Description
This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole takes the classic holiday favorite to the next level with smoky bacon, creamy mushroom sauce, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a crispy French fried onion topping. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any feast!
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and mushrooms. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: In a large bowl, combine green beans, crumbled bacon, and the creamy mushroom mixture. Mix until evenly coated, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and crunchy green bean casserole!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance (without onions), cover, and refrigerate. Add onions just before baking.
- Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American