Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic side dish, combining tender green beans with crispy bacon and creamy mushroom sauce. The crispy bacon and melty cheese make every bite comforting and satisfying. This recipe is easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for novice cooks looking for a quick, flavorful side. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a hearty meal everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy, family-friendly comfort food made with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.
- Rich, smoky bacon flavor paired with crisp-tender green beans
- Creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch – no canned soup needed
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or holidays
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Green beans: Use fresh, not frozen, for best texture. Fresh or frozen green beans can be swapped in a pinch; adjust cooking time accordingly.Bacon: Thick-cut bacon offers a richer flavor, but regular sliced bacon works well too.Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds boldness; use mild cheddar or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Green beans: Use fresh, not frozen, for best texture. Fresh or frozen green beans can be swapped in a pinch; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon offers a richer flavor, but regular sliced bacon works well too.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds boldness; use mild cheddar or mozzarella for a milder taste.
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
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté the vegetables: Add butter, onions, and mushrooms to the bacon fat. Cook until mushrooms are browned and onions softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth. Add smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
- Parboil green beans for 2-3 minutes before sautéing for extra tenderness.
- Use smoked paprika to boost smoky flavor if you want less bacon.
- Add crispy French fried onions on top for a classic crunchy finish.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
This Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is an easy, family-friendly comfort food made with crispy bacon and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- French fried onions
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add butter, onions, and mushrooms to the bacon fat. Cook until mushrooms are browned and onions softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth. Add smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Stir in cooked green beans, crispy bacon (reserve a little for topping), and ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes 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 Homemade Comfort Side Dish FAQs
Yes! Prepare the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving. You can also assemble and freeze it for later.
You can use whole milk mixed with a bit of butter or half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
Using frozen or overcooked green beans or too much sauce can cause sogginess. Try parboiling fresh green beans briefly and avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
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Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.