Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic side dish that everyone loves. The crispy bacon combined with creamy mushroom sauce and tender green beans gives you unbeatable comfort food that’s simple to make. This easy casserole comes together quickly, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients that you likely already have. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, a perfect homemade side dish with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender green beans.
- Loaded with crispy, smoky bacon for rich flavor.
- Simple, creamy mushroom sauce enhances fresh green beans.
- Quick and beginner-friendly recipe with easily available ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra crispiness; turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute.Green beans: Fresh green beans preferred, frozen can be used but adjust cooking time slightly.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra crispiness; turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans preferred, frozen can be used but adjust cooking time slightly.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add chopped onion and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and thyme, cook 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Prepare the sauce: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
- Blanch green beans briefly in boiling water before sautéing for extra tenderness.
- Cook bacon until very crispy to add a satisfying crunch.
- Use sharp cheddar for more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, a perfect homemade side dish with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender green beans.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- 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 chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add chopped onion and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and thyme, cook 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the green beans, sautéed veggies and sauce, and half the cooked bacon. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining bacon and optional crispy fried onions. Bake 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 Food FAQs
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh before serving to keep the topping crispy and flavors bright.
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for a lighter sauce, but heavy cream yields the creamiest texture.
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Soggy casserole usually results from undercooking green beans or excess sauce. Blanch green beans beforehand and use cooked bacon fat to avoid watery sauce.
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Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Easy Homemade Comfort Food, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.