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I never liked Green Bean Casserole until one day at Sam’s Club when I tried a sample. I was sure I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I was so wrong! The secret? Adding shredded smoked Gouda or Gruyère cheese, which transformed the classic dish into something truly irresistible.

Ingredients
- 4 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked Gouda or Gruyere cheese
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt (optional, depending on the saltiness of the soup and cheese)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain the 4 cans of green beans and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and mix well to coat all the green beans.
- Stir in 1 to 1½ cups of shredded smoked Gouda or Gruyère cheese. (This is the secret ingredient that makes all the difference!)
- Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little garlic powder if you like extra flavor.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with crispy fried onions evenly across the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Tips For The Best Green Bean Casserole:
- Cheese Choice: Smoked Gouda brings a rich, deep flavor, while Gruyere adds a nutty, buttery note. Use whichever you prefer—or mix both!
- Fresh Beans: If you prefer, you can blanch fresh green beans instead of using canned for a fresher bite.
- Extra Crunch: Top the casserole with a generous layer of crispy onions just before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just wait to add the final crispy onion topping until after baking.
- Customize It: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of paprika on top for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion:
Who knew one simple ingredient could change everything? Whether you’ve always loved Green Bean Casserole or, like me, needed a little convincing, this version is a total game-changer. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors, it’s a side dish that will steal the show at any meal. Try it once—you might just find yourself coming back for seconds!