For Better Green Bean Casserole, Ditch The Cream Of Mushroom Soup For This Cheesy Canned Soup Instead

There are many tasty side dishes out there that can arguably steal the show at your holiday table. Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole ... the list is never-ending. While all of these sides are classics for a reason, there are ways you can get creative with the usual recipes. For instance, a green bean casserole is delicious with cream of mushroom soup, but it's 10x more flavorful with cream of onion. And if you want to make your green bean casserole even better, use a can of cheddar cheese soup instead. 

Cheddar cheese soup can make just about any dish tastier — it can even give you a creamy mac and cheese in minutes – and green bean casserole is no exception. Swapping the cream of mushroom for cheddar cheese soup in your casserole is a simple way to make this dish even more comforting. While the umami flavor in cream of mushroom soup works well in a green bean casserole, cheddar soup will give it a sharp, cheesy flavor as well as a creamy, thick texture while still providing that savory richness. Plus, it's a great swap for picky eaters or those you might not like mushrooms. Simply swap the cream of mushroom with a can of cheddar cheese soup in your usual recipe, and your green beans will be creamy, gooey, and decadent. 

A green bean casserole made with cheddar soup is tasty enough, but the creativity doesn't have to stop there. For one, once you get a taste for green bean casseroles with cheddar soup, you could experiment with other variations of cheesy soups, such as broccoli cheddar for an added vegetable or garlic parmesan for a savory kick. Additionally, while the cheddar soup acts as a creamy base, you can top the casserole with shredded cheese for that stretchy, bubbly element. Cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheese will give your casserole a nice melty finish. For a bit of savory crunch, try topping your casserole with French's fried onions. You could even switch up your toppings and use crushed crackers or cornflakes for a crispier layer. 

You can keep the green beans as the main event of the casserole, or add bacon, sausage, or potatoes to turn it from a side dish to a hearty meal. Or, you could mix caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms if you still want that umami flavor. Whether you keep it simple or add extra mix-ins and toppings, the final result will be a delicious balance of tender green beans covered in a velvety, thick sauce. This green bean casserole certainly won't go unnoticed at your holiday dinner.