Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food with a crispy, creamy twist that's incredibly easy to make at home. The combination of fresh green beans, smoky bacon, and cheesy sauce creates an irresistible texture and flavor everyone loves. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and cooks up quickly, making it a perfect side dish for family dinners or special occasions. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Try this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe for a delicious, crispy, and creamy homemade side dish that's perfect for weeknights and holidays.
- Loaded with crispy bacon and fresh green beans for irresistible flavor
- Made from scratch with easy pantry staples – no canned soups needed
- Rich, creamy sauce with melty cheese and crunchy topping
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or holiday side dish
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Green beans: Use fresh green beans for best texture; frozen can be used but may be softer.Bacon: Thick-cut bacon preferred for extra crispiness; turkey bacon as a lower-fat option.
- Green beans: Use fresh green beans for best texture; frozen can be used but may be softer.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon preferred for extra crispiness; turkey bacon as a lower-fat option.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook the bacon and aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the creamy sauce: Lower heat, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
- Blanching green beans quickly locks in vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Drain cooked bacon well to avoid greasy casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese – it melts better than pre-shredded.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Try this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe for a delicious, crispy, and creamy homemade side dish that's perfect for weeknights and holidays.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup French fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheddar for topping
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Prepare the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- Cook the bacon and aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower heat, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cooked bacon (reserve a few pieces for garnish), and creamy sauce. Transfer to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Top with French fried onions and extra cheese if desired. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
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 & Delicious Comfort Food Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and refrigerate. Add the crispy toppings just before baking.
Frozen green beans can be used but may be softer and less vibrant. Drain well after cooking.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep crispy topping.
Using frozen green beans without draining well or adding too much sauce can cause sogginess. Blanch fresh beans and drain excess moisture before combining.
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