Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a tasty twist on a classic side dish packed with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender green beans. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals. The smoky bacon flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy, crunchy topping. If you love comfort food favorites, try pairing this casserole with my creamy mushroom pork chops recipe for a hearty family meal.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite
Enjoy an easy and delicious Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays. Crispy bacon with creamy green beans in every bite!
- Loaded with crispy bacon for smoky, savory flavor.
- Easy and quick to prepare with simple pantry staples.
- Comfort food perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved with a creamy, cheesy texture.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite
Green beans: Use fresh for the best texture; frozen can be substituted but thaw & drain first.Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works great for flavor; turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
- Green beans: Use fresh for the best texture; frozen can be substituted but thaw & drain first.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works great for flavor; turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon and prep veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet. Add onions and mushrooms to the bacon fat and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the sauce: Stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine green beans and sauce: Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well and add to the sauce mixture along with cooked bacon. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite
- Blanch green beans just enough to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Use sharp cheddar for a robust cheesy flavor.
- Don’t skip the crispy bacon; it gives the casserole great texture and taste.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite
Enjoy an easy and delicious Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays. Crispy bacon with creamy green beans in every bite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup French fried onions (for topping)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon and prep veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet. Add onions and mushrooms to the bacon fat and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Combine green beans and sauce: Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well and add to the sauce mixture along with cooked bacon. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Top with French fried onions and extra cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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, Comforting Family Favorite FAQs
Yes, prepare the casserole up to assembling it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken if heavy cream isn’t available.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Overcooking the green beans or not draining them well can cause sogginess. Blanch just until tender-crisp and drain thoroughly.
You Might Also Like
Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy, Comforting Family Favorite, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.