This Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon combines tender green beans, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with crispy, sweet bacon. The result is a hearty and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any special gathering. The addition of candied bacon elevates the flavor profile, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and creamy elements. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the cooked mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
- Add the blanched green beans and mix to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cooked bacon, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon
Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish, especially during the holiday season. However, this Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon takes the classic to a whole new level. It’s a delicious blend of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, creamy cheese, and crispy, sweet bacon. This recipe isn’t just about a comforting side dish—it’s about creating an unforgettable culinary experience for your guests or family. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Origins of Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic American dish that was first introduced in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company as part of their advertising campaign. It quickly became a staple on holiday dinner tables across the United States, known for its simplicity and versatility. Traditional green bean casseroles often rely on canned soup, fried onions, and a few basic ingredients. However, over time, people have adapted the dish to suit their tastes, incorporating fresh ingredients, different types of cheese, and various proteins like bacon or turkey.
This particular recipe for Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon elevates the traditional dish by using fresh green beans and a homemade, creamy mushroom sauce. The addition of candied bacon brings a delightful contrast of flavors—sweet, savory, and smoky—that takes the dish to the next level. It’s the kind of casserole that will make your guests ask for seconds, and they’ll be reminiscing about it long after the meal is over.
What Makes This Casserole Special?
One of the things that sets this Green Bean Mushroom Casserole apart from traditional versions is the use of candied bacon. While bacon has always been a fan favorite, adding a sweet glaze to it before baking creates an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms and tender green beans. The bacon not only adds a satisfying crunch but also infuses the dish with a hint of sweetness, which balances the richness of the creamy mushroom sauce.
Additionally, the recipe uses fresh green beans rather than the often-used frozen or canned varieties. Fresh green beans have a vibrant color and a crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce and tender mushrooms. Blanching them briefly before combining them with the other ingredients ensures that they retain their bright color and crunchy bite, making each mouthful a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
Another standout feature of this casserole is the cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs topping. The cheese adds a smooth and rich texture, while the panko breadcrumbs provide a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. This combination of textures is key to making the casserole satisfying and indulgent, while still maintaining the essence of a fresh, veggie-forward dish.
Why This Green Bean Mushroom Casserole is the Best
There are many reasons why this recipe is the best choice for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a simple family meal. Here’s why it stands out:
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of savory mushrooms, fresh green beans, creamy cheese, and sweet candied bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors. The bacon’s sweetness complements the richness of the cheese and the umami of the mushrooms, while the green beans provide a fresh, crisp bite. The overall effect is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting—rich and creamy but not overly heavy.
- Customizable: One of the best features of this casserole is that it’s easily customizable. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can easily substitute it with a vegetarian option like roasted pecans or walnuts. You can also add other vegetables such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even leeks to bring more complexity to the dish. For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This casserole is a standout side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s also perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. Its rich, hearty flavors make it the perfect complement to roast meats, such as turkey, chicken, or beef. It can also hold its own as a vegetarian main dish when paired with a light salad or some crusty bread.
- Easy to Make: While it may sound like a complicated dish, this Green Bean Mushroom Casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. The green beans can be blanched in advance, and the candied bacon can be prepared while the casserole bakes, making the whole process efficient and straightforward.
- Healthy Ingredients: While the casserole is indulgent, it’s also made with wholesome, fresh ingredients. The green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for a healthy side dish. Mushrooms provide a boost of nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. And even though the dish contains cheese and bacon, it’s still a much healthier option than many store-bought versions, which tend to rely on processed ingredients.
The Versatility of This Casserole
Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon isn’t just limited to holiday dinners. This dish works wonderfully for many occasions. It’s great for:
- Holiday Dinners: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a festive New Year’s gathering, this casserole makes an excellent side dish. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Family Gatherings: If you’re having a casual dinner with family, this casserole will please even the pickiest eaters. It’s filling, hearty, and comforting, making it a great choice for a cozy meal at home.
- Potlucks and Buffets: With its large batch size and ability to be made ahead of time, this casserole is perfect for potlucks or buffet-style meals. It can easily be reheated without losing any flavor or texture, making it a great dish to share with others.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Meals: If you’re serving a vegetarian meal, this casserole can stand on its own as a main dish. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Mushroom Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh green beans and mushrooms. While canned green beans can work in a pinch, fresh green beans will bring a crispness and bright color that canned beans can’t match.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: When blanching the green beans, make sure not to overcook them. They should still be slightly firm to the bite when they go into the casserole. Overcooked green beans will become mushy and lose their texture.
- Crispy Bacon: The key to the candied bacon is to cook it until it’s crispy but not burnt. The brown sugar and maple syrup should caramelize around the bacon, creating a sweet and crispy topping for the casserole.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
Green Bean Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon is the ultimate comfort food with an elevated twist. Its combination of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and unique bacon topping make it a standout dish that will wow your guests. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a favorite in your recipe rotation for years to come. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a tradition—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!