Description
Crispy bacon elevates classic green bean casserole to new heights of comfort. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with savory goodness, this dish promises to become your ultimate side dish companion at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, fresh
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1 cup mushroom cream sauce
Dairy and Binding:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping and Seasoning:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Thoroughly wash green beans, trim the ends, and cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform length for even cooking.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool.
- In the same skillet with residual bacon fat, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
- Crumble the cooled bacon and set aside, reserving some for topping.
- Combine mushroom cream sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Transfer the sautéed green beans to the prepared baking dish, pour the cream mixture over the beans, and gently fold to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and most of the crumbled bacon over the beans, creating an even layer.
- Top the casserole with crispy fried onions, distributing them evenly for maximum crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with remaining bacon bits before serving.
Notes
- Optimize bacon crispiness by starting with cold skillet and gradually increasing heat, allowing fat to render slowly for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Prevent green beans from becoming mushy by blanching them briefly in boiling salted water before sautéing, maintaining vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Create dairy-free alternative by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using plant-based cheese options for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different bacon varieties like applewood-smoked or pepper-crusted, adding unique depth to the classic casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg