This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is an indulgent blend of salty, creamy, cheesiness, with an onion crunch. Don’t limit this classic Thanksgiving side dish to the holidays when it deserves a spot on your table year-round!

Want more delicious casserole side dishes? Try this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole next.

close up view of green bean casserole with bacon in a casserole dish

This cheesy green bean casserole with bacon will convince even the pickiest of eaters to give this recipe a try. After all, who doesn’t love cheese and bacon? Throw in some Campbell’s for a creamy filling, top it with mouthwatering French Fried Onions for a satisfying contrast of textures and you have the ultimate green bean casserole!

Why You Will Love this Green Bean Casserole with Bacon:

Easy to Make! Prepare the green bean casserole with frozen green beans for the convenience of quicker assembly.

A Holiday Favorite! Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be the same without this comfort food.

Great Make Ahead Recipe! Easily assemble and freeze this dish so you can pop it in the oven later and serve it with no hassle. This is particularly handy during busy holidays, for potlucks, or on laid-back Sundays when you’re not in the mood for extensive prep work.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Bacon

To make this easy green bean casserole with bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

Green beans: Frozen green beans are the easiest option.
Butter: Use unsalted to saute the onions.
Onion: Finely chopped onions complement the green beans and bacon.
Garlic cloves: Mince fresh garlic.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: The salty, savory crispy bacon bits give this dish an instant upgrade.
All-purpose flour: Flour serves as a thickening agent when mixed with the sautéed onions and bacon. This helps create a creamy consistency in the casserole.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Broth provides a liquid base for the casserole, adding depth of flavor. It also contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce.
Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the casserole, creating a luscious texture. It combines with the broth to form the base of the sauce. You can use regular milk or heavy cream if you want it richer.
Seasoning: Simply add salt and black pepper to taste.
Dried thyme: Although optional, this adds a herby, earthy flair to the dish for deeper flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: This soup enriches the dish, adding depth, and a hint of umami flavor.
Cheddar cheese: You can use pre-shredded cheese but grating it yourself is always better.
Crispy fried onions: French’s fried onions are a solid store-bought option but my homemade version is even better!

frozen green beans, bacon and cheese added to a large pan

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet.

Then add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and crumbled bacon and saute for an additional minute.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and bacon and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Cook until the mixture thickens.

Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Then add the frozen green beans, ½ cup of the fried onions, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the beans are coated in the creamy sauce.

assembled green bean casserole before the the fried onions are added

Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Then return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the fried onions are golden brown.

Allow the green bean casserole with bacon to cool slightly before serving. Finally, enjoy!

Make Ahead

Green bean casserole with bacon is an excellent dish to make in advance. Assemble the casserole as detailed in the instructions (leaving out the fried onions) then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, sprinkle on half of the fried onions (adding the rest later as instructed) and add another 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips and Variations for Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Cook the bacon until crispy before incorporating it into the casserole. Drain excess bacon grease on paper towels. This adds a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Don’t rush the saute. The onions should be soft and golden, for added sweetness and richer flavor.
Avoid a lumpy sauce by gradually adding broth and milk and continuously whisking. That’s how you get a smooth and creamy consistency.
You can swap the cheddar for another cheese like Monterey jack cheese or parmesan cheese, or use them together for a more complex flavor.
Once cooled, store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze it for up to 3 months, thawing it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or larger servings in the oven.

FAQ

Yes. Initially, cover it with aluminum foil. This helps the casserole cook evenly and retain moisture, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove it for the final 5-10 minutes of cooking so the onion topping crisps up.

Fresh green beans are a better option because canned green beans have too much moisture. For this recipe, we use frozen green beans for convenience.

Avoid a soggy casserole by being careful with the amount of liquid you add to the casserole. Gradually whisk in the broth and milk to control the consistency and ensure it is thick, not soupy.

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