The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Ritz Crackers (So Creamy!)

Imagine the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, but elevated to legendary status. Picture a bubbling, impossibly creamy casserole filled with tender green beans, sweet corn, and rich cheddar cheese, all hidden beneath a golden, buttery, and unbelievably crunchy Ritz cracker topping. That, my friends, is this unforgettable Green Bean Casserole, and it is, without a doubt, the recipe that will disappear first from any holiday table.

Here’s the thing about green bean casserole: it is a non-negotiable classic, but the traditional version can sometimes feel a little… predictable. I wanted a recipe that kept all the comforting, nostalgic soul of the original but dialed up the flavor and texture to eleven. By swapping the usual mushroom soup for a milder cream of celery, adding sweet shoepeg corn and sharp cheddar cheese, and crowning it all with that glorious, salty-sweet cracker crust, this version becomes a true masterpiece.

I promise you, there is no greater potluck victory than this dish. It’s a one-bowl, 10-minute-prep wonder that tastes like a labor of love. The combination of the ultra-creamy, cheesy base with that signature, buttery crunch of the Ritz topping is pure, unadulterated comfort food perfection. It’s the side dish everyone will be talking about.</p

Get ready to create the most requested, most devoured side dish at your next gathering and establish yourself as a casserole legend.

Save

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Casserole!

You are going to be obsessed with the incredible flavor and texture of this simple dish. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s the casserole. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• The Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping: Let’s be honest, this is the star of the show. The salty, buttery, crunchy topping is a game-changer and a welcome twist on the classic.
• Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cream of celery soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a luscious, rich, and tangy sauce that is absolutely addictive.
• A Fun Twist with Corn: The addition of sweet shoepeg corn adds delightful little bursts of sweetness and a wonderful textural contrast to the tender green beans.
• Unbelievably Easy (10-Minute Prep!): This is a true one-bowl, “dump-and-stir” recipe. If you can open cans and stir, you can make this stunning side dish.
• Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes a generous 9×13-inch pan, making it the perfect contribution for a large Thanksgiving dinner, potluck, or family gathering.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Creamy Casserole

The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, easy-to-find pantry and refrigerator staples.

Save

→ For the Casserole Base

• 4 (13 oz.) cans French Style Green Beans → Drained well. The thin, delicate cut of French style beans is perfect for this creamy dish.
• 1 cup Shoepeg Corn → Drained. This small, sweet white corn adds a wonderful pop of flavor and texture.
• 1 can Cream of Celery soup → Our creamy, savory base. A great alternative for those who aren’t fans of mushroom soup!
• 1 (8 oz.) container Sour Cream → Adds a wonderful tang, richness, and extra creaminess.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese → Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
• 1 Tbsp. Signature Seasoning → A good all-purpose seasoned salt (like Lawry’s) or a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder works perfectly here.

→ For the Buttery Ritz Topping

• 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers → The one and only for that signature buttery, salty crunch.
• 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter → Melted, to drench the cracker crumbs and make them golden and delicious.
• 1 package French Fried Onions → This is optional, for those who love the traditional topping!

Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready for the easiest, most satisfying side dish ever? Grab a big bowl, and let’s get started.

Part 1: The 5-Minute, One-Bowl Mix

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained French style green beans, drained shoepeg corn, cream of celery soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and your signature seasoning.
3. Stir It Up: Stir with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is wonderfully creamy.

Save

Part 2: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

4. Pour into Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into a smooth, even layer.
5. Create the Topping: Crush the 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers while they are still in the packaging—it’s the easiest, no-mess method! Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter all over the cracker crumbs as evenly as possible.
7. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the sides of the casserole are hot and bubbling and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Save

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Casserole Mastery

These simple tricks will ensure your green bean casserole is the talk of the table.

1. Drain Your Canned Goods Well. This is the most important step to prevent a watery casserole. Give the green beans and corn a good shake in the colander to remove as much liquid as possible before adding them to the bowl.
2. Shred Your Own Cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar yourself will result in a much creamier, better-incorporated texture.
3. Don’t Be Shy with the Topping. Two full sleeves of crackers might seem like a lot, but it creates a thick, substantial, crunchy crust that is the best part of the whole dish. Every bite should have some topping!
4. For the Best of Both Worlds: If you can’t decide between Ritz crackers and French fried onions, use both! You can mix them together for the topping, or do half and half.
5. Know Your Seasoning. “Signature Seasoning” means you can make it your own! A good starting point is 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Taste your mixture before you bake and adjust if needed!

Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Green Bean Casserole

This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, though the topping will soften.

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help re-crisp the topping a bit. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Before baking, add the cracker and butter topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Save

Green Bean Casserole with Ritz Crackers

This classic green bean casserole features a creamy blend of French style green beans, shoepeg corn, cream of celery, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. The ultimate easy holiday side dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 18

Calories: 236

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 (13oz) Cans French Style Green Beans Drained
• 1 Cup Shoepeg Corn Drained
• 1 Can Cream of Celery
• 1 (8oz) Container Sour Cream
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Sleeves Ritz Crackers
• 1 Package French Fried Onions optional
• 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter Melted
• 1 Tablespoon Signature Seasoning e.g., seasoned salt

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, add the drained Green Beans, drained Shoepeg Corn, Cream of Celery, Sour Cream, Signature Seasoning, and Cheddar Cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
4. Crush the 2 sleeves of Ritz Crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole mixture.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the crushed crackers.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sides are bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown and toasted.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Topping Alternative: If you’re not a fan of Ritz Crackers, you can use the traditional French Fried Onions on top instead, or use a mix of both!

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole base without the cracker topping up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.

FAQs: Your Casserole Questions, Answered!

Can I use frozen or fresh green beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first. For fresh or frozen French style green beans, you’ll need about 2.5 – 3 lbs. Cook them in boiling salted water until crisp-tender, then drain them very well before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I use Cream of Mushroom soup instead?

Of course! If you’re a fan of the classic flavor, feel free to substitute the cream of celery with an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup.

Why is my casserole watery?

The most common culprit for a watery casserole is not draining the canned vegetables thoroughly enough. Be sure to give them a good drain before mixing them into the base to ensure a thick, creamy final result.

What is Shoepeg Corn?

Shoepeg corn is a type of white sweet corn with small, slender kernels that have a crisp texture. If you can’t find it, a can of regular white or yellow sweet corn, well-drained, makes a perfectly good substitute.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Side

There is such joy in a simple, unpretentious, and outrageously delicious recipe that brings everyone together. This Green Bean Casserole with its cheesy, creamy filling and iconic Ritz cracker topping is the embodiment of that joy. It’s a taste of home, a guaranteed hit, and the easiest way to bring the most popular dish to the party. Happy cooking!