Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s quick and easy to make. This casserole combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy bacon bits for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The melty cheese topping adds a delicious crispy crust that everyone will love. Whether for a family dinner or holiday gathering, it’s a simple homemade recipe that elevates your meal. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a satisfying dinner.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
This easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food side dish loaded with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Quick and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
- Rich, creamy texture with crispy bacon and cheese topping.
- Family-friendly and perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
- Uses fresh or frozen green beans for convenience and flavor.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
Green beans: Fresh is best for texture; frozen or canned work with slight texture changes.Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra flavor; turkey bacon is a leaner substitute.Heavy cream: Full fat for creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for lighter dish.
- Green beans: Fresh is best for texture; frozen or canned work with slight texture changes.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra flavor; turkey bacon is a leaner substitute.
- Heavy cream: Full fat for creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for lighter dish.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add butter. Once melted, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook 1 minute, stirring. Gradually add heavy cream while stirring, cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
- Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water 3-4 minutes for best texture before baking.
- Reserve some bacon pieces for topping to add extra crunch after baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavorful melted topping.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
This easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food side dish loaded with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched (or 2 cans green beans, drained)
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup French fried onions for crunch
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add butter. Once melted, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook 1 minute, stirring. Gradually add heavy cream while stirring, cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and bake: In a baking dish, mix green beans, bacon (reserve some for topping), and creamy mushroom sauce. Top with shredded cheddar and reserved bacon. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts. Optional: add French fried onions last 5 minutes for crunch.
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 Comfort Food Side Dish FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking, then bake it fresh right before serving for best results.
Frozen green beans are a great substitute; just thaw and drain before using. Canned green beans can also work but may be softer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Using canned green beans without draining well or skipping the blanching step for fresh green beans can cause sogginess. Also, avoid overcooking in the oven.
You Might Also Like
Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Side Dish, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.