Hearty Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Green bean magic happens when a classic casserole gets an irresistible upgrade!

Crispy bacon and melted cheese create a seriously addictive combination.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special and indulgent.

Layers of savory goodness will make you the hero of any gathering.

Creamy, crunchy, and utterly delectable, this recipe promises to become your new favorite side dish.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Doubles Down On Creamy, Crunchy Layers

• Quick Family Comfort: Transforms classic green bean casserole into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Delight: Requires just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed Convenience: Combines creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy fried onions to elevate a simple vegetable side into an irresistible crowd-favorite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works beautifully as a holiday side dish, potluck contribution, or weeknight dinner companion that satisfies both kids and adults.

What Forms A Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans form the base of the casserole, providing a nutritious and tender vegetable foundation.

• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that complements the green beans.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that binds the casserole together and adds depth of flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fried Onions: Shredded cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy element, while fried onions provide a crunchy, golden-brown topping for texture contrast.

• Soy Sauce, Black Pepper: Soy sauce adds umami and depth, while black pepper provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Process

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Create a Creamy Flavor Base

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they’re smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Magic

• Green beans
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Crunchy fried onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything so each bite will be packed with deliciousness.

Step 4: Bake the First Round

Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and get cozy.

Step 5: Add the Final Flavor Boost

• Remaining fried onions
• Extra cheddar cheese

Return to the oven for a quick 5-10 minute finish to melt the cheese and crisp up the onions.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Bring this mouthwatering green bean casserole straight to the table and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Techniques From Pros

• Replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon or mushroom bits for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version without losing flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or monterey jack to add unique taste profiles and complement the green beans.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version to control salt content and enhance overall dish quality.
• Toast additional fried onions separately before adding as topping to guarantee extra crispy texture and prevent soggy results.
• Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier without losing warmth.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Save It Right

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness.
• Pack the casserole in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture. Sprinkle extra cheese or fried onions on top for renewed crispiness.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore creamy texture.

Loaded Casserole Pairing Ideas

• Amplify Protein Power: Pair this hearty green bean casserole with grilled chicken or roasted turkey breast to create a complete protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and delivers incredible flavor.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the rich, creamy texture of the casserole, cutting through the cheesy and bacon-loaded elements with refreshing acidity.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Serve alongside buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a traditional Southern touch that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Salad Sidekick: Create a light, tangy mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Versions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative. Swap cream of mushroom soup with a vegan cream soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetable mix for protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of bacon-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute fried onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs. Use fresh green beans and reduce cheese quantity for fewer carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional fried onions with gluten-free crispy onion topping.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this green bean casserole unique?

The combination of bacon, soy sauce, cheddar cheese, and fried onions elevates the classic green bean casserole, adding extra layers of flavor and crunch that make it more indulgent than traditional recipes.

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans. Just blanch them first by boiling for 3-4 minutes and then immediately cooling in ice water to maintain their crisp texture before mixing into the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the final layer of cheese and fried onions right before baking to keep the topping crispy.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon to cut down on calories while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Green bean casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to classic holiday side dishes with crispy bacon, creamy mushroom sauce, and golden-brown breadcrumb topping. Hearty flavors merge seamlessly, promising a memorable meal that delights dinner guests and satisfies comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups fried onions, divided

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Craft a luxurious base by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, introducing depth through soy sauce and a sprinkle of black pepper.
3. Fold tender green beans into the creamy mixture, complementing them with crispy bacon fragments for a smoky undertone.
4. Incorporate one portion of crunchy fried onions and a generous handful of shredded cheddar, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
5. Gently transfer the vibrant mixture into a casserole vessel, allowing the ingredients to meld together during the initial baking phase.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake, allowing flavors to intensify for approximately 25 minutes.
7. Carefully remove the casserole, giving it a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and promote even cooking.
8. Embellish the surface with remaining fried onions and an additional layer of cheddar cheese, creating a tempting golden topping.
9. Return to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, crisp golden crust.
10. Extract from the oven and let rest briefly before serving, ensuring a warm and comforting dining experience.

Notes

• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher, less processed flavor profile.
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to make the dish lighter and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Add some crispy mushroom slices on top for extra texture and an umami boost that complements the green beans perfectly.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor that cuts through the creamy base and adds depth to each bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg