Green Bean Casserole with Bacon Recipe

We love having traditional sides at our holiday dinner. Green Bean Casserole is one side that is made every year. This year we decided to add bacon to our traditional recipe and I am so glad we did.

You might also like our cheesy green bean casserole. We love easy side dishes recipes for the holidays and this one of the easiest you will make. This is the ultimate green bean casserole with bacon. You can also add in cheddar cheese.

Why We Love This Recipe

All the ingredients are the same from the traditional green bean casserole. But adding bacon takes this classic recipe to the next level. It adds flavor and an extra crunch to the green bean mixture.

Surprise your guest this year with a twist on classic recipe.

Ingredients

• Green Beans – You can use Frozen Green Beans or Fresh Green Beans
• Cream of Mushroom Soup – Learn how to make Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Bacon – Cooked and chopped bacon. You can also use bacon bits
• Fresh Mushrooms – Slice in about the same size pieces
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Milk – We recommend using whole milk because of the flavor

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Bacon 

• Step 1 – Prepare the Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Step 2 – Cook Green Beans. Boil water in a saucepan over medium high heat and cook the green beans for approximately 5 minutes in the water.  Drain and rinse the green beans under cold water and set aside. 

• Step 3 – Prepare Bacon – Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until the bacon is crispy.  Move the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. 

• Step 4 – Drain Grease – Drain off most of the bacon grease (leave approximately 1 tbsp of grease). 
• Step 5 – Cook Mushrooms – Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them over medium high heat for approximately 5 minutes until they are golden brown. 

• Step 6 – Add in Garlic – Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic together. Then remove the pan from the heat.  

• Step 7 – Add in Ingredients – Crumble the bacon and add it back to the pan.  Then stir in the cream of mushroom soups, milk and salt and pepper.  Then gently fold in the green beans.

• Step 8 – Add in Onions –Top with 2 cups of the French fried onions into the mixture.  

• Step 9 – Add to baking dish – Pour this mixture in a casserole dish.

• Step 10 – Bake Casserole – Bake for 30 minutes, stir the mixture and then top with the remaining french fried onions.
• Step 11 – Bake until Golden Brown – Bake for 10 more minutes. Cooking time will vary.
• Step 12 – Serve and enjoy.

Can I use Can Green Beans in Green Bean Casserole?

You can also use canned green beans in this recipe if you prefer.  If you use canned, use approximately 3 cans. Drain them and you do not need to pre-cook them before stirring them into the mixture.  

What is a Healthy Substitute for Cream Soup?

We like to use canned cream of mushroom soup for the convenience of it. But you can make your own with simple ingredients.

• Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Easy Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Homemade Cream of Celery Soup

Making homemade cream of soups for your recipes saves time and money. We also like to make them so we know the ingredients we are adding to our recipes. You can also make them gluten free.

Can you Make Ahead of Time?

This casserole can be made up to 24 hours before serving.  Instead of baking it, cool the casserole completely, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. 

Then when you are ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature before baking. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the bake time to make sure the casserole is heated through. 

When preparing our Thanksgiving menu, I like to make note of the recipes that I can make ahead of time. This one is always on the list.

What to Serve with Bacon Green Bean Casserole:

Bacon Green Bean Casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday meal. Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes to serve with the casserole.

• Easy Crock Pot Ham Recipe. Cooking ham in the crock pot is a great way to free up your oven space in the crock pot. Plus you will love how amazing it taste. 
• Roasted Turkey –  This Roasted Turkey is tender, juicy and packed with flavor. This oven baked turkey is so easy and really delicious.
• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes – This recipe is a game changer and makes mashed potatoes so simple. No need for separate pans and boiling potatoes. This easy recipe does not require any boiling or draining.