Bacon & Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole with bacon is easy to make with cheap ingredients. Since it comes together in just a little more than half an hour, it's the perfect low-maintenance Thanksgiving side dish.

Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

All the ingredients for this casserole are super convenient — and you may already have them all on hand. Here's what you'll need:

• Green beans: You’ll need four cans of green beans (use your favorite variety, such as French-style or farmhouse cut).
• Canned soup: Two cans of cream of mushroom soup add richness and savory flavor.
• French-fried onions: French-fried onions lend flavor and welcome crunch.
• Milk: Use whole, low-fat, or your favorite milk alternative.
• Cheese: Pre-shredded Cheddar cheese will work, but it’s always best to grate your own block.
• Bacon: This green bean casserole calls for six strips of cooked bacon. Try baking the bacon in the oven to ensure it’s extra crispy (and to cut down on mess).
• Pepper: The casserole is simply seasoned with black pepper. There’s no need to add salt, as canned soup contains plenty.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole With Bacon

It's so simple to make this green bean casserole with bacon. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

1. Make the casserole: Combine the beans, soup, milk, and pepper in a bowl. Add 1 ? cups French-fried onions and ½ of the Cheddar cheese. Crumble five slices of bacon and stir into the green bean mixture.
2. Bake the casserole: Transfer to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and stir.
3. Add topping and finish: Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and onions. Crumble the remaining piece of bacon, then sprinkle the crumbles on top. Return to the oven and continue baking until the onions are golden brown.

How to Store Green Bean Casserole With Bacon

Store your cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within four days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Can You Freeze Green Bean Casserole With Bacon?

Yes! If you plan to freeze it, it's best to cook this green bean casserole in a foil pan. Once it has cooled, wrap it in one layer of storage wrap followed by one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

"I used fresh green beans and cooked them prior to baking," says Evi Holley. "Everyone in my family could not stop eating it!!"

"Green bean casserole has been a tradition in my family for generations," according to David Jordan. "I found that if I don’t want to cook bacon if I’m on a time crunch, I use Hormel bacon pieces from the bacon bits section at the grocery store."