What To Know
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans.
- In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the crispy fried onions in a decorative pattern on top of the casserole.
Green bean casserole with bacon is an indispensable dish during holiday feasts, beloved for its creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. This classic recipe gets an upgrade with the addition of crispy bacon, elevating it to a new level of culinary delight. Follow our step-by-step guide to create the perfect green bean casserole with bacon that will impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Green Beans
- Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans.
- Cook the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Drain the green beans and set them aside to cool.
2. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into small pieces.
- Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans, crumbled bacon, and the prepared sauce.
- Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
6. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the green bean casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the green bean casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional crispy fried onions, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- For the best flavor, use fresh green beans and cook them to tender-crisp perfection.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Don’t overcook the sauce, as it will thicken as it bakes.
- If you don’t have crispy fried onions, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.
- Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
The Art of Presentation
- Serve the green bean casserole in a beautiful serving dish to enhance its appeal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a touch of color.
- Arrange the crispy fried onions in a decorative pattern on top of the casserole.
Final Note
Indulge in the ultimate holiday classic with our elevated green bean casserole with bacon recipe. Its creamy, savory flavors, crispy bacon, and crunchy fried onions will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe will be sure to impress.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: What can I do if my casserole is too watery?
A: If the casserole is too watery, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and stir. This will help absorb excess moisture.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely before using and cook them according to the package directions.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
A: You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped carrots, celery, or corn.
Q: How do I store leftover green bean casserole?
A: Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
