Creamy Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Homestyle Favorite

Creamy, cheesy loaded green bean casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with a twist that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Crispy bacon bits and golden breadcrumbs create a mouthwatering texture that elevates this classic side dish.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Melted cheese and crisp green beans promise a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.

Grab a spoon and prepare to be amazed by this irresistible casserole that turns an ordinary vegetable into a star.

Why Loaded Green Bean Casserole Is a Flavor Bomb

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures and crispy toppings, this green bean casserole delivers a satisfying blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep work and simple mixing steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting toppings, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this classic dish.
• Party-Ready Perfection: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals, this casserole brings a touch of homemade warmth that transforms any meal into a special occasion.

Ingredients for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that form the core of this comforting casserole.
• Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy richness and smooth texture to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and depth to the casserole mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a classic cheesy flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the creamy and smooth consistency of the sauce.

• French Fried Onions, Bacon: Crunchy toppings that add texture and savory flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for the delicious casserole adventure ahead.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Flavor Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, salt, and garlic powder until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build the Casserole Layers

• Steamed green beans
• Half of the crispy French fried onions
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
• Half of the crumbled bacon

Gently mix everything so each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully pour the green bean mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for perfect cooking.

Step 5: Initial Cheese Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 6: Final Crispy Topping

• French fried onions
• Crumbled bacon

Continue baking until the top turns golden and extra crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out the casserole and serve it piping hot.

Get ready for a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Mix soup base ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to save time during meal preparation.
• Steam green beans briefly to prevent excess water, ensuring a creamy and thick casserole texture.
• Swap cheddar with pepper jack or gruyere for a more complex, tangy flavor profile.
• Replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon or smoked mushrooms for vegetarian guests while maintaining a rich, savory taste.
• Toast fried onions separately before adding to prevent sogginess and achieve maximum crunchiness during the final baking stage.

Tasty Variations of Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese with coconut yogurt, olive oil-based mayo, and cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Green Bean Bake: Swap French fried onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs. Use turkey bacon for a leaner protein option and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Veggie Medley: Eliminate bacon and replace with roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu crumbles. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor and protein-rich texture.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Hearty Family Feast: Pair this green bean casserole with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a complete meal that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-favorite dish to gatherings, where it’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” – perfect for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers.

Protein Power-Up: Add grilled shrimp or diced ham on top for extra protein, transforming this side dish into a more substantial main course that packs a flavorful punch.

Brunch Twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy toast for a decadent weekend brunch that’ll make your breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Best Storage for Loaded Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of steamed ones?

Yes, you can! Just blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then quickly cool them in ice water to maintain their crisp texture before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains bacon. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives like tempeh or plant-based bacon bits.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and mushroom soup. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and fried onions to cut down on calories.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in this loaded green bean casserole, where classic comfort blends with gourmet flair. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and creamy cheese elevate traditional holiday fare, creating a side dish you’ll crave beyond seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) green beans (fresh or frozen), steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crumbled bacon

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup French fried onions

Garnish:

• Additional shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Additional crumbled bacon (for topping)
• Additional French fried onions (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent cooking temperature for the casserole.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly whisking mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, salt, and garlic powder until completely smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold steamed green beans into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution.
4. Incorporate half of the French fried onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon into the green bean mixture, blending ingredients carefully.
5. Grease a baking dish and transfer the prepared green bean mixture, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole for additional flavor and texture.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese melts completely.
8. During the final 5 minutes of baking, add the remaining fried onions and bacon pieces to create a crispy, golden topping.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the casserole to set before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance the green bean’s tenderness by slightly undercooking them before mixing, preventing mushiness during baking.
• Swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt and reduced-sodium cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Customize the casserole by adding diced jalapeños or crispy pancetta for extra flavor complexity and heat.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replacing traditional fried onions with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg