Crack Green Bean Casserole

If you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a dinner party, Crack Green Bean Casserole is a recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest eater! Whether you make it as a delicious side dish or a main dish, this is a great addition to the table, with easy steps, a vibrant color, and a savory sauce.

Crack Green Bean Casserole Recipe 

Don’t be fooled by the simple ingredients in this healthy side dish – any green bean fan will be fawning over this take on a crack green bean recipe.

Inspired by Paula Deen’s green bean casserole, I personally think it’s perfect for potluck dinner or to add to the holiday menu, because it has an easy recipe and is a simple dish to make.

I could eat it as a main dish because the green beans and bacon are “meat and veggies” but it also makes a delicious and easy side dish!

Another delicious twist is this easy to make Green Bean Bundle Casserole!

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Ingredients Needed

• Cream of Mushroom Soup – Can’t find cream of mushroom? Try using cream of chicken.
• Half and half – Substitute for sour cream if need be.
• Ranch seasoning – Homemade is best but you can use the store bought package.
• Frozen cut green beans – If you can’t find frozen, try fresh green beans or cans of green beans.
• Cheddar cheese – This can be swapped for any cheese that you like.
• Bacon – In place of regular bacon you can substitute turkey bacon as a healthier option, or try using slices of ham.
• French fried onions – Melt butter and mix a tablespoon of butter with breadcrumbs or Panko as a substitute.

How To Make Crack Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the soup, half & half, and ranch seasoning. Stir. Add the cooked bacon pieces and cheese. Stir and pour over the beans and stir.

3. Spread green bean mixture in the 9 x 13 pan. Top with remaining ingredients (bacon, cheese, and fried onions).
4. Bake for a total time of 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

What goes well with this?

Since this green bean dish is a southern comfort food, it goes well with the same sides as other things like baked chicken or sweet potato casserole.

The cooked green beans, paired with crack sauce and a crisp bacon flavor makes it pair well with a great dish like fried chicken.

For a healthier option, pick up a salad the next time you’re at the grocery store and have a dinner table full of rich color.

Can I make it ahead of time? 

The short answer – yes! This delicious dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 2 months.

Or store in the fridge in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Make sure to leave off the fried onions until cooking. To reheat, pop in the air fryer or oven and follow the cooking method. Same with any leftovers🙂

Can this be cooked in a slow cooker or instant pot?

To use a slow cooker or instant pot, put this casserole in on medium heat or low heat for a few hours.

Once heated, sprinkle the top with cheese and bacon, as well as with the addition of onion. 

Best Casserole Tips

• For a cheesier topping to your casserole, add in parmesan cheese in addition to cheddar. 
• If your casserole gets dry when reheating, try using chicken broth or a cup of butter (melted) to rehydrate it before cooking.
• Save on prep time with frozen, pre-cut green beans as opposed to room temperature whole petite green beans. The same goes for using drained beans instead of fresh to save time, if frozen aren’t available.
• Be sure to drain the beans to keep the casserole from being watery. Put the drained green beans on paper towels to remove excess water.
• Want a little sweetness? Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix!
• For the crispiest bacon, choose packaged thick-sliced bacon, and cook on aluminum foil before removing from the heat and patting off extra bacon grease. 

Need more information?

Check out this Ultimate Guide to Green Bean Casserole to answer these important questions:

1. Can you make it ahead of time?
2. Can you freeze it?
3. How to reheat it.
4. Can you make it without cream of mushroom soup?

Favorite Green Bean Casserole Recipes:

• Green Bean Bundle Casserole
• Joanna Gaines Green Bean Casserole
• Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole

If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!

This take on a traditional green bean casserole is one of my favorite ways to spice up Thanksgiving dinner, with its bright green color, crispy bacon, and savory glaze. I personally love this crack green beans recipe because it’s a nice change of pace for dinner time and it’s one of the most delicious recipes that I’ve found so far. 

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