Cracker Barrel Green Bean Casserole
Cracker Barrel Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, flavorful side dish that combines fresh green beans, a creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions for the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether it's for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this casserole brings the best of homestyle cooking to your table with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large pot (for blanching green beans)
- Large mixing bowl
- Strainer (for draining beans)
- Oven
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife (for trimming beans)
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for greasing the dish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Green Beans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them by boiling them in a large pot of water for 4-5 minutes. Drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Add the blanched green beans to the dish, then pour the creamy sauce mixture over them. Toss to coat the beans evenly in the sauce.
Add Fried Onions and Bake
- Sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
Finish Baking with Extra Fried Onions
- After 15 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Serve
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel Green Bean Casserole!
Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans: While fresh green beans offer the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans as an alternative. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using them.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without the fried onions, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the fried onions on top and bake as directed.
- Healthier Option: If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can use low-fat sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt. Opting for reduced-fat cheese and baked fried onions is another way to make the dish lighter.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.