Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then shock in ice water before adding to the casserole. This pre-cooking ensures they'll be perfectly tender in the finished dish.

What if I can't find Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix?

While the specific mix gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute any biscuit mix. Simply add 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the dry mix and season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian, but do check the ingredients in your biscuit mix and condensed soup to ensure they don't contain animal products if that's a concern.

How do I prevent the biscuit topping from getting soggy when stored?

For best results, store leftovers uncovered until completely cooled, then cover tightly. When reheating, use the oven method rather than microwave to help crisp up the topping again. A quick broil (watching carefully!) can also restore some crispness.

Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Name: Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 26 oz frozen cut green beans, thawed; 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup dehydrated minced onion; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted

This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole transforms the classic holiday side dish into something truly extraordinary. The familiar green beans are bathed in creamy cheddar soup, topped with a fluffy layer of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, and finished with a savory butter brush that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food nostalgia and innovative flavor that comes together in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Upgrade: This isn’t your grandmother’s green bean casserole! The cheddar soup and biscuit topping create a delicious twist on a classic that everyone will talk about.
Crowd Pleaser: The combination of tender green beans, creamy cheese sauce, and buttery biscuit topping satisfies both traditionalists and those looking for something new.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the bean mixture ahead of time and add the biscuit topping right before baking for an easy holiday or weeknight side dish.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single casserole dish, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen cut green beans: The star vegetable that provides nutrients and texture. Thawing them ensures even cooking.
Condensed cheddar soup: Creates a rich, creamy base without the fuss of making a sauce from scratch.
Milk: Thins the soup to the perfect consistency while adding creaminess.
Dehydrated minced onion: Offers concentrated onion flavor without the tears or chopping. They rehydrate during baking for perfect texture.
Italian seasoning: A time-saving blend that adds depth and complexity with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture and sharp flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.
Shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory element that elevates the entire casserole.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The secret weapon! This beloved mix creates the perfect fluffy, flavorful topping that sets this casserole apart.
Butter: When brushed on top with the seasoning packet, it creates that irresistible Cheddar Bay flavor we all crave.

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

Protein Additions

Transform this side dish into a main course by adding 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken, turkey, or ham to the green bean mixture.

Vegetable Swaps

Replace half the green beans with mushrooms for an earthier flavor profile, or mix in some roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.

Cheese Variations

Experiment with different cheese combinations – smoked gouda adds depth, while pepper jack brings a spicy kick to the casserole.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the biscuit mix with a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure your cheddar soup is gluten-free for an allergy-friendly version.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Bean Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed green beans, condensed cheddar soup, milk, minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. Add the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, folding them into the mixture until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, pour in the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, setting aside the seasoning packet for later use. Add the shredded cheddar and milk to the dry mix. Stir until the mixture is well combined with no large lumps remaining. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Add Topping and Bake

Pour the biscuit batter evenly over the green bean mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping has risen and turned a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

While the casserole is finishing baking, combine the melted butter with the Cheddar Bay seasoning packet in a small bowl. When you remove the casserole from the oven, immediately brush the seasoned butter mixture over the hot biscuit topping. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow the butter to soak in and the casserole to set slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Thaw Green Beans Properly: Make sure your green beans are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess water in the casserole.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow milk and cheese to come to room temperature for smoother mixing and better melting.
Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Batter: Mix just until combined to ensure the fluffiest topping possible.
Check for Doneness: The biscuit topping should be golden brown and spring back when gently touched.
Foil Trick: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or prime rib. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the savory flavors of protein.

Holiday Spread

Include this as part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner alongside cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a memorable feast.

Weeknight Dinner

Serve with a simple rotisserie chicken and fresh salad for a complete weeknight meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole (without the biscuit topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before adding the freshly made biscuit topping and baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then shock in ice water before adding to the casserole. This pre-cooking ensures they’ll be perfectly tender in the finished dish.
What if I can’t find Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix?

While the specific mix gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute any biscuit mix. Simply add 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the dry mix and season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian, but do check the ingredients in your biscuit mix and condensed soup to ensure they don’t contain animal products if that’s a concern.
How do I prevent the biscuit topping from getting soggy when stored?

For best results, store leftovers uncovered until completely cooled, then cover tightly. When reheating, use the oven method rather than microwave to help crisp up the topping again. A quick broil (watching carefully!) can also restore some crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Green Bean Casserole breathes new life into a traditional side dish. The familiar comfort of green beans gets elevated with creamy cheddar and that irresistible biscuit topping we all crave. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or bringing comfort to a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a requested favorite. It strikes that perfect balance between familiar and fresh – exactly what we look for in an updated classic!