Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic side dish. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just because, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy!
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare and can use both fresh or canned green beans. The combination of cream cheese, bacon, and cheeses creates a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Plus, it adds a fun and tasty element to your meal that everyone will love!
How to Make Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- If using fresh green beans, steam or blanch them for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the sautéed onions, garlic, and half of the crispy bacon pieces.
- Add the green beans and mix until well coated.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions and remaining bacon pieces over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Serve this delicious casserole as a side dish at your next meal. It goes well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a holiday feast. Scoop out portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness topped with crispy onions and bacon.
How to Store Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole can be kept for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- You can adjust the bacon amount to your taste; more bacon equals more flavor!
- For added freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and replace half of the bacon with turkey bacon. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for some extra heat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?
Yes, frozen green beans work well! Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before mixing them into the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use plant-based cream cheese. You can add mushrooms and nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole!
Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- If using fresh green beans, steam or blanch them for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the sautéed onions, garlic, and half of the crispy bacon pieces.
- Add the green beans and mix until well coated.
Baking
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions and remaining bacon pieces over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
