The Ultimate Crispy Bacon Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Table Must-Have
Elevate your holiday feast with this irresistible Green Bean Casserole with Bacon, a delicious twist on a beloved classic. This recipe combines the traditional creamy comfort of green bean casserole with the smoky, savory crunch of real bacon, making it an instant family favorite. Crafted with tender frozen green beans, rich cream of mushroom soup, and a generous topping of crispy fried onions, this dish promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at your holiday table.
When it comes to holiday side dishes, few can rival the iconic status of green bean casserole. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gatherings, and countless family meals throughout the year. While the traditional green bean casserole holds a special place in our hearts, this elevated version introduces a game-changing ingredient: crispy, salty, and utterly delightful bacon. The addition of bacon transforms this simple side into a show-stopping dish, offering a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exciting.
At its core, this bacon green bean casserole builds upon the foundational elements of the classic recipe: perfectly cooked green beans enveloped in a creamy sauce made from condensed cream of mushroom soup, all crowned with a golden, crunchy onion topping. The bacon isn’t just an afterthought; it’s thoughtfully integrated to infuse every bite with its distinct smoky essence, creating a harmonious balance between the savory and the comforting. This casserole is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your loved ones.
Whether you’re preparing for an intimate dinner or a grand holiday celebration, this easy green bean casserole with bacon is incredibly versatile. It fits perfectly in an 8×8 or 9×9 casserole dish for smaller gatherings, or you can easily double the recipe to fill a 9×13 dish, catering to larger crowds. If you love experimenting with different flavors, consider trying green bean casserole with Velveeta next year for an extra cheesy twist! This recipe is a testament to how small additions can create significant impacts, turning a classic into a memorable culinary experience.
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Recipe Highlights: Why This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is a Must-Try
- Effortlessly Easy Recipe: This isn’t just an easy side dish; it’s a dream come true for busy holiday cooks. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this impressive casserole without breaking a sweat, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities. It’s the perfect solution for a stress-free yet delicious holiday meal.
- Real Bacon for Unmatched Flavor: Forget artificial bacon bits! This recipe calls for real, crispy bacon, bringing an authentic smoky, savory, and slightly salty flavor that elevates the entire dish. Using your favorite type of bacon ensures a rich taste and delightful texture that complements the green beans and creamy sauce beautifully.
- A Traditional Recipe, Reimagined: The foundation of this green bean casserole with bacon is rooted in the beloved Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe – a true classic. We honor that tradition while enhancing it with generous amounts of extra crispy fried onions for an unparalleled crunch, and of course, the star addition of bacon. It’s the classic you love, but even better!
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Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Creating this spectacular green bean casserole with bacon requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:
- Green Beans: While this recipe is optimized for convenient frozen cut green beans (thawed for best results), you have options! Frozen beans maintain a great texture. For those who prefer, the recipe card also provides instructions for using canned green beans (ensure they are well-drained) or fresh green beans (which should be trimmed, halved, blanched, and drained before use).
- Bacon: The star of this elevated green bean casserole! Use your favorite brand and type of bacon – thick-cut, regular, or even a flavorful applewood smoked variety. Cook it until perfectly crispy by frying or baking, then drain any excess fat and chop or crumble it into small pieces. The “divided” instruction means you’ll incorporate some into the casserole’s creamy filling and reserve some for the glorious crispy topping.
- Crispy Fried Onions: These French fried onions are essential for both texture and flavor. They lend a delightful salty crunch throughout the casserole and form that iconic, golden-brown crispy topping that everyone loves. Don’t skimp on these for maximum impact!
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic ingredient forms the luscious, creamy base of your casserole’s sauce. It provides that unmistakable savory depth and a subtle earthy mushroom flavor that pairs wonderfully with the green beans and bacon.
- Milk: A touch of milk is added to the condensed soup to achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the casserole filling, ensuring it’s smooth and coats the green beans evenly.
- Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for umami! A small amount of soy sauce enhances the savory notes of the dish and adds a complex salty flavor that truly makes a difference.
- Garlic Powder: For a subtle yet essential hint of garlic, which complements the overall savory profile without being overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle warmth and spice, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Kosher Salt: Use kosher salt to taste. Bacon and crispy fried onions are already salty, so adjust your seasoning carefully to achieve the perfect balance.
Always refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.
How to Make the Best Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Crafting this delicious green bean casserole with bacon is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to bring this holiday favorite to life:
Preheat your oven to a comforting 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s perfectly warm and ready for baking.
In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine your thawed green beans, most of the deliciously chopped bacon (remember to set aside about 1 tablespoon for the final topping), half of the crispy fried onions, the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt (adjusting to your taste preferences).
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly in the baking dish until everything is well combined and the green beans are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the casserole filling will heat through and become wonderfully bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Give it a gentle stir, then generously top it with the remaining crispy fried onions and the reserved chopped bacon. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are beautifully golden brown and the entire casserole is bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s perfectly hot and ready to serve.
Smart Substitutions for Your Bacon Green Bean Casserole
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it based on what you have on hand or specific dietary needs. Here are some smart substitutions to keep in mind:
- Green Beans: While thawed frozen cut green beans are recommended for convenience and texture, you can easily substitute them. Opt for 1-½ pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half. For fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the casserole. Alternatively, two cans (14.5 ounces each) of drained green beans will also work in a pinch, though the texture will be softer.
- Bacon: Real bacon brings an irreplaceable flavor. If frying isn’t an option, baking your bacon is a great, less messy alternative (see “Top Tips”). For a quicker solution, high-quality real bacon bits (often found near salad dressings) can be used – approximately one slice of bacon yields about one tablespoon of bacon bits. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or use a smoky plant-based bacon alternative, or even add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a hint of smoky flavor.
- Crispy Fried Onions: These are crucial for the signature crunch! While store-bought crispy fried onions are convenient, you can certainly replace them with homemade crispy-fried onions for an extra touch of gourmet.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: If mushroom isn’t your preference, or you want to try something different, feel free to use your preferred “cream of” condensed soup. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of potato soup are all excellent alternatives that will provide a similar creamy base. You could also explore making a homemade cream sauce for a richer, made-from-scratch flavor.
- Milk: For an even richer and creamier casserole, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk. These options have a higher fat content, resulting in a more decadent filling. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used, though the creaminess might be slightly different.
- Soy Sauce: If soy sauce isn’t available or you prefer an alternative, Worcestershire sauce offers a similar umami depth. Tamari is a great gluten-free option, and liquid aminos can also be used for a savory boost.
- Seasonings: The garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt are suggestions to enhance the dish. Feel free to adjust these to your personal taste, or even omit them if you prefer to let the core ingredients shine. A pinch of onion powder could also be a nice addition.
Creative Variations to Your Bacon Green Bean Casserole
While this green bean casserole with bacon is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some popular variations:
- Cheesy Indulgence: For an ultra-creamy and cheesy experience, try our dedicated Velveeta green bean casserole recipe. Alternatively, you can simply add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to the green bean mixture before baking. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking also adds a delightful salty crust.
- The Classic Revisit: If you’re craving the traditional taste without the added bacon, simply refer to our classic green bean casserole recipe. Just omit the bacon from this recipe, and you’ll have the timeless side dish everyone expects.
- Fresh Mushroom Magic: For those who appreciate the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms, consider adding them to your casserole. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced button mushrooms (or your favorite variety) with a bit of butter and garlic until tender, then stir them into the green bean mixture before baking. This adds another layer of deliciousness, similar to this fresh green bean casserole with button mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the green bean mixture for a subtle spicy kick that complements the savory bacon.
- Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic boost. Add about a teaspoon of dried herbs (or a tablespoon of fresh, chopped herbs) to the mixture before baking.
Recommended Equipment for Casserole Perfection
To make your green bean casserole with bacon effortlessly, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. These items ensure smooth preparation and perfect results every time:
- 8×8 Baking Dish: This size is ideal for the recipe as written, yielding about 6 servings. A quality ceramic or glass baking dish ensures even heating and beautiful presentation. If you’re doubling the recipe, a 9×13 inch baking dish will be perfect.
- Silicone Spatula: Essential for gently yet thoroughly stirring the green bean mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and coated with the creamy sauce. Its flexible nature makes it easy to scrape down the sides of the dish.
- Large Mixing Bowl: While the recipe suggests mixing directly in the baking dish, a large mixing bowl can offer more room to combine ingredients if you prefer, especially when doubling the recipe.
- Frying Pan or Baking Sheet: For cooking your bacon to crispy perfection. A sturdy frying pan or a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil makes cleanup a breeze.
Storing Your Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious green bean casserole even after the initial meal. Here’s how to store leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor:
Allow any leftover green bean casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, you can either cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer the casserole into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. While the flavors will still be great, note that the crispy fried onions on top may become slightly soggy after refrigeration. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully for 3 to 4 months.
When ready to enjoy a frozen casserole, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC) until heated through and bubbly, or warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick meal. If reheating in the oven, you can add a fresh sprinkle of crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes to restore some of that delightful crunch.
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole with Bacon for Stress-Free Holidays
One of the best features of this green bean casserole with bacon is how perfectly it lends itself to make-ahead preparation, a true lifesaver during busy holiday seasons. Preparing it in advance allows flavors to meld and frees up valuable time on the day of your event.
To make the casserole ahead of time, simply follow all the recipe instructions exactly as written, but hold off on adding the crispy onion topping and the final reserved bacon until the day you plan to bake and serve the casserole. Assemble the base mixture in your baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you wish to freeze the casserole for longer storage, prepare it as above (without the final topping). Cover the casserole securely with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake as instructed in the recipe, adding the crispy onion topping and reserved bacon for the final bake, ensuring they get perfectly golden and crunchy.
Expert Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Bake Your Bacon for Easy Cleanup: For a less messy kitchen and perfectly even crispiness, consider baking your bacon instead of frying it. Lay bacon strips in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400ºF (200ºC) for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness. This method is fantastic for cooking large batches efficiently.
- Always Drain the Bacon: Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess bacon grease. This step is crucial for achieving truly crispy bacon that won’t make your casserole greasy.
- Master the Make-Ahead: Green bean casserole is one of the easiest side dishes to prepare in advance. To maximize freshness and crunch, follow the recipe as written but stop before adding the final crispy onion topping and reserved bacon. Store the assembled casserole base in the fridge for a day or two. On the day you bake, simply add the onions and bacon right before its final bake. This ensures your topping remains delightfully crunchy.
- Season to Taste: Remember that bacon and crispy fried onions already contribute significant saltiness. Taste your green bean mixture before the final bake and adjust kosher salt and black pepper as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Don’t Overcook Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them just until tender-crisp. Overcooked green beans can become mushy in the casserole. Frozen green beans are usually par-cooked, so thawing is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
The choice between canned and frozen green beans is entirely up to personal preference and the desired texture. Canned green beans tend to have a very soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked. Frozen green beans, especially when properly thawed, typically retain more of their crispiness and hold their shape better, offering a slightly firmer bite within the creamy casserole. This recipe is written for frozen green beans to ensure a good texture, but you can certainly use canned if you prefer a softer result.
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh green beans, you’ll need about 1-½ pounds. Trim them, cut them in half, and then blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain them very well before incorporating them into the casserole mixture. This extra step ensures they cook through properly and maintain a vibrant green color.
Yes, with a few adjustments! Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (some brands offer this, or you can make your own gluten-free cream sauce). Check that your crispy fried onions are also gluten-free (some brands offer gluten-free options, or you can make them from scratch using gluten-free flour). And finally, ensure your soy sauce is replaced with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.
This savory side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially during the holidays. It’s a perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, baked ham, prime rib, or even a simple roasted chicken. For other holiday sides, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, or a classic stuffing.
More Delicious Holiday Side Dish Inspiration
If you’re a fan of this incredible bacon green bean casserole recipe and looking for more ideas to complete your holiday table or elevate your Sunday dinner, explore these other fantastic Thanksgiving side dishes:
- Green Bean Casserole Double Recipe
- Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole
- Velveeta Green Bean Casserole
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Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Equipment
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8×8 baking dish
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Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans thawed
- 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped or crumbled (about 6 tablespoons)
- 1-½ cups crispy fried onions divided (about 3 ounces)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounces
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
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In an 8×8 baking dish, combine the thawed green beans, most of the chopped bacon (reserve about 1 tablespoon), half of the crispy fried onions, the soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt (to taste).
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Bake for 30 minutes.
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Stir then top with the remaining crispy fried onions and remaining bacon. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Video
Notes
Storage: Cool to room temperature, then cover it airtight with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. Note that the crispy onions may become soggy. If frozen, thaw before reheating. Reheat the whole dish in the oven or in single servings in the microwave.
Make Ahead Instructions: Follow the recipe but stop before adding the crispy onion topping until the day you bake the casserole. If freezing, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. Thaw before baking. Bake as instructed, then add the onion topping before the final bake.
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