Description
This Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a decadent twist on the classic holiday side. Tender green beans are layered with caramelized onions, a creamy mushroom-cheddar sauce, crispy bacon, and topped with crunchy French fried onions for a rich, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh green beans
- Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups sliced sweet or yellow onions
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sauce:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving some bacon fat.
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter until soft. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Combine blanched green beans, caramelized onions, and sauce in a casserole dish. Top with crispy bacon and French fried onions.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- French fried onions can be added halfway through baking for extra crunch.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg