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