Creamy Bacon Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese (Print Version)
Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole offers a rich, savory twist on a classic side. This easy, comforting dish is a true family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Contains Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
02 -
8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
03 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 -
½ cup heavy cream
05 -
1 small yellow onion, chopped
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
½ cup chicken broth
→ Crunchy Topping
08 -
1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions
→ Seasoning Staples
09 -
Salt, to taste
10 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those green beans ready. Snap off the ends, give them a good rinse. Then, blanch them in boiling, salted water for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve that vibrant green color. This step is crucial, honestly! I always forget to salt the water, then kick myself when the beans taste a little bland. Drain them really, really well. Seriously, pat them dry with paper towels; excess water is the enemy of a creamy casserole!
02 -
Next, cook your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. This usually takes me about 8-10 minutes. Don't rush it! Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of that glorious bacon fat in the skillet. This is where all the magic starts for our creamy sauce, giving it that smoky foundation. Don't toss it, hon!
03 -
In that same skillet with the bacon fat, add your chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell! It's just heavenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps deglaze the pan and pick up all those delicious bits. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and melted. No lumps, please!
04 -
Once the cream cheese is incorporated, pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, the bacon is salty, so taste before you add too much! Gently fold in about two-thirds of the cooked bacon bits and the blanched, dried green beans. Make sure everything is nicely coated in that luscious sauce. This is where I sometimes get impatient and don't stir it enough, leaving some beans feeling left out.
05 -
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. You want the sauce to be bubbly and the casserole just starting to get golden around the edges. This step fills your kitchen with the most amazing aromas, honestly, it's hard to wait!
06 -
After 20 minutes, pull this casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top, along with the reserved bacon bits. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and extra crispy. The sauce should be thick and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It smells, looks, and tastes like pure comfort. Enjoy that beautiful, creamy, crunchy goodness!
# Notes:
01 -
Honestly, don't skimp on the cream cheese; it makes the sauce so velvety smooth. I learned that the hard way when I tried to cut corners once, big mistake!
02 -
You can totally prep this Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole a day ahead. Just assemble everything, cover, and pop it in the fridge. Bake when ready, maybe add an extra 10 minutes to the cook time.
03 -
If you're out of crispy fried onions, crushed Ritz crackers mixed with a little melted butter make a surprisingly good, buttery topping. I used them once in a pinch and it was actually quite delicious, albeit different.
04 -
Serve this casserole alongside roasted chicken or a holiday ham. It’s hearty enough to be a star, but also plays well with others, if you know what I mean.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large pot
03 -
colander
04 -
ice bath
05 -
9x13 inch baking dish
06 -
whisk
07 -
slotted spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 25-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 10-15g