Cheesy green bean casserole is an easy, flavorful, low-point side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. It is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner, while still feeling special enough for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.

Green bean casserole is one of those classic side dishes that always seems to show up on the holiday table. It is warm, creamy, savory, and easy to serve with turkey, chicken, ham, or even a simple weeknight main dish. Traditional versions often include crispy fried onions on top, and while they are delicious, they can quickly add extra points.

This cheesy green bean casserole keeps the comfort-food flavor while making a few lighter swaps. Instead of relying on fried onions for the topping, this recipe uses reduced-fat cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying finish. The result is still creamy and flavorful, but it works better for anyone looking for a Weight Watchers friendly green bean casserole.

If you usually use fried French onions, it helps to know how they affect the recipe. About 3/4 cup of fried onions equals 9 SmartPoints, 1/2 cup equals 6 points, and 1/3 cup equals 4 points. Leaving them out is an easy way to keep the dish lower in points while saving room for the parts of the meal that matter most to you.

Although this casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, it is not just a holiday recipe. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to keep on hand, which makes this a great side dish for family dinners throughout the year. It pairs well with roasted meat, grilled chicken, air fryer mains, or a simple sandwich meal when you want something warm and filling on the side.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This cheesy green bean casserole recipe uses canned French-style green beans, onion, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, low-fat milk, seasonings, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. It bakes until hot and bubbly, with a cheesy top that makes every serving feel comforting without making the recipe complicated.

Ingredients for Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

4 cups canned green beans, French style, drained

1 medium onion, chopped

Several sprays of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or minced garlic for more flavor

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 can low-fat cream of mushroom soup, 12 ounces

1/4 cup low-fat milk

3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Optional: sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts

How to Make Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Open the canned green beans, drain them well, and set them aside.
3. Spray a skillet with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter and place it over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.
5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder while the onion cooks so the flavor blends into the base of the casserole.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat milk and low-fat cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
7. Fold the cooked onions and drained green beans into the soup mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
9. Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.

Servings: 4. Serving size: 1 cup. Each serving is 3 WW Freestyle points, also listed as SmartPoints.

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesy green bean casserole can be made ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it right away. Instead, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. For best results, make it no more than two days in advance.

When you are ready to serve, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature briefly while the oven preheats, and then bake until hot and bubbly. If the dish is very cold when it goes into the oven, it may need a few extra minutes of baking time.

Tips for Making Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

• If you add mushrooms, cook them in the skillet with the onions so they soften and release some of their moisture before baking.
• If you add water chestnuts, stir them in with the green beans. They do not need extra cooking time and will add a little crunch.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, use minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
• Drain the canned green beans well so the casserole does not become watery.
• If you want more servings, double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish.
• You can also serve smaller portions. Cutting the serving size in half would make this casserole serve 8 instead of 4.
• If you choose to add fried onions, remember to count the additional points.