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This creamy, crispy, bacon loaded Green Bean Casserole is everything you need and more in a side dish for your perfect Thanksgiving or holiday table this year. It’s simply the best recipe, made from scratch! If you’re looking for another side dish with green beans, try my delicious Roasted Green Beans.
But Wait, What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole made its debut in 1955 and was created by Campbell’s. Yeah, the soup company! Since then it has been a beloved Thanksgiving side dish all over the US.
I’ve elevated Campbell’s classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe by adding bacon and nutmeg. Two simple but impactful ingredients! It’s also quick and easy by using frozen green beans and premade crispy fried onions!
Of course, I have included options to make everything homemade so you get a Green Bean Casserole that you feel good about and that tastes great for your Thanksgiving dinner or any other day of the week, for that matter.
Frozen, Canned or Fresh Green Beans?
I made this recipe faster by using frozen green beans. They are just as nutritious as fresh green beans. However, if you don’t like the flavor of frozen green beans, try using fresh green beans that have been steamed OR canned green beans that have been drained and rinsed well.
Variations
What’s great about this recipe is that you can customize it how you like it. If you don’t like bacon, don’t add it! Here are some other ideas to consider.
Spicy.If you are into spicy foods, it is super easy to make this recipe spicy as well. Add a jalapeño, cajun seasoning, cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese.Cheese is one of those additions that you can’t mess up. Unless, of course, you’re lactose intolerant. To you folks, I’m deeply sorry. With this casserole, cheese would be a great flavor booster. Try white cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar, monterey jack or pepper jack cheese.
Gluten-Free.To those that are in need of a gluten-free green bean casserole simply replace the flour with gluten-free flour. And instead of the regular onion topping, sauté some onions with rice Chex cereal, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Mushrooms. Since Campbell’s version of this recipe uses cans of cream of mushroom soup, I can see why some might feel the need to have mushrooms in their green bean casserole. I left them out of my recipe, but feel free to add a small can of button mushrooms or sauté some fresh mushrooms with butter and add them into the sauce.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
For full recipe details including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:
Preheat Oven + Prep Dish
Preheat oven to350° F.Lightly spray a baking dish (8×8) with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook Bacon
Cook your bacon to your liking, allow to cool and then crumble into small pieces.
Pro Tip: Want a fool proof, mess-free way to cook bacon? Try baking it in the oven! I have a great post about cooking bacon in the oven. Give it a look-see!
Make the Casserole Sauce
In a deep, large skillet,melt butterover medium heat.Whisk in all-purpose flourto create a paste and cook 1 minute.Slowly whisk in whole milk (and heavy cream, if using).Bring to a simmer to thicken the sauce and reduce heat immediately.Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Add in Green Beans + Half of the Bacon
Coat green beans and half of the cooked baconin the creamy sauce. Pour the green bean mixture into prepared casserole baking dish. Top withfried onions and remaining bacon.
Bake + Serve
Bake for30 minutesor until golden brown on top. Serve warm. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead
I love how many of my recipes can be made ahead of time. This Green Bean Casserole recipe is no different. It’s the best, partly because your holiday meal prep just got a lot easier.
To make ahead of time follow the directions, stopping at the step with topping with French Fried Onions and bacon. This is to prevent soggy onions. Refrigerate, covered, up to 24 hours.
To bake, uncover, top with crunchy onions and bacon, and bake according to the directions.
Storing Leftover Green Bean Casserole
Leftover Green Bean Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow it to cool to room temperature and then seal in an airtight container. This can either be a lid to your casserole dish or a good seal with plastic wrap.
To Reheat. Pop the green bean casserole back in the oven at 350° F for about, about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Watch the casserole closely and if the topping starts to get too toasty and brown, take the casserole out of the oven and lightly cover with a piece of aluminum foil. Then resume baking.
FAQ
Can I use bacon bits instead of cooking bacon myself?
Yes, you can use bacon bits in green bean casserole. I prefer to use real bacon crumbles when I am trying to save myself some time in the kitchen.
What can I use instead of milk?
You can use a can of full-fat coconut milk or cashew milk if you’re needing a non-dairy alternative for green bean casserole.
Why did my green bean casserole turn out mushy?
Chances are you didn’t drain your green beans very well or a little more thickener (flour) was needing to be added when you made the sauce. Also it might just need a little bit more baking time. If you’re worried about the top getting too brown, cover with aluminum foil and return it to the oven.
More Thanksgiving Side Dish Casseroles!
- Buttery Corn Casserole
- Leftover Turkey Casserole
- Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- French Toast Casserole
This recipe has become my favorite green bean casserole. It’s an easy recipe that everyone loves. Save this recipe by printing it, pinning it or bookmarking it! Happy Holidays, friends! 🙂
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
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5 from 3 votes
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This creamy, crispy Green Bean Casserole is everything you need and more for a perfect Thanksgiving meal. It's simply the best recipe!
servings 8 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream (or combination of the two)
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 20 oz frozen green beans warmed and drained*
- pinch nutmeg
- 2 cups Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly spray casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large, deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a paste and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk (and cream, if using). Bring to simmer to thicken sauce and reduce heat immediately. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Coat green beans and half the cooked bacon in the sauce and pour into prepared casserole dish. Top with fried onions and remaining bacon.
Bake for 30 minutes and serve.
Notes
*If you don’t like the flavor of frozen green beans, try using fresh green beans that have been prepared and steamed OR canned green beans that have been drained and rinsed well.
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 281mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: casserole, green bean casserole, green bean casserole recipe, green beans
