Creamy Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Green bean casserole takes comfort food to a whole new level with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Crisp green beans mingle with a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Every forkful bursts with flavor and warmth, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Traditional recipes pale in comparison to this loaded version that adds extra crunch and depth.

Crispy bacon and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination you won’t be able to resist.

The blend of textures and savory notes will have everyone asking for seconds.

All-Out Indulgence: Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform the traditional green bean casserole into a mouthwatering, indulgent dish packed with extra flavor and texture.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Whip up this delectable side in minimal steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding different cheeses, swapping bacon for crispy pancetta, or incorporating your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy consistency, cheesy topping, and crispy fried onion crunch that makes vegetables irresistibly delicious.

What Goes into Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp vegetables that form the base of this comforting casserole.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binding agent that adds rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency and blend the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and additional creaminess to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, sharp flavor and melty goodness to the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty element to complement the green beans.
• Green Onions, Paprika: Optional garnishes that provide extra color and mild flavor.

• French's Fried Onions: Provides a crunchy, golden topping that adds texture and a classic casserole element.

How to Build the Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Step 2: Mix Green Bean Magic

• Fresh green beans
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Tangy sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Cracked black pepper
• Crispy bacon bits

Blend everything together until the mixture looks wonderfully combined and irresistible.

Step 3: Add Crunchy Goodness

Fold in a generous handful of French’s fried onions, creating pockets of crispy texture throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour the green bean mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: First Bake Session

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and bubble.

Step 6: Create the Golden Topping

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining fried onions and extra cheddar cheese on top.

Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the onions turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a dash of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Over-the-Top Green Bean Casserole Goodness

• Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch and deeper flavor throughout the casserole.
• Use shredded cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, even melting and better distribution.
• Mix half the fried onions into the casserole and reserve the rest for topping to create layered crispiness.
• Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and vegan cream of mushroom soup for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Fun Loaded Green Bean Casserole Upgrades

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and cashew cream to create a lactose-free casserole that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute green beans with cauliflower florets and use almond flour-coated onions instead of traditional fried onions for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, certified gluten-free fried onions, and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate celiac dietary needs.

Ways to Present a Crowd-Pleasing Loaded Casserole

• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken for a complete festive meal.
• Vegetable Variety Boost: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, or crispy roasted carrots to add more vegetable diversity to your plate.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings, thanksgiving dinners, or community potlucks where comfort food always wins hearts.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Complement the rich flavors with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that balances the creamy and savory elements of the casserole.

Best Storage for Loaded Green Bean Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in last 5 minutes to crisp fried onions.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy mushrooms for a similar crunch and flavor.

• How can I prevent the fried onions from burning?

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil if the onions start to brown too quickly during the final baking stage. This will help them crisp up without burning.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack or a blend of cheeses for added depth of flavor.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in this loaded green bean casserole, where classic holiday flavors dance with modern culinary twists. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a creamy sauce elevate this hearty side dish, promising a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon

Sauce and Cream Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1.5 cups French’s fried onions
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 pinch paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F for a perfectly heated cooking environment.
2. Blend fresh green beans with creamy mushroom soup, introducing rich dairy components like milk and sour cream for a luxurious texture.
3. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic powder, and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Fold in crispy bacon pieces for a savory dimension and mix with a portion of French’s fried onions to create depth.
5. Distribute the mixture uniformly into a baking dish, ensuring even coverage for consistent cooking.
6. Roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and green beans to soften.
7. After initial baking, scatter remaining fried onions and additional cheese across the surface.
8. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts and onion topping turns golden brown.
9. Finish with optional garnishes of finely chopped green onions and a light dusting of paprika for visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.
10. Serve immediately while the casserole maintains its warm, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prep green beans ahead of time by blanching for vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring they don’t become mushy during baking.
• Customize dairy-free by substituting milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan sour cream for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reducing added salt, making the dish heart-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Create a crunchier topping by mixing French’s fried onions with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy and textured casserole surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg