Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese and Bacon

This Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a luxurious twist on the classic side dish. Fresh green beans are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy bacon and fried onions, making it the perfect addition to holiday feasts or everyday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elevated Classic: Cream cheese and bacon bring richness and smoky flavor to the traditional green bean casserole.
• Perfect for Holidays: A standout side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free with no flour-based roux.
• Rich and Creamy: Packed with cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, and sour cream.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The smoky crunch of bacon and crispy onions ensures everyone will go back for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Green Beans
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
   In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
3. Sauté Aromatics
   Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine with Green Beans
   Toss the blanched green beans in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with Cheese and Bacon
   Sprinkle the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve
   Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional bacon or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, earthy flavor.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and milk.
• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and bake just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave on medium power until warm.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned or frozen green beans?

Yes, but fresh green beans provide the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry; if using canned, drain and rinse well.

2. What’s the best way to cook the bacon?

Pan-frying works great, but you can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and cheese substitutes.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Blanch the green beans briefly and pat them dry before combining with the sauce.

5. Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini make great alternatives or additions.

6. How do I keep the fried onions crispy?

Add them in the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure they stay crunchy.

7. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble it ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

8. Can I use turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great leaner alternative to pork bacon.

9. What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or a hearty grain like quinoa or rice.

10. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk works as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the flavor.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole takes a beloved classic to a whole new level with rich, creamy flavors and crispy textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish, it’s a recipe your family and guests will rave about. Make it part of your meal plan for a guaranteed hit!

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