It’s just not a Thanksgiving in our family without traditional Green Bean Casserole.  Recently, I’ve added bacon to the recipe and we love the additional flavor it gives!  I want to remember the recipes exactly how they were made when I was growing up and so I have been creating “Heirloom Recipes” that I share here.  

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is just like the original recipe, but with a crispy bacon twist! 

I’ve always loved green beans with bacon and so it just made sense to put some crumbled bacon in this casserole.  I started by crisping up the bacon first before putting it into the dish.  Raw bacon will not work in a casserole since bacon is best when it has a crispy texture.  

It’s just a little added twist that will be sure to please any Thanksgiving guest!  I know my family was happy with the added bacon and wants to eat it this way every time now. If you want to make the original recipe then just omit the bacon.  

A second little change that we’ve tried through the years is changing the condensed soup from cream of mushroom to cream of chicken.  I actually don’t notice much of a difference between the two, but some people don’t care for mushrooms.  It just depends on which side of the family we are making this for on which soup we use! 

I don’t think you can go wrong with Green Bean Casserole and there are many ways you can make it your own.  Make it with homemade mushroom soup or homemade fried onions.  I had a friend recently tell me that she makes hers with almonds and cheese!  

How do you make your Green Bean Casserole?

Here are some answers to many questions about green bean casserole: 

1. Can you prepare green bean casserole ahead of time?  Yes, you can up to 24 hours ahead of time.  
   1. Make the dish according to the directions except don’t bake it ahead of time.  Just cover up the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.  When you are ready to bake just bake according to the directions.  Be sure to leave the top onions off until the end… don’t add them to the casserole ahead of time! 
2. What to cook green bean casserole in?  Any 9X13 inch casserole dish is the best to cook it in.  You can also use an oval casserole dish of around the same size. 
3. Can green bean casserole be made in the crockpot? If you are short on oven space then this is a good option (although not my personal favorite).  You will want to cut the milk in half because the crockpot retains all the moisture of the dish.  Just cook it on low for 5-6 hours and add the onion topping before serving.  You can also crispy up the onions a bit in the oven if you want before adding them to the top.  To do this just bake them on a sheet pan at 400 for around 5 minutes or until they are starting to brown a little. 

 From my Mom’s Vegetable Beef Stew to My Grandma’s Prize Winning Chocolate Cake with Pecan Cream Cheese Icing.   I wanted a little place on my blog where I could share with you the recipes my family ate when I was growing up.  Chances are you will recognize many of them too!  I can’t wait to hear your own stories and memories.  

We have Green Bean Casserole every Thanksgiving!  How about you? 

Follow me on social media or sign up for emails, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

If you LOVE this recipe for Green Bean Casserole with Bacon, please leave us a five star review below.  If you make this please share it on Instagram and tag me #sprinklesomefun so I can see it!

 

Sharing is caring!