Cheddar Bay Green Bean: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cheddar Bay Green Bean casserole: Prepare to have your holiday side dish game completely revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food because we’re about to elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine the familiar creamy, savory base of a traditional green bean casserole, but infused with the irresistible, garlicky, cheesy goodness of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Yes, you read that right!

Green bean casserole, while a Thanksgiving staple in many American households, has surprisingly humble beginnings. It was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s Soup Company as a way to promote their cream of mushroom soup. Over the years, it has become a symbol of family gatherings and holiday traditions. But let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a little… predictable.

That’s where our Cheddar Bay Green Bean casserole comes in. People adore this dish because it takes the comforting familiarity of the original and injects it with a burst of flavor that’s both unexpected and utterly addictive. The cheesy, buttery, garlicky notes perfectly complement the earthy green beans and creamy sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect dish to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a green bean casserole like never before!

Ingredients:

• For the Green Beans:
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Coating:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or medium
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• For the Garlic Butter Drizzle:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Preparing the Green Beans:

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture – we don’t want mushy green beans!
2. Shock in Ice Water: Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color and crispness. Let them sit in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from sticking properly.
3. Sauté with Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
4. Add Green Beans and Season: Add the drained and dried green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the green beans with the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Coating:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and toss to coat. This will help prevent the cheese from clumping together when you add the wet ingredients.
3. Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
4. Melt Butter: Melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a separate small bowl. Set aside.

Coating and Baking the Green Beans:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Coat the Green Beans: Working in batches, gently toss the sautéed green beans in the cheddar bay biscuit batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use a fork or your hands for this step.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated green beans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will prevent the green beans from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. Drizzle with Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the coated green beans. This will add richness and help them brown beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the green beans are tender. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Drizzle:

1. Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Add Garlic and Parsley: Add the minced garlic and dried parsley to the melted butter. Stir to combine.

Finishing Touches:

1. Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Once the green beans are out of the oven, immediately drizzle them with the garlic butter mixture. This will infuse them with even more flavor and aroma.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cheddar Bay Green Beans immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the biscuit coating. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the biscuit coating for a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Chopped chives, basil, or oregano would all be great additions.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these green beans in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Make Ahead: You can blanch the green beans and prepare the biscuit coating ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
• Serving Suggestions: These Cheddar Bay Green Beans make a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish. They are also a great addition to any holiday meal.

Troubleshooting:

• Coating Not Sticking: Make sure the green beans are thoroughly dried after blanching. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from adhering properly.
• Biscuits Too Dry: If the biscuit batter seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two more of buttermilk until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Biscuits Too Tough: Avoid overmixing the biscuit batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Green Beans Not Crispy: Make sure the oven is hot enough and that the green beans are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will prevent them from browning properly.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 40-50mg
• Sodium: 500-600mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 5-7g

This recipe is a fun and delicious twist on classic green beans. The cheddar bay biscuit coating adds a savory and cheesy flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cheddar Bay Green Bean recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming a simple side dish into something utterly irresistible. I know, I know, green beans might not be the most exciting vegetable, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender-crisp green beans, that iconic Cheddar Bay seasoning blend, and a generous showering of cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining and want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in! Even the pickiest eaters will find these green beans hard to resist. The cheesy, garlicky goodness just makes them so appealing.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp provolone would add a nice tang, or a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby would create a melty, gooey delight. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or some crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory kick. For a heartier dish, consider tossing in some cooked sausage or ham. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions: These Cheddar Bay Green Beans are the perfect accompaniment to just about any main course. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, baked salmon, or even a simple steak. They’re also a fantastic addition to holiday meals, adding a touch of cheesy comfort to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of soup.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Cheddar Bay Green Beans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning blend for a fiery kick.
* Garlic Lover’s Green Beans: Double the amount of garlic powder in the recipe for an extra garlicky flavor.
* Parmesan Cheddar Bay Green Beans: Substitute half of the cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory twist.
* Creamy Cheddar Bay Green Beans: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream after cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
* Air Fryer Cheddar Bay Green Beans: For an even quicker and crispier version, toss the green beans with the seasoning and cheese and air fry them until tender-crisp.

I truly believe that this Cheddar Bay Green Bean recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience green beans like never before!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!

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