Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a rich and savory twist on the classic holiday side dish. This comforting recipe combines tender green beans with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping, making it a must-have addition to any festive spread or family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture with a smoky bacon flavor.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
- A delightful upgrade from the traditional green bean casserole.
- Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian meal (minus the bacon).
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans (trimmed and cut)
- Bacon (chopped and cooked until crispy)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Heavy cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Fried onions (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt cream cheese with heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture.
- Combine green beans, bacon, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Low-Carb: Replace fried onions with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh or frozen green beans offer better texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of fried onions?
Try crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based cream, and vegan cheese.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of cheese or cream.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well and reduces the fat content.
What dishes pair well with this casserole?
It pairs well with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or as a hearty side for vegetarian meals.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook on low heat and stir constantly when melting the cream cheese.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that the fried onions and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a rich and indulgent twist on the classic side dish. With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender green beans, this dish will be a hit at any holiday meal or family gathering. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
Print
Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious twist on the classic green bean casserole, this version adds cream cheese for extra creaminess and crispy bacon for a smoky crunch. Perfect for holiday dinners or a comforting side dish any time of year!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fried onions (for topping)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Green Beans:
If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside. If using canned, simply drain the beans. -
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. -
Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the green beans. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the beans and mix gently to coat the beans evenly. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top. -
Bake:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can swap the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- You can use fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
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