Crispy Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Savory Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans never tasted so decadent as in this crispy cream cheese and bacon green bean casserole that promises to revolutionize your side dish game.

Creamy, crunchy, and packed with irresistible flavor, this recipe elevates the classic green bean casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky punch that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese blend.

Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The golden, crispy topping provides an addictive crunch that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Fresh green beans mingle with a luxurious sauce that transforms this humble vegetable into a show-stopping side.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every potluck, holiday gathering, and weeknight dinner that calls for something extraordinary.

Helpful Tools For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Large baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole, choose a sturdy ceramic or glass dish.
  • Sharp knife: Helps chop bacon and trim green beans with precision.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon until crispy and rendering its delicious fat.
  • Mixing bowl: Combines cream cheese and other creamy ingredients smoothly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Stirs and mixes ingredients without scratching the bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best flavor.

Instructions For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Preheat and Prepare Kitchen Space

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly coat a spacious baking dish with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.

  • Sizzle the Bacon

Cook crispy bacon strips in a large skillet until they’re golden brown and crackling. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let them cool slightly.

  • Blanch and Crisp Green Beans

Toss fresh green beans into boiling water for a quick 3-4 minute bath to brighten their color and maintain a satisfying crunch. Immediately drain and shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process.

  • Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for bacon, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and a splash of milk until smooth and velvety. Crumble the cooled bacon and fold it into the luxurious sauce.

  • Combine and Layer

Mix the blanched green beans into the creamy bacon sauce, ensuring every bean gets a delicious coating. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and edges start to bubble with irresistible promise.

  • Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips To Change Up Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Crispy Bacon Tip: For extra crunch, cook bacon until it's super crisp before crumbling and adding to the casserole to maintain its texture throughout baking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top to make this dish celiac-friendly.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace bacon with caramelized mushrooms or smoked almonds for a similar smoky flavor profile that adds depth and richness to the green bean casserole.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for those who enjoy a little heat in their side dishes.

How To Serve Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Cozy Comfort Companions: Serve this rich green bean casserole alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a hearty family dinner that feels like a warm hug.
  • Crispy Crunch Topper: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top right before serving to add a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor punch.
  • Party-Perfect Side Dish: Present this decadent casserole at potlucks or holiday gatherings where guests will appreciate the creamy, savory blend of classic comfort food ingredients that elevate traditional green bean dishes.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat gently in the oven and pair with a fresh green salad or use as a delicious sandwich spread for a delectable next-day meal transformation.

Smart Storage Plan For Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Refrigerator Readiness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole's creamy texture and crispy bacon intact.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerating until you're ready to cook.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap the uncooked casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 180C (350F) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bacon remains crisp.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything That Goes In Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

For Base and Binding:
  • Cream Cheese: Silky smooth base that adds rich, tangy creaminess and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a velvety sauce that enhances overall flavor and helps hold the casserole structure.
For Protein and Savory Depth:
  • Bacon: Delivers smoky, crispy texture and intense umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty goodness and provides additional protein and richness.
For Vegetables and Freshness:
  • Fresh Green Beans: Brings vibrant color, crisp texture, and essential nutrients to the casserole.
  • Onion: Offers sweet and aromatic undertones that complement the savory bacon and cheese.
For Crunch and Topping:
  • Crispy Fried Onions: Provides a satisfying crunch and golden-brown topping that adds textural contrast.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and helps enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.
For Moisture and Seasoning:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency and assists in blending ingredients.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the flavors of all other ingredients.
Print
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Crispy Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Crispy Cream Cheese And Bacon Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy cream cheese and bacon green bean casserole blends classic comfort with rich, indulgent flavors. Cheese-laden green beans and crispy bacon create a delectable side dish that elevates your holiday meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 900 g (2 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup (100 g) crispy fried onions
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adhesion.
  2. Bacon Treatment: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered, creating savory crunchy fragments.
  3. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize residual bacon fat to sauté green beans, stirring to achieve slight caramelization and uniform cooking.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream cheese until silky smooth, then integrate remaining sauce ingredients to develop a luxurious, homogeneous mixture.
  5. Casserole Assembly: Fold sautéed green beans into cream cheese sauce, ensuring complete coating, then transfer to prepared baking dish and distribute evenly.
  6. Topping Application: Scatter crispy bacon pieces across the surface to provide textural complexity and enhanced flavor profile.
  7. Baking Process: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake until edges bubble and top transforms into a rich golden-brown hue.
  8. Finishing Touch: Allow dish to rest momentarily after removing from oven, enabling sauce to set and flavors to harmonize.
  9. Serving: Present warm, showcasing a decadent side dish that balances creamy, crispy, and savory elements in each inviting portion.

Notes

  • Optimize Bacon Sizzling: Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and richer flavor intensity, ensuring each piece delivers a satisfying crunch.
  • Prevent Soggy Beans: Pat green beans completely dry before sautéing to eliminate excess moisture, guaranteeing a perfectly crisp and tender vegetable texture.
  • Cheese Smoothness Hack: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before blending to eliminate lumps and create a silky, uniform sauce without aggressive whisking.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute green beans with roasted cauliflower or brussels sprouts for a keto-friendly version that maintains the recipe’s rich, creamy essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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