Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort side dish made simple and delicious with crispy bacon and creamy mushroom sauce. This easy casserole delivers the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory textures that your family will love. It’s a budget-friendly, quick dish that even beginner cooks can make with pantry staples. Pair it alongside a main like my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a full cozy meal.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly
Discover the easy and comforting Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, perfect for family dinners or holiday sides. Quick, homemade, and packed with flavor!
- Loaded with crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Uses simple, pantry staple ingredients for ease and convenience.
- Rich, creamy mushroom sauce pairs perfectly with tender green beans.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for best texture; turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative.Green Beans: Fresh green beans yield the best results; frozen can be used but adjust cooking time.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for best texture; turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans yield the best results; frozen can be used but adjust cooking time.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon and veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in skillet. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make the creamy sauce: Melt butter in the skillet with drippings. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine casserole mixture: Add green beans and cooked bacon to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer everything into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly
- Use fresh green beans and blanch if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Make your own fried onions for an extra crispy topping.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly
Discover the easy and comforting Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, perfect for family dinners or holiday sides. Quick, homemade, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra fried onions for topping
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon and veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in skillet. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make the creamy sauce: Melt butter in the skillet with drippings. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine casserole mixture: Add green beans and cooked bacon to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer everything into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake and top with fried onions: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes until bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle fried onions evenly, and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy. 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, and Family-Friendly FAQs
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving to keep it fresh and crispy.
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of butter added to mimic the richness of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly lighter.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
Using frozen green beans without thawing or excess sauce can cause sogginess. Blanch fresh green beans before baking to keep them crisp and avoid extra liquid in the sauce.
You Might Also Like
Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.