Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is packed with irresistible flavors and just the right amount of crunch. The combination of tender green beans enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce and then topped with crispy bacon and fried onions is simply magical. The best part? You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen to create this mouthwatering dish. With a few simple steps and some flavorful ingredients, you can have this crowd-pleasing casserole ready to serve in no time.

I'm excited to share a  green bean casserole with fresh green beans and bacon that will have your taste buds dancing with joy and your loved ones begging for more. 

Whether it's a holiday feast, a potluck, or simply a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a crowd favorite. 

So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and I’ll show you how to make this green bean casserole with bacon (without cream of mushroom soup).

Trust me, the deliciousness that awaits is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Green Beans: Fresh and vibrant, these green beans are the star of this green bean casserole recipe with bacon.   You can use thawed frozen green beans if you prefer.  Canned green beans can be used, but they tend to get mushy, so I recommend fresh and then frozen.
• Butter: If you don't have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter instead; just be mindful of the overall saltiness of the dish. (Don’t forget that those french fried onions add a lot of salt!)
• Mushrooms: Any type of sliced mushrooms will work.
• Garlic: If you're not a fan of garlic or prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
• Salt and Pepper:  Adjust the amount to your liking.
• All-Purpose Flour: This pantry staple helps thicken the sauce and gives the casserole its creamy consistency. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
• Chicken Broth: Either homemade or store-bought broth works well.  
• Heavy Cream: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
• Bacon: Cooked to crispy perfection and crumbled over the top, bacon brings a smoky and savory element to the dish.
• Fried Onions: These crispy and flavorful fried onions are the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. If you're unable to find French's Fried Onions or a similar product, you can make your own by crisping up thinly sliced onions in the oven or substitute them with toasted breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Step by Step

For the full green bean casserole with bacon recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

Tips & Tricks

• Fresh is Best: Opt for fresh green beans whenever possible. They bring vibrant color and a crisp texture to your casserole and are a must for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Blanch 'Em Right: When blanching the green beans, make sure to cook them just until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. This will ensure they retain their beautiful green color.
• Ice Ice Baby: Plunging the blanched green beans into an ice bath helps to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain them well before moving on to the next step.
• The Crunch Factor: French's Fried Onions are a classic choice for a crispy topping. But if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for extra crunch.
• The Power of Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking. It adds a gooey, melty goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Let It Rest: After baking, give this green bean casserole with bacon and mushrooms a few minutes to rest before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that each bite is pure perfection.

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast: Pair your Green Bean Casserole with Bacon with succulent slices of juicy air fryer turkey breast. The crispy bacon and creamy casserole will complement the tender turkey perfectly, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a refreshing broccoli cauliflower salad. Crunchy vegetables in tangy dressing will add a vibrant element to your plate.
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes: For a comforting and satisfying side dish, serve your green bean casserole alongside slow cooker sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory flavors in the casserole, creating a delightful contrast of tastes.
• Crockpot Corn Casserole: Add another tasty side dish to the mix with a crockpot corn casserole. This creamy and buttery delight will bring a touch of comfort to your meal and complement the flavors of the green bean casserole and bacon.

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• Large skillet
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Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is packed with irresistible flavors and just the right amount of crunch. The combination of tender green beans enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce and then topped with crispy bacon and fried onions is simply magical. The best part? You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen to create this mouthwatering dish. With a few simple steps and some flavorful ingredients, you can have this crowd-pleasing casserole ready to serve in no time.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time43 minutes mins

Total Time58 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Holiday Sides

Servings: 12

Calories: 258kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

• 1 pound green beans trimmed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound white mushrooms sliced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled, divided
• 6 ounces French’s Fried Onions divided

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels, and fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and immediately place the green beans to the ice bath.
• Let sit in the cold water for a minute, and then drain again. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet to dry.
• Melt the butter in the pot over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the mushrooms release moisture. Sir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the flour, and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the broth, and whisk well. Bring to a simmer, and then whisk in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
• Stir in the green beans, all but ¼ cup of the bacon, and all but ½ cup of the onions.
• Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Bake for 15 minutes. Add the remaining onions and bacon on top and bake for another 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 715mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 757IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg