Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Garlic: Recipe

This Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Garlic is a delightful take on the traditional green bean casserole. Tender green beans are complemented perfectly by the savory crunch of crispy bacon, the aromatic essence of garlic, and the earthy flavor of mushrooms, though they can be omitted if preferred. All of these ingredients are then enveloped in a creamy sauce that elevates the dish to new heights.

These green beans serve as a delightful side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats, but they can also stand alone as a lighter main course. This recipe is versatile and easily customizable; you can even add broccoli and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for an extra layer of crunch.

What’s your favorite green bean casserole recipe?

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices of bacon, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain the green beans and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2

• In a large skillet, fry the chopped bacon until crispy over medium heat. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3

• Add the chopped garlic and onion to the pan with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

• If using, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes or until soft. If you don’t eat mushrooms, skip this step.

Step 5

• Sprinkle the flour into the pan and mix well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.

Step 6

• Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

• Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a little oil and set aside.

Step 8

• Add the blanched green beans and crispy bacon to the pan. Stir until the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 9

• Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 10

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling.

Step 11

• If using, sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs and the onion, fried until crispy, during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 12

• Remove the finished casserole from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this great dish as a light main course or a delicious side dish with some roasted or grilled meat. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Garlic is a very tasty dish that can also be quite filling, and personally, I adore it. It’s probably the best green bean recipe for me. Depending on your preferences, you can, of course, leave out not only the mushrooms that no one eats, but also the bacon if you’re watching your diet. On the other hand, you can sprinkle the finished green beans with Parmesan just before baking for another layer of great taste.