My loaded green bean casserole is your classic blend of green beans baked in a savory creamy cheese sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese, perfect for the holidays or anytime!

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Best Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole has always been my favorite Thanksgiving side dish! To be honest, my mom is not the most incredible cook but with canned green beans and canned cream of mushrooms soup and a pack of fried onions what can go wrong!

As I grew up and fell in love with cooking I have become the green bean casserole cooker in the family. While you can use canned green beans, I find that fresh blanched green beans make the best casserole since the retain some bite. My secret weapon to amazing green bean casserole is soy sauce. Soy sauce has an adds an umami flavor that you just can’t get any other way. This green bean casserole goes above and beyond because it is packed with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon! I can’t wait for it to become a part of your family tradition!

How to Make Loaded Green Bean Casserole

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Green beans (1.5 lb) – Fresh, crisp green beans form the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• French fried onions (1 cup) – Crunchy French fried onions add a satisfying, golden topping with a burst of flavor and texture.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup) – Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the dish, delivering a rich, cheesy layer of goodness.
• Bacon (1 cup) – Crispy, crumbled bacon infuses the casserole with smoky, savory notes.
• Cream of mushroom soup (½ cup) – Cream of mushroom soup provides a velvety, umami-packed foundation for the sauce.
• Sour cream (½ cup) – Tangy sour cream adds a creamy, slightly tart element that balances the richness.
• Mayo (½ cup) – Mayonnaise lends a smooth, slightly tangy creaminess to the dish.
• Cream cheese (4 oz) – Softened cream cheese creates a luscious, silky texture that binds all the ingredients together.
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp) – A splash of soy sauce brings a subtle depth of savory umami flavor.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds a gentle, aromatic kick to enhance the overall flavor.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:

• Prep. Preheat oven to 350. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
• Mix Sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a large bowl. Fold in the green beans, ½ cup onions, ½ cup cheese, and ½ cup bacon.
• Combine. Add the green bean mixture to the prepared pan.
• Load it Up. Top with the remaining onions, cheese, and bacon.
• Bake and Enjoy. Bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If the topping gets too brown cover with foil or move to the lowest rack.

Tips and Tricks for Green Bean Casserole

Use Fresh Green Beans for Best Texture. Blanch fresh green beans briefly to keep them crisp-tender, ensuring they don’t get mushy during baking.

Cook Bacon Until Extra Crispy. For maximum crunch and flavor, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.

Mix the Sauce Thoroughly. Blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and cream of mushroom soup well to create a smooth, even sauce before combining with other ingredients.

Customize the Cheese. Swap cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a flavor twist.

Layer the Toppings Strategically. Reserve some French fried onions and bacon for sprinkling on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Add a Flavor Boost with Spices. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth and heat.

Bake Until Bubbly and Golden. Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven, baking until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown for optimal texture and flavor.

Let It Rest Before Serving. Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve.

Make It Ahead. Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the fried onions just before baking for a stress-free prep.

Double the Recipe for Gatherings. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, so consider making a larger batch for potlucks or holiday dinners.

Try Different Toppings. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers can be used as an alternative or in addition to fried onions for variety.

FAQs

What to Enjoy on Thanksgiving with Your Green Bean Casserole

Roast Turkey. The star of Thanksgiving, juicy roast turkey pairs perfectly with the creamy and savory green bean casserole.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes with rich turkey or brown gravy balance the textures and flavors of the casserole.

Stuffing/Dressing. Herb-infused stuffing or dressing adds a flavorful, hearty side to complement the casserole’s creamy crunch.

Cranberry Sauce. The sweet-tart zing of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the savory casserole.

Sweet Potato Casserole. A sweet and rich dish, often topped with marshmallows or pecans, that complements the savory green beans.

Dinner Rolls or Cornbread. Soft, buttery dinner rolls or sweet cornbread are perfect for sopping up all the delicious sauces.

Glazed Carrots. Sweet and tender glazed carrots provide a colorful and slightly sweet contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts add a nutty, earthy balance to the meal.

Macaroni and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese offers a decadent, kid-friendly side that pairs well with the green bean casserole.

Pumpkin Pie. No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of spiced pumpkin pie for dessert.

Apple or Pecan Pie. These classic pies offer a sweet finish and a satisfying crunch or fruity warmth.

Butternut Squash Soup. A creamy, velvety soup that works well as a starter before diving into the heavier sides.

Deviled Eggs. As a light appetizer, deviled eggs are a great way to start the meal while waiting for the main course.

Try these other Thanksgiving favorites:

Best Pecan Pie

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Cheeseburger Stuffing

Easy Greek Stuffing

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