Imagine a side dish that combines the crispy allure of bacon, the fresh crunch of green beans, and the irresistible texture of golden fried shallots - all baked to perfection in a creamy, dreamy sauce. This isn't just another boring vegetable dish; this is a culinary masterpiece that will transform your dinner table and have everyone begging for seconds! Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or just craving a show-stopping side, this Green Bean Bacon Casserole is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fried shallots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the stem ends. Cut the beans into roughly 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the blanched green beans and pat them dry with paper towels. Add the beans to the soup mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer the green bean and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and top the casserole with fried shallots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the shallots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fried shallots if desired.
Tips
- Always blanch your green beans to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture - the ice bath is crucial!
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Don't skip draining the beans thoroughly; excess water can make your casserole soggy.
- For extra crunch, toast your fried shallots in a dry skillet before adding them to the top of the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- For a gourmet twist, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or grated Parmesan cheese on top before the final bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
