If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and indulgent side dish that will be the star of any meal, this Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a must-try! This isn’t your average green bean casserole—it’s packed with crispy bacon, a velvety cream cheese sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping for the perfect crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: A luscious blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar makes this casserole irresistibly rich.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: The crispy, smoky bacon takes the flavor to another level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Everything in this dish is easy to find and quick to prepare.
- Easy Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for preparing in advance and baking when ready.
- 900 g (2 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or use frozen, thawed)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) crispy fried onions (for topping)
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. (If using frozen, thawed green beans, skip this step.)
3. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the bacon grease for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and cream cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle crispy fried onions and the remaining bacon on top, and bake until golden brown.
7. Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil instead.
- Swap the Cheese: Use Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
- Add More Crunch: Try adding crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Main Dishes: Roast chicken, turkey, pork chops, or steak.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- Other Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce.
1. Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but they will be much softer. Drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
2. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely! It won’t be as crispy as regular bacon, but it’s a great alternative.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the bacon separately, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
4. How do I make this keto-friendly?
Swap the crispy fried onions for crushed pork rinds and use heavy cream instead of milk.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly.
This Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a game-changer for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, it’s bound to become a favorite. If you love this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!
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