and without the cracker topping in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Frozen vegetables often have a fresher flavor, though the texture may be slightly different. You’ll need about 1.5 cups each of corn and green beans.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using low-fat sour cream and soup, reduce the butter by half, and use whole grain crackers. You can also add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or red bell peppers for additional nutrients.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything except the cracker topping and refrigerate overnight. Add the cracker and butter topping just before baking, and add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold casserole.
My family doesn’t like water chestnuts. What can I substitute?

You can simply omit them or replace them with diced celery or jicama for crunch, or add extra corn and green beans. Another option is to use slivered almonds for a different type of crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese hits all the right notes – creamy, crunchy, savory, and just a touch sweet. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at gatherings and prompts requests for the recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this reliable, delicious casserole promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try this week – your family will thank you!