If you're looking to elevate the traditional green bean casserole, this Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe is the perfect choice. By adding bacon, cheese, and a few extra touches, you can transform this classic side dish into a hearty, indulgent casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a weeknight dinner, this loaded version will become a new favorite at the dinner table. Packed with flavor, texture, and creamy goodness, it’s everything you love about the original green bean casserole – but with a delicious upgrade.

What Is a Loaded Green Bean Casserole?
A loaded green bean casserole takes the traditional green bean casserole and amps it up with ingredients like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and extra seasonings. The creamy base remains the same, using cream of mushroom soup, but the additions make the dish heartier and more flavorful. The crispy onion topping is still there, but you’ll also enjoy the savory bite of bacon, the richness of melted cheese, and the occasional pop of garlic. It’s a fun, indulgent twist on a classic holiday side dish that combines the best of comfort food with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients List for Loaded Green Bean Casserole
This recipe serves about 6-8 people and can easily be adjusted depending on the number of guests.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed and blanched if fresh)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a deep, savory flavor)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ingredients List for Loaded Green Bean Casserole (Expanded)
To take this recipe to the next level, consider adding a few more ingredients for a gourmet twist or to suit your personal preferences:
- Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sautéed fresh mushrooms to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: For a richer base, replace the sour cream with ¼ cup of softened cream cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top before baking to add a nutty flavor.
- Crumbled Sausage: Replace bacon or add cooked crumbled sausage for a meatier version.
- Potatoes: Add cubed and pre-cooked potatoes for a heartier, almost “loaded potato” version of the casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, and you can customize it based on dietary needs or ingredient availability. Here are some ideas:
- Frozen vs. Fresh Green Beans: You can use either fresh or frozen green beans in this recipe. Fresh green beans need to be blanched for 3-4 minutes before using, while frozen green beans should be thawed and drained.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian-loaded casserole, simply skip the bacon and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. You can add extra crispy onions or even sautéed mushrooms for a “meaty” texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a low-carb, homemade version and ensure that the crispy onions are keto-friendly (or omit them and add extra bacon for crunch).
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the perfect loaded green bean casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into pieces. Set aside.
- Blanch the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and pat dry. (If using frozen green beans, skip this step but ensure they are thawed and drained.)
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the green beans to the sauce mixture, along with the crumbled bacon (reserve a little for topping) and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the rest of the crispy fried onions and the reserved bacon crumbles.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley, if desired.
How to Cook Loaded Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep and Blanch the Beans: Trim and blanch the green beans to ensure they maintain their bright green color and slightly crisp texture.
- Cook the Bacon Properly: Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy. Soft bacon won’t provide the right texture for the casserole, and you want those crunchy bites mixed in.
- Mix the Sauce Thoroughly: The creamy base made with soup, milk, and sour cream needs to be mixed well so that every bite of the casserole is rich and flavorful.
- Add Layers of Flavor: By adding cheese, bacon, and crispy onions in layers, you ensure that each part of the casserole is bursting with flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Don’t overcook the green beans during the blanching process. They should be tender but still slightly crisp to prevent them from turning mushy in the casserole.
- Skipping the Ice Bath: After blanching, make sure to transfer the green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking and lock in their vibrant color.
- Not Crisping the Bacon Enough: Ensure the bacon is crispy before adding it to the casserole. Soft bacon won’t add the necessary texture contrast.
- Adding the Fried Onions Too Early: To avoid burnt onions, only add the remaining crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of baking or when assembling the casserole.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Even though this is a hearty, comfort-food dish, a little effort with presentation can make it extra appealing.
How to Serve Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish on a trivet at the center of the table. This allows guests to help themselves, making it ideal for holiday meals or gatherings.
- Individual Portions: For a more formal setting, plate individual servings alongside the main course. It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or beef.
- As a Potluck Dish: Bring this loaded green bean casserole to potlucks or holiday dinners in a pretty casserole dish. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Presentation Ideas for Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme over the top adds color and freshness to the casserole.
- Use a Decorative Casserole Dish: Serve the casserole in an attractive dish or skillet that goes from oven to table, for a rustic and homey presentation.
- Top with More Cheese: Grate a little extra cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.
Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve. Add the fried onions just before baking to keep them crispy.
- Double the Recipe for Large Crowds: If you're cooking for a big group, simply double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish. The cooking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on it.
- Adjust for Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier casserole, add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes! You can substitute canned green beans for fresh or frozen ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (minus the fried onions) up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover it and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, top with crispy onions, and bake.
Can I freeze loaded green bean casserole?
Yes, but note that the texture of the green beans may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, assemble the casserole (without the fried onions), cool completely, and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe is the ultimate side dish for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. By adding bacon, cheese, and extra seasonings, you turn a classic dish into something rich and indulgent. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks, this dish combines the best of creamy, crunchy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every bite. Try it out for your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite!
PrintLoaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Green Bean Casserole takes the classic holiday side dish to the next level by adding crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom soup. Topped with fried onions for crunch, this comforting, flavor-packed dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. Enjoy a deliciously rich and hearty casserole everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Stir in green beans, cooked bacon, 1 cup of fried onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and top with the remaining ½ cup of fried onions and ½ cup cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the onions are crispy. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crisp bacon, cook it until it's just shy of overdone before crumbling.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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