I absolutely dig this twist on a classic. Fresh green beans, crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms blend with a rich cream of mushroom and cheddar base for a comforting yet elevated flavor. The crunchy fried onions on top add that satisfying texture, making this dish a vibrant, savory delight perfect for any cozy gathering.

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I’ve always liked experimenting with classic dishes and my Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is no exception. I use 1 lb of fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, mixed with 8 oz of button mushrooms sliced thin for extra texture, and 8 slices of bacon thats been cooked and roughly chopped for a rich flavor.

I stir in one can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk which adds creaminess, while 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese provides that gooey melt everyone loves. I also add 2 cloves of minced garlic along with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.

I finish the dish with 1 1/2 cups of crispy fried onions for crunch. It reminds me of some of the best Thanksgiving Food Sides I’ve tried making and quickly became one of my favorite Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it brings such a fun mix of textures and flavors to the table. First, I like how the creamy cheddar cheese and rich mushroom soup blend together so well with the crisp green beans and bacon, making every bite surprisingly delicious. Second, the crunchy fried onions on top give it a satisfying crunch that makes me look forward to every serving, even if sometimes I end up grabbing extra before dinner. Third, I enjoy that it takes a classic Thanksgiving dish and gives it a cool twist with garlic and mushrooms added in, which makes it feel both familiar and fresh at the same time. And lastly, I appreciate that it’s super easy to make, which means I can whip it up even on busy days without compromising the flavor or making a whole mess in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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Fresh Green Beans: full of fiber and vitamins; add crisp texture, freshness, and antioxidants.
Button Mushrooms: low calorie, rich in flavor; provide subtle, savory, satisfying umami.
Bacon: smoky, salty protein; gives delicious crunch yet more fat and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: creamy and tangy; offers gooey richness, extra protein, and satisfying melt.
Crispy Fried Onions: sweet yet crunchy; provide extra zest and texture for every bite.
Milk: adds creaminess, smooth texture, subtle sweetness, and light body essential for cohesion.
Garlic: gives vibrant flavor; a little spicy, wonderfully aromatic, and boosts immunity.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: brings creamy earthiness; helps bind flavors and adds moisture.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

8 oz button mushrooms, sliced thin

8 slices bacon, cooked and roughly chopped

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish lightly.

2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil then add the green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes, then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until the mushrooms start to soften, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Add the cooked green beans, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, and roughly chopped bacon into the soup mixture and give it a good stir so everything is coated well.

6. Season the entire mixture with additional salt and pepper if needed, tasting as you go.

7. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish making sure it’s evenly spread out.

8. Top it off with the 1 1/2 cups of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.

9. Place it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges.

10. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – used to preheat and bake the casserole
2. Casserole dish – to mix and bake the ingredients
3. Large pot – for boiling the green beans
4. Colander – to drain the green beans after boiling
5. Skillet – for sautéing the mushrooms and garlic
6. Large mixing bowl – to blend the soup, milk, cheese, and other ingredients
7. Knife and cutting board – for chopping bacon, trimming green beans, and prepping other items
8. Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of milk, cheese, and fried onions
9. Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the mixture evenly

This list covers the essential kitchen equipment and utensils you need to get the job done.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

A: Yeah, you can use frozen beans but they might be a bit mushy so i recommend thawing and patting them dry before cooking.

Q: Is it ok to omit the bacon?

A: Sure, if you wanna keep it vegetarian just leave out the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative. It will still be tasty!

Q: Can I add any extra spices?

A: Absolutely, feel free to add a pinch of thyme or rosemary if you like a little more flavor in your dish.

Q: How do I know when the casserole's done?

A: The casserole should be bubbly and the fried onions golden brown on top. Make sure the green beans are cooked through but still a bit crisp.

Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients ahead, but add the fried onions just before serving for the best crunch.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find fresh green beans, you can use canned green beans (be sure to rinse them well)
If button mushrooms are too hard to come by, try cremini or portobello mushrooms instead
You could swap out bacon for turkey bacon or even a smoked tofu version for a twist
Instead of using cream of mushroom soup, you can make your own by simmering mushrooms with a bit of flour and extra milk
If cheddar isnt your favorite, Monterey jack cheese works pretty well as a substitute

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the green beans. Blanching them just enough and then cooling them off in cold water really helps keep that nice crunch in every bite.
2. Don’t overcrowd your pan when cookin the mushrooms. Give them room to brown so they dont stew in their own water, which gives them better flavor.
3. Crisp up the bacon extra well so it adds that awesome smoky crunch—trust me, a few extra crispy bits go a long way.
4. Try sprinkling a little extra cheddar on top before you add the fried onions. That extra layer of melty cheese mixes things up and makes every bite even more tasty.