Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon Recipe | Creamy Homemade Holiday Side Dish
Looking for the best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon recipe? This creamy homemade green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions for the ultimate comfort food side dish. Baked until hot, bubbly, and golden brown, this easy casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings.
SIDE DISHESHOLIDAY DISHESCOMFORT FOOD
7/18/20264 min read
Ready in just 1 hour, this crowd-pleasing recipe pairs perfectly with roast turkey, baked ham, prime rib, meatloaf, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. If you're searching for a classic holiday side dish with a delicious bacon twist, this green bean casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10 servings
Ingredients
For the Casserole
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
2 cups crispy fried onions
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cooked bacon crumbles
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Add the butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings.
Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Add the green beans.
Fold in the creamy cheese sauce and most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for the topping.
Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the fried onions, remaining cheddar cheese, and reserved bacon over the top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture.
Blanching the beans keeps them bright green and perfectly tender.
Thick-cut bacon adds the richest smoky flavor.
Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
Add the crispy fried onions near the end of baking so they stay crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
Roast turkey
Baked ham
Buttery garlic baked chicken
Meatloaf
Prime rib
Mashed potatoes
Homemade stuffing
Dinner rolls
Cranberry sauce
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Closing Remarks
This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon takes a beloved classic to the next level with a rich homemade cheese sauce, savory bacon, tender green beans, and a crispy onion topping. It's the perfect side dish for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Once you try this homemade version, it just might become the green bean casserole everyone requests year after year. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and crispy bite!
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