Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans become an irresistible comfort classic with this cream cheese and bacon green bean casserole twist.

Crispy bacon bits dance across tender vegetable layers, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Creamy cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes every bite utterly decadent.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special when this spectacular side dish appears on the table.

Melted cheese and smoky bacon elevate humble green beans into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

You won’t believe how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic!

Tips To Make Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe Better

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Mix cream cheese with a splash of milk to create a smooth, creamy base that evenly coats the green beans, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, tangy goodness.
  • Crisp Up Those Bacon Bits: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling, which adds a delightful crunch and prevents soggy texture in your casserole.
  • Veggie Prep Perfection: Blanch fresh green beans briefly in boiling water, then shock in ice water to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture before mixing into the casserole.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that still delivers incredible crunch and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious dish when baked.

Storing Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe Easily

  • Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Keep fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
  • Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish's delicious texture.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
  • Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream cheese and bacon may separate and lose their original creamy consistency when thawed.

Tasty Pairings For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich cream cheese and bacon, creating a perfect flavor balance.
  • Complement with Rustic Bread: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or country bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender green beans.
  • Match with Smoky Bourbon: A small glass of smooth bourbon highlights the bacon's smokiness, enhancing the dish's deep, savory undertones and providing a warming finish to the meal.
  • Balance with Tangy Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and counteract the casserole's creamy, indulgent profile.

Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe With A Twist

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap bacon for roasted mushrooms and add caramelized onions for a rich, earthy flavor profile that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle pepper jack cheese, and top with crispy tortilla strips for a zesty, bold version of the classic casserole.
  • Mediterranean Blend: Replace bacon with crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate fresh oregano to give the dish a Greek-inspired transformation.
  • Lean Green Option: Use turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, and add nutritional yeast for a healthier take that doesn't compromise on taste and creamy goodness.

FAQ Guide For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • What makes this green bean casserole different from traditional recipes?

This version adds cream cheese and crispy bacon, giving it a rich, savory twist that elevates the classic side dish with extra creaminess and smoky flavor.

  • Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains dairy from cream cheese and is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance. You would need to substitute with dairy-free alternatives.

  • How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

To lighten the recipe, you can use low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and reduce the amount of cheese while still maintaining great flavor.

Why Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe Stands Out

  • Speedy Comfort Cooking: This green bean casserole whips up quickly with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute holiday sides.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon and creamy cheese transforms ordinary green beans into an irresistible dish that even veggie-skeptical family members will devour.
  • Effortless Entertaining Magic: With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, you can create a restaurant-worthy side dish that looks and tastes impressively gourmet without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Celebration Star: Equally stunning at family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this casserole adapts to any dining occasion while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Everything Needed For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Green Beans: Fresh, crisp vegetables that form the base of the casserole, best when tender and bright green.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, rich ingredient that adds a smooth texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty crunch and deep savory taste to complement the green beans.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang to the casserole's sauce.
  • Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the dish's flavors.
Topping and Binding:
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds textural contrast.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a sharp, rich cheese flavor to the casserole.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to crisp the topping and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Easy Steps For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Warm up your oven to 375°F and generously coat a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

Wash fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Cut the beans into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and look appetizing on the plate.

Step 3: Cook Bacon to Crispy Perfection

In a large skillet, cook bacon until it becomes wonderfully crisp and golden brown. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small, delectable pieces.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, prepare a luscious sauce with:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and the cream cheese melts completely, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine Green Beans and Sauce

Gently fold the green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring each bean is beautifully coated with the silky mixture.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Bacon Topping

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the green bean and cream cheese mixture, distributing it evenly for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises a crispy, mouthwatering finish.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Dish out and enjoy the creamy, bacon-studded green bean delight!

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Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy green bean casserole with bacon elevates classic comfort food to new heights of deliciousness. Rich cheese and crispy bacon bits make this side dish irresistible for dinner gatherings and holiday meals you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 900 g (2 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Meats and Dairy:

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 225 g (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare a spacious baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly rendered, creating delectable crunchy bits.
  3. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving a small amount of the rendered fat in the pan for additional flavor enhancement.
  4. Sauté the fresh green beans in the residual bacon drippings, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight caramelization.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, breaking down any potential lumps for a silky texture.
  6. Incorporate the remaining sauce ingredients into the cream cheese, whisking vigorously to create a uniform, luxurious mixture.
  7. Gently fold the sautéed green beans into the cream cheese sauce, ensuring each bean is thoroughly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
  8. Transfer the green bean and sauce combination to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
  9. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces across the top of the casserole, providing a crunchy textural contrast.
  10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, permitting the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
  12. Serve warm, offering a decadent side dish that combines creamy, crispy, and savory elements in every delightful bite.

Notes

  • Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates the classic green bean casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Swap cream cheese for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Chop bacon into smaller pieces for more even distribution and guaranteed bacon in every delicious bite.
  • Toast breadcrumbs slightly before topping to ensure a golden, extra-crispy texture that adds irresistible crunch to the casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 379
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 652 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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