Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, crispy, and irresistible side dish everyone will love. Crisp green beans, smoky bacon, and cheesy sauce combine for comforting texture and rich flavor. This homemade version is easy to make with pantry staples and cooks up in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals. For more hearty comfort food ideas, pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a full satisfying dinner.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy, creamy, and crispy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners and holiday feasts. Ready in 40 mins!
- Rich, smoky bacon flavor mixed with fresh green beans.
- Simple prep with common pantry ingredients.
- Comforting creamy sauce topped with crispy onion and cheese.
- Quick bake time perfect for busy weeknights or holidays.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish
Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best for crisp texture. You can use frozen, but drain well first.Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and meltiness. Substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for milder taste.Bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides smoky flavor and texture; turkey bacon may be a leaner substitute.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best for crisp texture. You can use frozen, but drain well first.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and meltiness. Substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for milder taste.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides smoky flavor and texture; turkey bacon may be a leaner substitute.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave 1-2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté green beans: Add green beans to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the shredded cheese, and cooked bacon.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish
- Drain green beans well to avoid watery casserole.
- Use leftover cooked bacon or even bacon bits to save prep time.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy, creamy, and crispy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners and holiday feasts. Ready in 40 mins!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave 1-2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
- Sauté green beans: Add green beans to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the shredded cheese, and cooked bacon.
- Assemble casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a baking dish, mix sautéed green beans with the creamy bacon sauce. Spread evenly, top with remaining cheese and French fried onions.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and onions are golden brown.
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, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish FAQs
Yes, assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep the topping crispy.
You can use cream of chicken or homemade white sauce for a similar texture and flavor.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp the topping.
Overwatering green beans or skipping sautéing them can cause sogginess. Make sure beans are dry and sautéed to firm up before baking.
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Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Creamy & Crispy Comfort Side Dish, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.