Bacon Parmesan Green Bean Casserole (Fresh & Homemade)

This fresh green bean casserole is made from scratch with crisp bacon, mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. A delicious upgrade to the classic holiday side!

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: creamy green bean casserole with bacon, fresh green bean casserole, Fresh Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Servings:

Calories: 395kcal

Author: Mary Woita

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
½ pound bacon (thick cut) chopped
1 medium onion diced
½ cup baby bella mushrooms finely chopped
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 ounces crispy fried onions

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl with ice water; set aside.
Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
Whisk the flour into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Gradually stir in the milk, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Mix the green beans and bacon into the sauce, then transfer everything to a casserole dish. Top with crispy fried onions.
Bake for 20 minutes. Serve & enjoy!

Notes

How should I store my Fresh Green Bean Casserole?

Fresh Green Bean Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly reheated.

To freeze: If you want to freeze the dish, it is best to do so before baking. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onions, then wrap in plastic wrap and layer with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the onions and baking.

Would this still be good if I left the mushrooms out?

Yes, the mushrooms do add flavor, but the dish would still be good even without them.

Why do I need to put the green beans in ice water after boiling them?

It is to stop the cooking process, so they don't overcook and become mushy when baked in the oven.

Can I leave the green bean longer?

Yes, if you don’t want to cut them into one-inch pieces, they can stay long. However, I still recommend trimming them.

How do I know for sure that it is finished baking?

When your casserole is ready, the crispy fried onion topping will be golden brown and likely bubbling around the edges of the pan. If you see this, it means it's heated all the way through and is done.

Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onion and baking, then cover and store in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking. Right before baking, add the crispy fried onion topping. This prevents it from becoming soggy while in the fridge. Note that it might take 5-10 minutes longer to bake since it will be starting from a colder temperature.

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