If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, this Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic American side takes the traditional green bean casserole up a notch by adding sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, creating a rich, irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this casserole brings warmth, texture, and savory delight to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and creaminess. From fresh green beans to crispy bacon, these simple elements come together effortlessly to create a casserole that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but doesn’t require much fuss at all.
- 1 pound green beans (trimmed): Fresh and crisp, these create the hearty vegetable base with a bright green color.
- 10.5 ounces condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (1 can): This adds the rich, creamy texture and classic mushroom flavor foundational to the casserole.
- 1 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, luscious sauce when mixed with the soup.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle depth and umami punch to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and aromatic perfume throughout the dish.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The sharp cheddar brings cheesiness and gooey melted goodness layered throughout and on top.
- 4 slices crumbled cooked bacon: Provides a smoky crunch that complements the creamy beans perfectly.
- 1½ cups French fried onions: Adds the iconic crispy, golden topping that makes this casserole so unforgettable.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 1-quart casserole dish a light coating of cooking spray. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Simple prep like this gets you one step closer to that warm, bubbly goodness.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Green Beans
Boil your trimmed green beans in a large pot of water for just 3 minutes. The goal here is to brighten their color and maintain a slight crunch rather than making them mushy. Immediately toss them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and lock in that perfect texture, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
While the green beans cool, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and velvety smooth. This cheesy sauce is what elevates this Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe from ordinary to utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Toss the green beans in the creamy cheese sauce until every bean is coated with cheesiness and flavor. Transfer this mixture to your casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is bubbling invitingly around the edges.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
It’s time for the grand finale. Scatter the French fried onions and crumbled cooked bacon over the top for a crispy, smoky finish. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes so that the onions turn golden and the bacon crisps up just right. This final touch makes all the difference in crafting a memorable and irresistible side dish.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and subtle herbal freshness. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving brings a little extra spice to the warm, rich layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken, making it a perfect pairing for holiday dinners and cozy family meals alike. For a lighter balance, serve it with a crisp salad or some roasted root vegetables—both options complement the creamy and savory casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests visually? Serve the Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, place it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by crusty bread or rolls for a warm, homestyle presentation that invites sharing and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep delicious for up to 3 days. This means you can enjoy those flavorful bites without worry in the days following your feast.
Freezing
If you’d like to save this dish for longer, it freezes quite well. Prepare the casserole through step 4, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding the fried onions and bacon just before the final baking step so everything stays crunchy and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes. To keep the onions crispy, add them fresh on top after reheating rather than reheating with the casserole. Microwave reheating is possible but can soften the onions and bacon, so the oven method is best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well and are a convenient shortcut. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky note. You can also use vegetarian-friendly fried onions and mushroom soup varieties.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mild gouda can stand in nicely. Cheddar is favorite for its sharpness, but feel free to experiment with your cheese drawer!
Can I prepare this dish fully ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it freshly the next day for the best texture and flavor, adding the crispy onions and bacon in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Why do I need to blanch the green beans?
Blanching brightens the green beans’ color and ensures they remain tender-crisp after baking, avoiding the dreaded mushy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comforting, savory flavors that bring people together around the dinner table. The ease of preparation combined with its rich layers of cheesy, smoky goodness makes this casserole a go-to favorite for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your own kitchen!
