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Crack Green Bean Casserole

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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.

scoop of crack green bean casserole

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, and Crack Green Beans!

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individual bowls of ingredients for crack green bean casserole

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.
  1. Spread green bean mixture in the 9 x 13 pan. Top with remaining ingredients (bacon, cheese, and fried onions).
  2. 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.

baked crack green bean casserole in a white rectangle dish

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:)

plate of green bean casserole with a dish in the back

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. 

fork of casserole over a plate

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.

Favorite Green Bean Casserole Recipes:

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!

scoop of casserole with blue banner and text

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.

scoop of crack green bean casserole with spatula

Crack Green Bean Casserole

Crack Green Bean Casserole is a recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest eater! A delicious and easy side dish or a main dish for any day!
4.80 from 20 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Pork
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 441kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounces each
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 oz packet of Ranch seasoning
  • 30 ounces frozen cut green beans
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 12 ounces bacon cooked and chopped
  • 6 ounces French fried onions

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix the soups, half & half, ranch seasoning, half the cheese, and half the bacon.
  • Stir in the green beans.
  • Spread in the prepared baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese, bacon, and fried onions.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is melted and golden brown.
  • Remove and enjoy!

Notes

  • 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. 
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1405mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g

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    Recipe Rating




    Melinda

    Saturday 16th of December 2023

    I used a 32 oz bag of frozen green beans. The recipe calls for 60 ozs for some reason?

    jennifer

    Wednesday 20th of December 2023

    sorry that was a typo. Should be 30 ounces or as close to that as you can get.