There’s something truly comforting about a warm dish of green bean casserole. In my opinion, it embodies pure coziness and brings a sense of nostalgia to the dinner table. As home cooks, we often long for recipes that remind us of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is perfect for such occasions, combining traditional flavors with a touch of indulgence.
The key components of this dish are simple yet delightful. You’ll be using 1 pound of fresh green beans, beautifully trimmed to perfection. The addition of 6 slices of chopped bacon provides a savory crunch, while 1 cup of sliced mushrooms adds an earthy note. Creaminess comes from 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, both of which bind the dish together. To finish, 1 cup of French fried onions offers an irresistible crispy topping that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. The harmonious blend of these flavors results in a casserole that is savory, creamy, and satisfying.
Making this casserole is relatively easy, which is great for busy cooks or those new to the kitchen. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, blanch your green beans, cook the bacon until crispy, and sauté the mushrooms. Combine these ingredients with the heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, and half the French fried onions, and you’re almost done. Pour everything into a greased baking dish, add the remaining onions on top, and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, golden masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.
This green bean casserole is perfect for chilly nights spent indoors, making it a cozy option for family dinners and gatherings. It’s also a fantastic dish for potlucks, holiday celebrations, or simply when you want to treat your loved ones to a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Comforting and Familiar: This dish brings back memories of special gatherings, making it a beloved comfort food.
- Great Flavor Combination: The mix of fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and savory mushrooms creates a flavor profile that is mouthwatering.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for experienced cooks and beginners alike.
- Versatile Side Dish: It complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, making it convenient for busy days.
Green Bean Tips
When selecting your fresh green beans, look for beans that are firm, bright green, and without brown spots. Fresh beans will give your casserole a crisp texture and vibrant color. Ensure you trim the ends off before cooking, as this will help remove any woody parts. Timing is also key; don’t over-blanch the beans, as you want them to remain slightly crisp, even after baking.
Options for Substitutions
- Swap out heavy cream for a lower-fat cream or milk for a lighter version.
- Use canned green beans if you’re short on time, but fresh will yield better texture.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.
- Try different mushrooms, like cremini or shiitake, for unique flavors.
- Use gluten-free fried onions if you have dietary restrictions.
- Consider adding sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy version.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the green beans during the blanching step. Aim for a crisp bite. Too long in boiling water will lead to mushy beans. Another pitfall is not draining the beans properly. Excess water can affect the consistency of your casserole.
Seasoning is also crucial. Not adding enough salt and pepper can result in a bland flavor, so taste as you go. Lastly, be mindful of how early you add the French fried onions; adding them too soon can lead to sogginess instead of the desired crispiness.
What to Serve With The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon?
This green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, beef brisket, or a glazed ham. You can also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or buttery, mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Storage Instructions
Store: Once cooled, cover and refrigerate your casserole. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the casserole before baking it. It will maintain quality for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, for quick reheating, use the microwave. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6-8 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-1000
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 50-70 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pot
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Once the water is boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green. Drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender and slightly golden.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the blanched green beans, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it with the remaining French fried onions. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness that is the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon.
In conclusion, this green bean casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create meaningful meals and memories. I encourage you to try this dish for your next family gathering. Share your thoughts, feedback, or any variations you may have tried. Explore similar recipes and enjoy your time in the kitchen!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated. They will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but they may have a different texture than fresh ones.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it cold.
Print
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo, Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and nostalgic green bean casserole with crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender and slightly golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining French fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative. You can also substitute turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg