Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy and delicious side dish that elevates the classic green bean casserole with crispy bacon and creamy mushroom sauce. The perfect balance of crunchy topping and tender green beans makes this recipe a family favorite. Using simple pantry staples, you can whip this up quickly for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. For a complete meal, pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a tasty, comforting dinner.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
Discover the easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping. Perfect homemade comfort food for any meal!
- Rich, smoky bacon adds irresistible flavor.
- Creamy homemade mushroom sauce is easy to make from pantry staples.
- Crunchy crispy fried onions on top for perfect texture contrast.
- Quick and beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
Bacon: Use thick-cut for best flavor; turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative.Green beans: Fresh is best for crisp texture; frozen also works but adjust cooking time.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut for best flavor; turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative.
- Green beans: Fresh is best for crisp texture; frozen also works but adjust cooking time.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
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 set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté veggies: Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Prepare the green beans: Meanwhile, blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain well.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
- Don’t overcook green beans; blanch for bright color and crispness.
- Save bacon fat to sauté veggies for extra smoky depth.
- Use good-quality sharp cheddar for creamy, flavorful sauce.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
Discover the easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping. Perfect homemade comfort food for any meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup canned cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra crispy fried onions
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 set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté veggies: Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Prepare the green beans: Meanwhile, blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain well.
- Make the sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Heat until bubbly and combined. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine and bake: Add blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the sauce mixture. Stir gently and transfer everything to a greased casserole dish. Spread crispy fried onions evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and top is golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
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 Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Add the crispy fried onions just before baking for maximum crunch.
You can make a quick homemade mushroom sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms, or use cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
Overcooked green beans or adding fried onions too early can cause sogginess. Blanch beans till crisp-tender and add fried onions only just before baking.
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