Irresistibly Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe For Holidays

Green bean casserole with a crispy bacon twist promises pure comfort on your dinner plate.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory elements that dance across your palate.

Hearty ingredients create a delightful symphony of flavors waiting to be discovered.

Every forkful brings memories of classic gatherings around warm kitchen tables.

Crisp green beans nestle beneath a golden, crunchy topping that crackles with each bite.

Smooth cheese and smoky bacon elevate this traditional side dish into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next potluck or family meal.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans work best for this recipe. Frozen green beans can be used but may release more water, slightly changing the casserole’s texture.

• How do I make crispy bacon for this dish?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble. This ensures the bacon stays crunchy in the casserole.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Substitute low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and use turkey bacon to lower the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the crispy fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole: Why It’s a Hit

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform traditional green bean casserole into a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish packed with rich flavors and exciting textures.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bacon for vegetarian options or experiment with different cheese varieties to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this hearty side dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and satisfying meal addition.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress guests at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or family dinners with this upgraded classic that combines creamy, crunchy, and savory elements.

Ingredients for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that provide the core base and nutritional foundation for this classic casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that adds rich flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a tangy, savory element to the dish.

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that adds depth and crunch to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and a slight tanginess to the mixture.

• Garlic, Mushrooms, Soy Sauce, Pepper: Ingredients that build layers of umami and savory flavor in the casserole.
• Butter: Helps sauté mushrooms and garlic, adding depth to the overall taste.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides a golden, crisp texture to the casserole.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the sauce.

How to Prepare Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Blanch The Green Beans

Boil water and drop in fresh green beans.

Cook for 5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Heat a large skillet and melt butter.

Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until they’re golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Soy sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything until smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Combine Casserole Components

• Blanched green beans
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Sautéed mushrooms

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle crispy fried onions generously on top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Pro Tips for a Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Cook green beans in boiling water for exactly 5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color without overcooking.
• Sauté mushrooms and garlic separately to develop deep, rich flavors before mixing with other ingredients for maximum taste complexity.
• Use sour cream and milk sparingly to prevent casserole from becoming too runny, ensuring a creamy yet firm consistency.
• Spread fried onions evenly across the surface and bake uncovered to achieve a golden, crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast.
• Substitute low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to reduce calories without compromising the classic casserole taste.

Creative Variations on Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Replace dairy and meat ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, vegan cheese, and tempeh bacon.
• Low-Carb Green Bean Bake: Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade cauliflower cream sauce and use almond flour crispy topping.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, replace wheat-based crispy onions with gluten-free version, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips instead of fried onions.

Best Ways to Serve Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty green bean casserole with classic roasted chicken for a complete, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Family Feast Enhancer: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and glazed carrots to create a colorful, balanced plate that will make everyone at the table smile.
• Holiday Hero: Perfect as a show-stopping side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this casserole brings rich flavors and festive texture to traditional gatherings.
• Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold or gently reheated the next day, making an excellent next-day lunch or quick midnight snack for hungry family members.

Storage Tips for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with crispy onion topping.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating for extra crunch.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole elevates traditional holiday sides with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Home cooks can savor this comforting classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1.5 cups (340 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups (135 grams) crispy fried onions
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 ounces or 595 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 0.5 cup (120 grams) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sauteing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare green beans by immersing in rapidly boiling water for 5 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
2. Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then crumble into small fragments. Set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic with sliced mushrooms until they release moisture and become tender, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, soy sauce, and ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until completely integrated.
5. Fold blanched green beans into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating. Gently incorporate crumbled bacon and sautéed mushrooms.
6. Grease a casserole dish and carefully transfer the verdant mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
7. Sprinkle crispy fried onions generously across the top for a crunchy textural element.
8. Position in a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and surface transforms to a rich golden-brown hue.

Notes

• Blanch green beans precisely for 5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color, avoiding overcooking which makes them mushy.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch, cooking until extra crispy before crumbling into the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyere or pepper jack to add unique depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade version using gluten-free flour and substitute fried onions with gluten-free breadcrumb topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 481 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg