Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Soy Sauce

Are you looking for a flavorful twist on the classic green bean casserole recipe? Adding bacon and soy sauce elevates this traditional dish to a whole new level! The smoky bacon combined with the umami richness of soy sauce creates a comforting, savory side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions. This green bean casserole with bacon and soy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

In this post, you'll learn how to make this easy and delicious casserole, tips for making it perfectly, and ideas to customize it to suit your taste.

Why Add Bacon and Soy Sauce to Green Bean Casserole?

The classic green bean casserole is typically made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. While it's tasty on its own, adding bacon and soy sauce makes it even better. Here's why:

• Bacon adds a smoky, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Soy sauce enhances the umami flavor, balancing the richness of the soup and bacon.
• The combination of both creates a perfect balance of salty, savory, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Soy Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this green bean casserole recipe with bacon and soy sauce:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups of green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 1/3 cups of French’s crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for extra flavor
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) for a cheesy variation

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Soy Sauce

Follow these easy steps to make this delicious casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

• Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
• Place the bacon on a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Salt and pepper

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Bacon

• Add the green beans and half of the crumbled bacon to the soup mixture.
• Stir until the beans are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Half of the Fried Onions

• Mix in 2/3 cup of French’s crispy fried onions for an added crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Topping

• Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions and crumbled bacon on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this savory and creamy dish alongside your favorite main course.

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Soy Sauce

1. Use Fresh Green Beans – For the best texture and flavor, use fresh green beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
2. Adjust the Soy Sauce – If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the soy sauce to 1/2 tablespoon.
3. Add Cheese – For a cheesy twist, mix in 1/4 cup of shredded cheese before baking.
4. Crispy Bacon – Make sure the bacon is crispy before adding it to the casserole to avoid sogginess.

Variations of Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Soy Sauce

1. Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Casserole

   • Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture before baking.

2. Spicy Green Bean Casserole

   • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

3. Gluten-Free Version

   • Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions.

What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole

This casserole pairs perfectly with various main dishes, including:

• Roast Turkey – Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Grilled Chicken – A simple yet satisfying dinner option.
• Ham – Perfect for Easter or special occasions.
• Mashed Potatoes – A classic side dish that complements the creamy casserole.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are packed with essential nutrients that make this dish not only delicious but also healthy:

• High in Fiber – Supports healthy digestion.
• Low in Calories – A great option for those watching their calorie intake.
• Rich in Vitamins – Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.

2. Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, peas, or carrots for additional flavor and texture.

3. Can I Use a Different Soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup as an alternative to cream of mushroom soup.

Conclusion

This green bean casserole recipe with bacon and soy sauce is the perfect way to enhance a traditional dish. The combination of crispy bacon and umami-rich soy sauce adds a whole new depth of flavor that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving feast or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to make and sure to be a hit. Try it out and impress your loved ones with this savory twist on a classic favorite.