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Best Brown Sugar Bacon Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

brown sugar bacon green bean casserole - featured image
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This from-scratch green bean casserole features caramelized brown sugar bacon, tender-crisp green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for blanching water)
  • Ice water bath
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Drop in the trimmed green beans and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath and let sit for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Set aside.
  2. Make the brown sugar bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 5-6 minutes until partially cooked but not crispy. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Sprinkle brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) over the bacon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and coats the bacon. Transfer bacon to a plate, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  3. Build the creamy mushroom sauce: Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet with bacon drippings. Melt over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and diced onion; cook 6-8 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and brown, and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove f…
  4. Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread blanched green beans in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour mushroom sauce over beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar bacon pieces over the top.
  5. Make and add the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the casserole.
  6. Bake: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter, unsweetened oat milk, and coconut cream; omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. The topping is best made fresh. Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon to avoid a watery casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, brown sugar bacon, from scratch, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving

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