Crispy Bacon Green Bean Casserole

Irresistible Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Bacon

Elevate your classic holiday spread or weeknight dinner with an irresistible twist on a timeless favorite: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Bacon. This beloved dish transforms humble green beans into a comforting masterpiece, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and crowned with savory, smoky bacon and a golden-brown topping. It’s a culinary symphony that marries the tender crunch of fresh green beans with the luxurious depth of a homemade cream sauce, all while the crispy bacon adds a layer of unforgettable texture and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Forget the ordinary; this recipe takes your green bean casserole experience to an entirely new level of deliciousness, making it a standout side dish for any occasion.

A wooden spoonful of green bean casserole with bacon and breadcrumbs in a baking dish

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Slices of crispy bacon on a plate, ready to be crumbled into the casserole
Top-down view of a partially assembled green bean casserole in a baking dish

Table of Contents

Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Green Beans: Which is Best?

One of the most frequent questions when preparing green bean casserole revolves around the choice of green beans: fresh, frozen (defrosted), or canned? Each option brings its own unique characteristics to the dish, influencing texture, flavor, and preparation time. Understanding these differences can help you tailor the casserole to your personal preferences and schedule.

Canned Green Beans are a convenient and time-saving choice, as they come pre-cooked and softened. Their tender texture readily blends into the creamy sauce, offering a classic, comforting consistency that many associate with traditional green bean casserole. However, they can sometimes lack the vibrant color and crisp freshness found in their counterparts. If opting for canned, be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making your casserole watery.

Fresh Green Beans, on the other hand, provide a more vibrant color, a crisper texture, and a distinctly fresher flavor profile. Varieties like slender haricots verts can add a gourmet touch. While they require a bit more preparation, the payoff in terms of taste and visual appeal is significant. Their natural sweetness and slight snap elevate the overall dining experience, making them a popular choice for those seeking a premium casserole.

Frozen Green Beans offer a fantastic middle-ground, combining some of the convenience of canned with a texture closer to fresh. They are typically picked at their peak and flash-frozen, locking in flavor and nutrients. When using frozen green beans, it’s important to defrost them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the casserole to maintain the desired consistency.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your desired outcome. For a quick and traditional casserole, canned beans work wonderfully. For a fresher, more vibrant dish with a slight bite, fresh or defrosted frozen beans are ideal. No matter your selection, this recipe is designed to shine with any type of green bean.

Fresh green beans in a glass bowl, ready for preparation

Do You Need to Cook Green Beans First? Blanching Explained

Whether or not to pre-cook your green beans is a matter of personal preference and desired texture. Many recipes suggest blanching fresh or frozen green beans before incorporating them into the casserole, while others, including this one, allow for direct baking. Understanding the process and its implications will help you decide the best approach for your perfect casserole.

Blanching involves briefly cooking vegetables in boiling water, then immediately submerging them in ice water to halt the cooking process. This technique offers several benefits:

  1. Softens the Beans: Blanching softens the green beans slightly, ensuring they are tender when the casserole finishes baking, especially if you prefer a very soft texture.
  2. Preserves Vibrant Color: The rapid heat and cold shock locks in the green beans’ bright color, preventing them from turning dull during the baking process.
  3. Retains Nutrients: Short cooking times help to preserve more of the beans’ vitamins and minerals compared to longer cooking methods.

However, blanching is not strictly necessary for this recipe if you enjoy a bit more bite. When baked directly in the casserole, fresh green beans will soften while still retaining a pleasant crispness, which many prefer. This method also saves a step, streamlining your preparation. If you opt not to blanch, ensure your green beans are evenly sized so they cook uniformly in the oven.

How to Blanch Green Beans:

  1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Ensure there’s enough water to fully submerge the green beans.
  2. Prepare Ice Bath: While the water heats, prepare a large bowl of ice water. This is crucial for stopping the cooking process immediately.
  3. Blanch: Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the beans’ size and thickness. You’re looking for them to turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Shock: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, quickly transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water directly into the ice water bath. Let them cool for a couple of minutes.
  5. Drain: Remove the cooled beans from the ice water and drain them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture before adding them to your casserole mixture.

Whether you choose to blanch or bake them directly, ensuring your green beans are properly prepared is key to a successful and delicious green bean casserole.

Fresh, cut green beans in a glass bowl, ready for cooking

Homemade Cream of Soup: The Healthier & Flavorful Alternative

The creamy base is the heart of any green bean casserole, and while canned cream of mushroom soup has been a staple for decades, opting for a homemade version can significantly elevate the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of your dish. Our recipe features a delicious homemade cream sauce, a versatile base that allows for greater control over ingredients and offers a much fresher taste.

Our homemade cream sauce is essentially a well-seasoned white sauce, often referred to as a béchamel or roux-based sauce. It’s crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients: butter, flour, and milk, enhanced with savory spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. This combination creates a smooth, velvety base that is far superior to its canned counterparts.

Benefits of Homemade Cream Sauce:

  1. Superior Flavor: Fresh ingredients yield a richer, more nuanced flavor that truly complements the green beans and bacon, without the metallic aftertaste often associated with canned soups.
  2. Ingredient Control: You dictate what goes into your sauce. This means you can avoid the excessive sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavorings commonly found in store-bought versions. Many canned soups contain modified food starch for thickening, vegetable oil, sugar, and unspecified “flavoring”—ingredients that detract from a wholesome meal.
  3. Customization: A homemade white sauce serves as a neutral canvas. Want cream of mushroom? Sauté fresh mushrooms and stir them into the sauce. Prefer a richer chicken flavor? Use homemade chicken broth. You can adjust the seasonings to perfectly match your palate.
  4. Healthier Option: By choosing your own dairy and reducing sodium, you create a more wholesome dish that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.

While convenience is a factor, the extra few minutes spent making your own cream sauce will undeniably transform your green bean casserole from good to extraordinary. It’s a simple technique that yields significant flavor dividends, proving that sometimes, the best ingredients are the ones you combine yourself.

Ingredients for homemade cream of chicken soup laid out: broth, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk
A collage of four photos showing broth and the process of making homemade cream of chicken soup
A spoonful of creamy homemade cream of chicken soup

Crafting the Perfect Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Making this delectable Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. The key to its rich flavor lies in the homemade creamy sauce and the perfect balance of ingredients.

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Next, ensure your green beans are ready – whether fresh, blanched, or well-drained canned/frozen. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature.
  2. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. While that’s heating, whisk together flour, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually add the flour-milk mixture to the boiling broth, stirring continuously to prevent any clumps from forming. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a rich, luscious consistency. This usually takes about 6-10 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the thickened homemade cream sauce with your prepared green beans and crispy crumbled bacon. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with cooking oil spray. Spread it out evenly.
  6. Add the Topping: Generously sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. For extra crispness and a golden finish, lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking oil.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too watery.

Following these steps will ensure you create a comforting, flavorful, and perfectly textured green bean casserole that will be a hit at any meal.

A collage of four photos showcasing the green beans and homemade cream of chicken soup being combined in a baking dish
An unbaked green bean casserole with breadcrumbs sprinkled on top in a baking dish

Cook Time: Achieving Golden Perfection

The bake time for your Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown topping and a perfectly heated, bubbly interior. Typically, this casserole bakes for **25-30 minutes** in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. However, several factors can influence the exact duration, so it’s always best to keep an eye on your casserole.

Visual Cues for Doneness: The most reliable indicators are visual. Look for:

  • Golden-Brown Topping: The breadcrumbs should turn a rich, golden hue, indicating they are crispy and caramelized. If they are browning too quickly, you can lightly tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
  • Bubbling Edges: The creamy sauce around the edges of the baking dish should be visibly bubbling, signifying that the casserole is thoroughly heated through.
  • Firm Consistency: While you don’t want it dry, the casserole should appear set, not overly liquid.

Factors Affecting Bake Time:

  • Oven Calibration: Ovens can vary. If you know your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature or time accordingly.
  • Dish Material and Size: A glass or ceramic baking dish (like a 9×13 inch) is recommended for even heat distribution. A deeper dish might require a few extra minutes compared to a wider, shallower one.
  • Initial Temperature of Ingredients: If your ingredients, especially the green beans and sauce, are straight from the refrigerator, the casserole might need slightly longer to heat through.

For an extra crispy topping, you can finish the last few minutes under the broiler, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning. Trust your eyes and the delicious aroma—they are your best guides to a perfectly baked casserole.

Preventing a Watery Casserole: Expert Tips for a Creamy Dish

A common pitfall with green bean casserole is a watery consistency, which can detract from the rich, comforting experience. Achieving a perfectly creamy and well-bound casserole is key. Here are several expert tips to ensure your Green Bean Casserole with Bacon turns out beautifully textured every time:

  • Thoroughly Drain Green Beans: This is arguably the most crucial step. Whether you’re using canned, blanched, or defrosted frozen green beans, excess moisture is the enemy of a creamy casserole. After draining, shake off any remaining water and consider patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This removes surface moisture that would otherwise leach into your sauce.
  • Ensure Sauce is Adequately Thickened: When preparing your homemade cream sauce, it’s vital to cook it long enough for the flour to fully activate as a thickening agent. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick consistency that easily coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce is too thin from the start, it will only get thinner in the oven.
  • Avoid Overcooking Green Beans (If Blanching): If you choose to blanch fresh green beans, do so only until they are bright green and slightly tender, retaining a crisp bite. Overcooking them prior to baking will cause them to release more moisture during the casserole’s bake time, contributing to a watery end product. This is a primary reason why some prefer not to blanch them at all, allowing them to soften just enough in the oven.
  • Use a Suitable Baking Dish: Opt for a baking dish made of glass or ceramic. These materials are excellent at retaining and distributing heat evenly, which helps the casserole cook consistently and reduces the chances of liquid pooling in cooler spots. A good quality baking dish contributes to uniform cooking and setting.
  • Allow for Resting Time: Once your green bean casserole emerges golden and bubbling from the oven, resist the urge to immediately dig in. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to set further and any residual moisture to be reabsorbed, resulting in a firmer, creamier, and more cohesive casserole slice.

By diligently following these steps, you can confidently prepare a green bean casserole that is consistently creamy, perfectly textured, and free from any unwanted watery surprises.

A wooden spoonful of green bean casserole with bacon and breadcrumbs being served from a baking dish

Substitutions and Creative Add-ins to Customize Your Casserole

While the classic Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is perfect as is, it’s also a wonderfully versatile dish that invites customization. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and add-ins to tailor the flavors and textures to your liking:

  • Mushrooms: For a true cream of mushroom experience, sauté fresh sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake) until golden and tender, then stir them into the sauce mixture before baking. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully.
  • Bell Peppers: Add finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for a pop of color and a subtle sweet-peppery flavor. Sauté them lightly before adding to the mix to soften.
  • Broccoli: For an extra dose of green vegetables, small broccoli florets can be blanched and added alongside the green beans.
  • Fried Onions: Beyond the classic French fried onions, consider homemade crispy fried shallots for a more refined touch, or even crispy fried onions from a different brand for varied flavor.
  • Crackers: Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) can be used instead of or in addition to breadcrumbs for a rich, salty, and incredibly crispy topping.
  • Croutons: For a heartier crunch, coarsely crushed croutons can make an excellent topping, especially if you have stale bread to repurpose.
  • Grated Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce or layered on top before baking adds a gooey, savory dimension.
  • Smoked Paprika: Enhance the smoky notes from the bacon by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your cream sauce. It deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
  • Cajun Seasoning or Creole Seasoning: For a spicy kick, a pinch of Cajun or Creole seasoning can transform the casserole with a vibrant, zesty heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
  • Almonds: Sliced almonds, lightly toasted, can add a delicate crunch and nutty flavor, providing an elegant textural contrast to the creamy beans.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas to create your signature Green Bean Casserole with Bacon. Each addition offers a unique way to personalize this comforting dish.

Making Ahead: Convenience for Busy Schedules

Preparing meals ahead of time is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or potlucks. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, allowing you to assemble most of the dish in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. This strategy helps reduce stress and frees up valuable time on the day of your event.

To Make Ahead:

  1. Assemble the Casserole: Prepare the creamy sauce, cook the green beans (if blanching), and crumble the bacon as directed in the recipe.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Mix the green beans, bacon, and creamy sauce together in your chosen baking dish.
  3. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure it’s sealed well to prevent any air from drying out the casserole or absorbing refrigerator odors.
  4. Store: Refrigerate the assembled casserole for no longer than 24 hours for optimal freshness and food safety.
  5. Add Topping Just Before Baking: To maintain maximum crispness, do not add the breadcrumbs (or any other crispy topping) until just before you’re ready to bake. If added too early, they can become soggy in the refrigerator.
  6. Baking from Cold: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator while your oven preheats. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the total baking time to ensure it heats through completely from a cold start. Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown topping.

By following these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy a freshly baked, flavorful green bean casserole without the last-minute rush, making your meal preparation smooth and enjoyable.

A wooden spoonful of green bean casserole with bacon and breadcrumbs in a baking dish

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers of Green Bean Casserole with Bacon are just as delicious, if not more so, than the freshly baked dish. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.

Storing Cooked Casserole:

Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature (within two hours of baking), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. If keeping it in the original baking dish, ensure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a lid. Stored this way, the casserole will remain fresh in the refrigerator for **2-3 days**.

Reheating Instructions:

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion or the entire casserole:

  1. Oven Method (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to re-crisp the topping.
  2. Microwave Method: For smaller servings, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover lightly to prevent splattering and microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the green beans soft.

Enjoying your homemade Green Bean Casserole with Bacon leftovers is a delightful way to extend the pleasure of this classic comfort food.

Freezer Tips for Long-Term Storage

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon freezes remarkably well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing for future events. Freezing allows you to extend the enjoyment of this dish for several months.

To Freeze the Casserole:

  1. Cool Completely: Ensure the baked casserole is completely cooled to room temperature before freezing. Freezing a warm casserole can lead to ice crystals and an undesirable texture.
  2. Portioning (Optional): For convenience, you can divide the casserole into individual or smaller family-sized portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat just what you need.
  3. Wrap Tightly: If freezing in the baking dish, cover it with a layer of plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the casserole, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil. If using containers, ensure they are freezer-safe and airtight. This prevents freezer burn.
  4. Label and Date: Always label your frozen casserole with the dish name and date of freezing. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
  5. Freeze: The casserole can be safely stored in the freezer for **2-3 months** for optimal quality.

To Thaw and Reheat:

  1. Thaw Overnight: For best results, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw completely overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the texture and integrity of the dish.
  2. Reheat in Oven: Once thawed, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 325-350°F (160-175°C), covered with foil, until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the topping. If reheating from frozen without thawing, it will take significantly longer (potentially 60-90 minutes or more) and should be covered for most of the baking time.

With these freezer tips, you can enjoy this delicious Green Bean Casserole with Bacon whenever the craving strikes, even on the busiest of days.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is a versatile and comforting side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, making it a staple for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and special gatherings. Its creamy texture and savory flavors pair beautifully with rich roasted meats and poultry. Here are some ideal main dishes to serve alongside your irresistible casserole:

  • Baked Turkey Wings
  • Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple
  • Cajun Roasted Turkey
  • Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
  • Roasted Bone in Turkey Breast
  • Thanksgiving Chicken
  • Eye of Round Roast Beef
  • Bone in or Boneless Prime Rib

Whether you’re planning a grand holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a welcomed and delicious addition to your table, enhancing any main course it accompanies.

A baked green bean casserole with bacon and breadcrumbs in a baking dish, ready to be served

More Side Dish Inspirations

If you’re looking to complete your meal with more delicious and comforting side dishes, Green Bean Casserole with Bacon pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic accompaniments. Here are some additional recipes that will perfectly complement your main course and round out any feast:

  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
  • Au Gratin Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese
  • Southern Cornbread Dressing with Chicken
  • Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

These hearty and flavorful side dishes offer a diverse range of textures and tastes, ensuring there’s something to please every palate at your table.

Green bean casserole with bacon and breadcrumbs in a baking dish

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Brandi Crawford

This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is an irresistible combination of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon. It’s a classic dish that brings together the comforting flavors of the casserole we all love, coupled with savory bacon, and a rich sauce that coats every bite. The smoky and salty notes from the bacon take this beloved dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 55 mins

Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings
Calories 133 kcal

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Equipment

  • 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans Stems removed and loosely chopped into smaller pieces. Frozen (thawed) or canned green beans will also work.
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5-6 slices bacon Cooked and crumbled.
  • ½ -¾ cup breadcrumbs The amount needed will vary. Use enough to cover the top of the casserole.
  • cooking oil spray

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking oil spray.

How to Blanch Green Beans (Optional, see notes below)

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Make sure there’s enough water to fully submerge the green beans.
  • While the water is heating up, prepare a large bowl of ice water. This will be used to immediately cool the blanched green beans and stop the cooking process.
  • Once the water is boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans to the pot. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the green beans. The goal is to blanch them until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water and immediately place them into the ice water bath. This will cool them down quickly and preserve their vibrant green color. Let them sit in the ice water for a couple of minutes. Remove and drain thoroughly, patting dry with paper towels.

Casserole Assembly

  • Add the chicken broth to a medium saucepan and place on medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the flour is fully combined and the mixture is smooth, with no lumps.
  • Slowly pour the flour-milk mixture into the pot with the boiling broth. Add it in stages, whisking continuously to prevent any clumping.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy, luscious consistency, about 6-10 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the thickened homemade cream sauce with the prepared green beans and the crumbled crispy bacon. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated and coated with the sauce.
  • Pour the entire green bean mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. For an extra golden and crispy crust, lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking oil spray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to set and prevents a watery casserole.

Notes

  • Cream Sauce Alternative: If you prefer a shortcut, you can use a 10.5oz can of store-bought “cream of” soup (e.g., cream of mushroom, cream of chicken) instead of making the homemade sauce. If using canned soup, you won’t need the chicken broth, flour, or milk. Simply combine the canned soup directly with the green beans and bacon.
  • Add Mushrooms: To emulate a cream of mushroom soup flavor, sauté fresh sliced mushrooms until tender and golden, then stir them into the homemade cream sauce or canned soup mixture.
  • Green Bean Texture: The decision to pre-cook fresh green beans (blanch them) is a matter of preference. Blanching them beforehand will result in softer green beans. For a preferred crunchier texture, you can skip blanching, as the beans will soften sufficiently during baking while retaining a slight crispness.
  • Canned Green Beans: If using canned green beans, they are already cooked and soft, so no prior cooking is needed. Always remember to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
  • Crispy Topping Tip: If your breadcrumbs are not browning and crisping to your desired level, spray them with a little extra cooking oil or place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
  • Preventing Watery Casserole:
    • Drain Thoroughly: Regardless of whether you use canned, blanched, or defrosted green beans, ensure they are completely drained and patted dry to remove all excess moisture.
    • Thicken Sauce Properly: Cook your homemade cream sauce until it reaches a thick consistency that coats a spoon, ensuring the flour has fully activated as a thickener.
    • Don’t Over-Blanch: If blanching, cook only until green beans are vibrant and slightly tender-crisp. Overcooked beans release more water.
    • Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce set and reabsorb any released moisture.

Nutrition

Serving: 8servings
Calories: 133kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g

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Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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