Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a rich, creamy, and super flavorful twist on the classic casserole. It’s easy to make and packed with crispy bacon, fresh green beans, and a cheesy mushroom sauce that’s utterly comforting. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and cooks in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight or holiday side. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for an unforgettable meal.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy homemade comfort dish with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday sides!
- Crispy bacon and crunchy green beans combine for a delightful texture.
- Easy homemade sauce with mushrooms for rich flavor, made from scratch.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights or special meals.
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone will love.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness; turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute.Green beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture; frozen can be used but reduce cooking time.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness; turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture; frozen can be used but reduce cooking time.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp of the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and melt. Sauté diced onions and sliced mushrooms until soft and browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
- Blanch green beans for 2 minutes before combining for extra crispness.
- Add extra cheese on top for a gooey crust.
- Make the fried onion topping from scratch for extra crunch.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy homemade comfort dish with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday sides!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and melt. Sauté diced onions and sliced mushrooms until soft and browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Bake: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans, bacon (reserve some to top the casserole), sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Top with crispy fried onions and remaining bacon. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish FAQs
Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving for best texture.
Turkey bacon or smoked tempeh are good alternatives to keep smoky flavor with less fat.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Overcooked green beans or excess moisture in the sauce can make it soggy. Blanch the beans beforehand and avoid adding too much cream.
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