Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a family-favorite side dish known for its creamy texture and crispy bacon bits that add irresistible flavor. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples to deliver a crowd-pleasing classic without any fuss. The crunchy fried onions on top make every bite delightfully satisfying. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a perfect, hearty meal.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping. Perfect homemade comfort food for any meal!
- Rich and creamy with melty cheese and crispy bacon bits
- Quick and easy to prepare with pantry staples
- Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or meal prep leftovers
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly side dish everyone will love
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Green beans: Fresh green beans work best for crisp texture; frozen can be used but thaw and drain well.Bacon: Choose thick-cut for extra crunch or regular; turkey bacon is a leaner substitute.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans work best for crisp texture; frozen can be used but thaw and drain well.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for extra crunch or regular; turkey bacon is a leaner substitute.
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
Prepare green beans: Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook bacon and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Drain excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Mix sauce and beans: Lower heat and add cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika to skillet. Stir until smooth and heated through. Add green beans and half the cooked bacon, stirring to combine.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
- Blanching green beans keeps them vibrant and tender-crisp.
- Reserve some bacon fat to sauté garlic for extra flavor depth.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free fried onions and soup varieties.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole 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 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions (store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Prepare green beans: Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Drain excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Mix sauce and beans: Lower heat and add cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika to skillet. Stir until smooth and heated through. Add green beans and half the cooked bacon, stirring to combine.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then the remaining bacon and French fried onions. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh before serving.
You can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make your own white sauce to keep it homemade.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Make sure to drain the green beans well after blanching and don’t skip reserving some bacon fat for sautéing garlic. Also, avoid overbaking to keep topping crispy.
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Before You Go
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