The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
If you’ve ever thought green bean casserole was just an ordinary side dish, get ready to be blown away by The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon. This recipe elevates the classic comfort food into something irresistibly cheesy, crispy, and smoky thanks to the perfect blend of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s creamy and crunchy in all the right places, making it a must-have on your holiday table or any night you crave a wholesome, flavorful casserole. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never go back to plain green bean casserole again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about simple, smart ingredients that work together to bring out the best flavors and textures. Each element has a purpose, from the tender green beans adding vibrant color and freshness to the smoky bacon and creamy cheese that transform this into an unforgettable comfort food.
- 2 cans of french style green beans (14.5 oz each, drained): These tender green beans provide the base with just the right texture and color.
- 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness that ties all the ingredients together with a savory mushroom flavor.
- 3/4 cup milk: Makes the mixture smooth and slightly saucy; 2% milk works perfectly.
- Pinch of pepper: Adds a touch of subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1½ cups french fried onions (divided): Half goes inside for crunch, half sprinkled on top for irresistible golden crispiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings depth and incredible gooeyness.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped: Smoky, salty bacon pieces that elevate every bite with savory goodness.
- Salt (to taste): Adjust carefully since bacon already adds saltiness.
How to Make The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. Then, drain your canned green beans thoroughly and pour them into a large mixing bowl. This is your fresh green foundation, so make sure they’re well drained for the perfect casserole consistency.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a pinch of pepper. This combination will add the luscious creaminess and subtle seasoning that makes the casserole so comforting and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the creamy mixture over the green beans and stir well until every bean is coated in that rich sauce. Next, fold in the cooked bacon pieces, letting their smokiness meld into the creamy mix. Stir in half of the french fried onions at this stage, which will add delightful crunchiness inside the casserole.
Step 4: Bake Your Casserole
Grease an 8×8 baking dish or whatever size you prefer, and transfer your mix into it, spreading evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing everything to meld together and heat through. The aroma will start filling your kitchen with pure deliciousness.
Step 5: Add the Toppings and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining french fried onions and the shredded cheddar cheese on top in an even layer. Return it to the oven for a final 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping turns a beautiful golden color.
How to Serve The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and flavor contrast, consider topping with chopped fresh parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions. These garnishes add brightness and a lovely pop of color that complements the rich casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, bacon-loaded casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or baked chicken for a classic dinner. To round out your meal, add creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness with fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties. You can also layer it into a glass casserole dish to show off each cheesy, crispy layer, which is sure to get everyone’s mouth watering before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The mixture holds its creamy texture well, and you’ll find it just as tasty the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
Freezing
You can freeze The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or using a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 15 to 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, a microwave works well but may soften the crispy onions on top. Add fresh onions after reheating for that same crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just blanch fresh green beans until tender-crisp before draining and adding to the mixture. This gives a fresher texture, though canned beans keep it super simple and classic.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its robust flavor and meltability. You can also try a smoky gouda or a blend of cheeses if you want to experiment with different flavor profiles.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and increase the amount of cheese or add sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, savory twist that keeps the dish delicious and hearty.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just add the topping of onions and cheese right before baking for the freshest crunch.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to go homemade, make a quick béchamel sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. This adds a fresh, rich flavor that works just as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon that makes it a timeless favorite. Its creamy base, crispy onions, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon create a symphony of flavors you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try. I promise, it will become your go-to side dish in no time!
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The BEST Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This homemade Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon is a delicious twist on the classic holiday side dish. Featuring tender green beans mixed with creamy mushroom soup, crispy bacon, crunchy French fried onions, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is rich, comforting, and perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) French style green beans, drained
Casserole Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk (2% recommended, any type will work)
- Pinch of black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste (remember bacon adds saltiness)
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions, divided (about 3/4 cup for mixing, 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Green Beans: Drain the canned French style green beans thoroughly and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Soup Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine with Beans: Pour the soup mixture over the green beans and stir well until all green beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Add Bacon: Fold in the chopped cooked bacon pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the green bean mixture.
- Add Onions: Add half of the French fried onions to the bowl and mix them gently into the casserole mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease an approximately 8×8 inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture evenly into it.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the casserole at 350°F for 25 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Add Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining French fried onions and the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top, and the onions are crispy.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Using 2% milk provides creaminess without excess fat; whole milk or cream can be used for richer texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture.
- The baking dish size can vary; a larger dish may produce a thinner casserole, while a smaller dish will be thicker.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time slightly if baking straight from cold.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use a vegetarian mushroom soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, bacon green bean casserole, cheesy green beans, holiday side dish, easy casserole, comfort food, green beans with bacon
