Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic side dish everyone loves. This recipe delivers crispy bacon bits, creamy mushroom sauce, and tender green beans baked to perfection. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly dish that fits perfectly for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. Plus, you can prepare it quickly with simple pantry staples. Pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops recipe for a hearty dinner your family will adore.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Discover the easy homemade Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe. Crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender green beans combined for the perfect comfort food side.
- Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch
- Simplified homemade mushroom sauce knocks out canned soups
- Uses fresh or frozen green beans for flexibility
- Quick prep and bake time for easy weeknight cooking
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for best texture, but frozen and thawed works well.Bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides great flavor; turkey bacon is a lean substitute.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for best texture, but frozen and thawed works well.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides great flavor; turkey bacon is a lean substitute.
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 diced bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Leave 2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: Add butter, onion, and garlic to the bacon fat. Cook until onion is translucent, then add sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned and moisture evaporates.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the creamy sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Simmer and stir until thickened. Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
- Sauté mushrooms well to evaporate moisture and avoid soggy casserole.
- Don’t skip bacon fat—it adds smoky depth to the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole – Easy Homemade Comfort Side Dish
Discover the easy homemade Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe. Crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender green beans combined for the perfect comfort food side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or frozen and thawed)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional topping)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Optional Toppings
- Extra crispy fried onions for garnishing
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Leave 2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: Add butter, onion, and garlic to the bacon fat. Cook until onion is translucent, then add sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned and moisture evaporates.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Simmer and stir until thickened. Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and bake: Toss green beans and half the cooked bacon in the sauce. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and remaining bacon. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Add finishing touches: Optional – sprinkle crispy fried onions and chopped parsley before serving for extra crunch and color.
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 assembly a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready.
Use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of butter melted in for a lighter sauce.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Make sure to sauté mushrooms well and use drained or fresh green beans to avoid excess moisture making it soggy.
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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.