Loaded Cheesy Bacon & Green Bean Casserole : The Ultimate Holiday Side
This is not your average green bean casserole. It’s double the size, double the cheese, and layered with smoky bacon, creamy sauce, crispy onions, and a spicy kick. Rich, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this dish steals the show at any holiday table or potluck.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
2 lbs bacon, fried and chopped
9 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups chicken bone broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2/3 cup heavy cream
16 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz Monterey Jack, shredded
2/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp smoked paprika (twist)
1/2 tsp dried thyme (twist)
4 cups French fried onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Blanch green beans in boiling water 4–5 mins. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter. Sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, cook 1 min.
Whisk in flour, cooking for 2 mins. Slowly add milk and broth, whisking until smooth.
Stir in brown sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer until thickened.
Stir in heavy cream, all cheeses (reserve 1 cup cheddar), and 3/4 of the bacon. Mix in green beans.
Pour into two 9×13″ pans. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake 25 mins, then top with fried onions and bake 5–10 mins more until golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 14g