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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Green bean casserole with bacon combines crisp-tender fresh green beans, savory bacon, and a creamy mushroom sauce. A golden layer of French fried onions finishes this oven-baked casserole with a crisp topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 54 minutes
Resting 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 24 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 470
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the casserole
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 2 lb green beans fresh, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt divided
  • 8 oz bacon chopped
  • 12 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
For the topping
  • 1 package (6 oz) French fried onions divided

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  4. Add 2 teaspoons of the salt and the green beans, and boil for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Drain the green beans and rinse under cool running water.
  6. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
  7. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  8. Pour off the bacon drippings.
  9. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium heat.
  10. Add the mushrooms and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and their released liquid has mostly evaporated.
  11. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  12. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  13. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth.
  14. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
  15. Simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until thickened.
  16. Stir the green beans and bacon into the sauce.
  17. Fold in half of the French fried onions.
  18. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
  19. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbling at the edges.
  20. Scatter the remaining French fried onions over the casserole.
  21. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
  22. Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, drain the green beans well before adding them to the sauce. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freezing is not recommended because the onion topping softens. For a gluten-free swap, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and verify the French fried onions are gluten-free.