The Best Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food meets culinary magic in this loaded green bean casserole that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Crispy bacon bits dance alongside creamy mushroom sauce, creating a symphony of flavors.

Tender green beans provide the perfect canvas for this indulgent dish.

Layers of melted cheese and crunchy onion topping add irresistible texture to every bite.

Memories of family dinners flood back with each forkful of this classic recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering casserole that turns ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of green beans?

Yes! You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. Just ensure they’re well-drained before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and replace cream of mushroom soup with a vegetarian version. Add more cheese or crispy onions for extra flavor.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also reduce bacon quantity or use turkey bacon.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What Sets Loaded Green Bean Casserole Apart

• Delight in Layered Flavors: Every bite combines a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crunchy streusel topping, and rich salted caramel sauce for a complex taste experience.
• Master Baking Skills: The recipe offers a step-by-step process that helps home bakers learn multiple techniques like making crust, preparing filling, creating streusel, and crafting homemade caramel sauce.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and family desserts because they can be easily cut into portions and transport well without losing their delicious texture.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can adapt the recipe by switching apple varieties, adjusting spice levels, or adding nuts to the streusel topping for a personalized dessert that suits individual preferences.

Gather These Ingredients for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh, crisp vegetable that provides the base and texture for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, tangy flavor.

• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild, spicy kick to the casserole.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the mixture.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that adds a salty, savory crunch to the top of the casserole.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides a golden, crisp texture and sweet onion flavor.

• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that add a bright, green finishing touch to the dish.

Stepwise Instructions for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Prep the Green Beans

• For fresh green beans: Quickly blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain like a pro
• For frozen or canned green beans: Drain thoroughly and get ready to rock

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Magic

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Soy sauce

Blend until silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Goodness

• Green beans
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon (half portion)
• Crispy fried onions (half portion)

Stir until everything is coated and looking delicious.

Step 5: Fill the Casserole Dish

Grease your casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Step 8: Crisp Up the Topping

• Remaining crispy fried onions
• Remaining crumbled bacon

Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a final touch of freshness.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Hints for Great Results

• Blanch fresh green beans briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture for the best casserole experience.
• Drain canned or frozen green beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
• Mix ingredients gently to keep the green beans intact and ensure even distribution of cheese and bacon.
• Choose low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control the salt content and create a lighter version of the classic dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or monterey jack for a unique flavor twist on the traditional recipe.

Different Styles to Try in Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Blast: Replace soy sauce with salsa, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of garlic, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano and basil.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Mix in diced grilled chicken or cooked ground turkey, replace half the cheese with crumbled blue cheese, and add chopped roasted almonds for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Garden Mix: Swap bacon with sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers, use plant-based cream soup, add nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and top with seasoned breadcrumbs.

Plating Suggestions for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Place the steaming casserole in the middle of the table for a comforting family-style meal. Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty dinner experience. Everyone can scoop their own portion directly from the dish.
• Transport the casserole in a sturdy dish for gatherings. Keeps warm and travels well, making it perfect for holiday events or community potlucks. Guests will love the rich, cheesy green bean mixture with crispy bacon topping.
• Elevate your holiday spread with this upgraded classic. Replaces traditional green bean sides with a more indulgent version. The combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy onions will impress everyone at the table.

How to Store Loaded Green Bean Casserole Perfectly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating to maintain crunch.
• Keep crispy onions and bacon in separate sealed containers at room temperature. Add these toppings just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole with crispy bacon and caramelized onions delivers comfort food perfection. Creamy, savory layers combine classic ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that brings warmth to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) milk
• 1.5 cups (170 g) cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 0.5 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) crispy fried onions, divided
• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), optional
• Additional cheese, optional
• Extra bacon crumbles, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C), ensuring rack is in the center position for even heating.
2. Process green beans by blanching fresh ones in boiling water for 5 minutes or thoroughly draining frozen/canned varieties.
3. Create creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and soy sauce until completely smooth and well integrated.
4. Fold green beans into sauce mixture, incorporating half the cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and crispy fried onions, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Gently transfer seasoned mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading contents uniformly to promote consistent cooking.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a uniform cheese layer.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until casserole becomes bubbling hot and cheese melts completely.
8. Carefully remove from oven, immediately garnish with remaining crispy fried onions and bacon crumbles, then return to oven for additional 5 minutes to achieve golden, crisp topping.
9. Finish by decorating with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for enhanced visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.

Notes

• Blanch green beans for a crisp-tender texture that maintains their vibrant green color and prevents mushiness during baking.
• Replace dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, vegan sour cream, and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and cutting back on added salt, making the dish heart-friendly.
• Add extra crunch by mixing in toasted sliced almonds or crushed crackers alongside the fried onions for a more textured topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 5.0 g
• Sodium: 1 009 mg
• Fat: 23.9 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14.9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.9 g
• Fiber: 3.3 g
• Protein: 12.2 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg