Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Looking to elevate your side dish game? Look no further than these Creamy Bacon Green Beans! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, making it a must-have for any dinner table. The combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce will have your taste buds singing with joy.

Picture this: fresh green beans enveloped in a velvety homemade cream sauce, topped with crunchy French fried onions. It’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, these Creamy Bacon Green Beans are sure to steal the show. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple on your menu rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Creamy: The homemade cream sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious and velvety texture that elevates the dish.
• Burst of Flavor: The combination of bacon, mushrooms, and seasonings adds layers of savory and umami flavors to the green bean casserole.
• Textural Contrast: The crispy French fried onions provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender green beans, adding a satisfying element to each bite.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal, this green bean casserole is a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish Recipe

• Rich Homemade Cream Sauce: The creamy sauce made from scratch is rich and flavorful, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Perfectly Crisp Green Beans: Using fresh green beans ensures that they stay perfectly crisp, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
• Bacon Infusion: The chopped bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor that complements the dish beautifully, making it a treat for bacon lovers.
• Savory Mushroom Addition: The baby bella mushrooms bring an earthy and savory depth to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Classic Crunch from French Fried Onions: The crispy French fried onions on top provide that classic crunch and a pop of flavor, adding an irresistible texture to the dish.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a special occasion or a busy weeknight, this recipe can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile and reliable go-to for any meal.
• Memorable Family Dinners: The comforting aroma and delicious taste of this green bean casserole can create precious moments around the dinner table, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: Loved by picky eaters and gourmet food enthusiasts alike, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

• 1 yellow onion, diced.
• 2 oz fresh parmesan cheese.
• 1 tsp onion powder.
• 1 pinch nutmeg.
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped.
• 1 tsp salt.
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour.
• 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, washed, snipped and halved.
• 6 oz crispy French fried onions.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced.
• 1 tsp pepper.
• 2 cups heavy cream.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• 10 slices bacon, chopped.
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon.
• 1 tsp garlic powder.

Pro Tips for Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

For the perfect Creamy Bacon Green Beans, start by using fresh green beans that are washed and cut into bite-sized pieces. The freshness of the beans will make a noticeable difference in the final dish, maintaining their crisp texture. Adding a teaspoon of chicken bouillon will enhance the depth of flavor in the creamy sauce, giving it a rich and savory taste. When cooking the bacon, make sure to chop it up finely to evenly distribute the smoky flavor throughout the casserole.

To create a silky smooth cream sauce, mix 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour with the other ingredients before adding the heavy cream. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent any lumps from forming. When incorporating the parmesan cheese, opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-grated for a more complex and authentic flavor profile. Finally, when seasoning the dish, don’t forget to add a pinch of nutmeg along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a well-balanced and flavorful finish.

How to Make Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Step 1: Step 01

Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil. Cook green beans for 5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Transfer to an ice bath.

Step 2: Step 02

Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then transfer bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Step 03

Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms in bacon fat over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Step 04

Cook flour for 3 minutes, then gradually whisk in broth and cream until thick. Stir in seasonings and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine bacon and green beans, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and baked your delicious Creamy Bacon Green Beans casserole, storing the leftovers properly will help maintain its flavor and texture. To store the finished dish, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Placing the casserole in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating the Creamy Bacon Green Beans casserole, you can do so in the oven by covering it with foil and heating it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick and easy reheating option. Just be sure to stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Enjoy the leftovers of this comforting dish as a tasty side for another meal, or savor it on its own for a delicious and hearty lunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make some ingredient substitutions for this Creamy Bacon Green Beans recipe, there are a few options available. For the fresh green beans, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time accordingly as frozen green beans may cook faster.

If you don’t have chicken bouillon on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable or beef bouillon for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This swap will still provide the savory base for the creamy sauce.

In place of bacon, you can use smoked turkey bacon or vegan bacon strips for a healthier or vegetarian alternative. These options will still add a smoky flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon altogether and add a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving Creamy Bacon Green Beans, try turning them into individual green bean casserole cups. Line muffin tins with strips of bacon to create a cup, then fill each cup with a spoonful of the green bean mixture topped with a sprinkle of crispy French fried onions. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the casserole is bubbly. These mini servings are perfect for parties or potlucks, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of comfort food in a fun and portable way.

Another fun serving suggestion is to transform the Creamy Bacon Green Beans into a gourmet green bean casserole dip. Spread a layer of creamy green bean mixture on the bottom of a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and crispy French fried onions, then bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or veggie sticks for a delicious and indulgent appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.

FAQs for Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute frozen green beans for fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Can I omit the bacon to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon from the recipe. You can also consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon adds.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this creamy bacon green bean casserole ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.

Can I use a different type of mushroom instead of baby bella mushrooms?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms like cremini, white button, or shiitake mushrooms in place of baby bella mushrooms. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

Conclusion

After savoring this delicious Creamy Bacon Green Beans recipe, I hope you feel inspired to create your own cherished memories around the dinner table. The combination of fresh green beans, savory bacon, and creamy sauce is truly a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, the comforting aroma and rich flavors are sure to bring joy to your kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this Creamy Bacon Green Beans recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, a dash of hot sauce for some heat, or even a handful of crunchy breadcrumbs for extra texture. Remember, cooking is a journey of creativity and self-expression, so embrace the process and make this dish your own. Share the love and warmth of this Creamy Bacon Green Beans recipe with your loved ones, and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Creamy Bacon Green Beans: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish with Creamy Bacon Green Beans – a rich, savory green bean casserole topped with crispy French fried onions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time65 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelIntermediate

Servings8 Servings (1 casserole dish)

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, diced.
• 2 oz fresh parmesan cheese.
• 1 tsp onion powder.
• 1 pinch nutmeg.
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped.
• 1 tsp salt.
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour.
• 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, washed, snipped and halved.
• 6 oz crispy French fried onions.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced.
• 1 tsp pepper.
• 2 cups heavy cream.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• 10 slices bacon, chopped.
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon.
• 1 tsp garlic powder.

Instructions

1. Step 01: Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil. Cook green beans for 5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Transfer to an ice bath.
2. Step 02: Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then transfer bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Step 03: Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms in bacon fat over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until softened.
4. Step 04: Cook flour for 3 minutes, then gradually whisk in broth and cream until thick. Stir in seasonings and parmesan cheese.
5. Step 05: Combine bacon and green beans, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.