Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you're a fan of the traditional green bean casserole, you’re going to love this Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe! It's everything you love about the original, but taken to the next level with bacon, cheese, and even more crispy fried onions. This upgraded version is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting side dish that’s packed with flavor. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this indulgent, flavor-loaded casserole that’s sure to be the star of any meal!

this Recipe

What Is Loaded Green Bean Casserole?

Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic green bean casserole, with the addition of savory ingredients like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and even more fried onions. It still features the creamy mushroom base and tender green beans that everyone loves, but the extra layers of flavor and texture make it feel indulgent and comforting. Think of it as the "loaded" version of the classic, similar to how you might load up a baked potato with extra toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Hearty and indulgent: Bacon, cheese, and extra onions give this dish a satisfying, savory punch.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or special dinners.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
• Easy to make: Despite the added ingredients, this casserole is still simple to prepare.

Ingredients List for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this decadent Loaded Green Bean Casserole:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or use two 14.5 oz cans, drained)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions, divided
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Mushrooms: Fresh sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped pickled jalapeños.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Loaded Green Bean Casserole based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Frozen Green Beans: Use frozen green beans in place of fresh ones. Just thaw and drain them before using.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan for an extra cheesy casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this indulgent Loaded Green Bean Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling them in salted water for 4-5 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside. If using canned or frozen green beans, simply drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and sour cream (if using). Stir until the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5: Add Green Beans, Bacon, and Onions

Fold the green beans and half of the crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture. Add ½ cup of the fried onions and stir to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of fried onions and the rest of the crumbled bacon.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fried onions on top are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!

How to Cook Loaded Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Blanch the green beans or drain canned/frozen green beans.
3. Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
4. Add green beans, bacon, and fried onions to the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with remaining fried onions and bacon.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Cool slightly and serve for a rich, loaded side dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: If you're blanching fresh green beans, be sure not to overcook them during the blanching process. They should still be slightly crisp, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Skipping the crispy bacon step: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy, not just chewy. The crispy bacon adds texture and a savory punch to the dish.
• Burning the fried onions: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the fried onions from burning. If they’re browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a hearty side dish, and with a few tweaks, you can present it beautifully for any occasion.

How to Serve Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Holiday Mainstay: Serve this casserole alongside classic holiday dishes like roast turkey, ham, or beef for a flavor-packed side.
• Everyday Dinner: It also makes a great side for weeknight dinners with grilled chicken, pork chops, or steaks.
• Potluck Star: This casserole travels well and is always a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic, homey presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for a melty, cheesy finish.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (without the fried onions) and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, top with the onions and bake as directed.
• Crispier Bacon: For extra crispy bacon bits, cook the bacon in the oven instead of frying it on the stovetop.
• Balance Flavors: If the dish feels too rich, balance it with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to cut through the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before mixing them into the casserole.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze Loaded Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole (without the fried onions), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, add the fried onions, and bake as directed.

Can I make this casserole without bacon?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, or substitute with vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar smoky flavor.

Can I add extra cheese to this dish?

Definitely! For a cheesier casserole, feel free to mix in more shredded cheddar or other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe takes the classic green bean casserole to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and extra fried onions. It’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for holiday feasts, potlucks, or any special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

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