Indulge in the classic comfort of Green Bean Casserole, a timeless dish that's perfect for any occasion. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

The star of this dish is the extra fine green beans, which are cooked to perfection, retaining their vibrant color and crisp texture. The green beans are combined with creamy and savory elements, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The unsalted butter adds richness and depth, while the cream cheese brings a luscious creaminess to the dish.

To add a smoky twist to the casserole, crispy bacon takes the stage. Center cut bacon is baked until crispy, then chopped coarsely and added to the mix, infusing the dish with its irresistible smoky flavor. The bacon adds a burst of savory deliciousness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

To round out the flavors, salt and ground black pepper are added, providing just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the taste of the dish without overpowering the other flavors. The whole kernel corn, drained and added to the casserole, adds a touch of natural sweetness and a pleasant pop of texture.

Assembling the casserole is a breeze. Simply combine all the ingredients, except the French fried onions, in a medium bowl, and mix thoroughly. Then, coat a 9x12-inch pan with cooking spray, add the mixture to the pan and top it off with the iconic French fried onions. These crispy, golden-brown onions add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to the casserole, making it truly irresistible.

Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 400°, and bake it covered for 35-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the casserole to bubble and become golden brown on top. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the casserole bakes is simply tantalizing, creating an anticipation of the deliciousness that's about to come.

This green bean casserole is a versatile dish that's perfect for any setting. Whether you're serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast, a potluck gathering or a weeknight family dinner, it's sure to be a hit. Its creamy, smoky and savory flavors are a match made in culinary heaven, and the crispy french-fried onions on top add an unforgettable crunch. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste, this green bean casserole is a must-try recipe that will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Prep Time:  10 minutes   |    Cook Time:  40 minutes   |    Total Time:  50 minutes   |    Servings:  4-6

Ingredients:

• 6 slices  Appleton Farms  Center Cut Bacon
• 16 ounces  Season’s Choice  Extra Fine Green Beans or  Happy Harvest French Style Green Beans
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons  Countryside Creamery  Unsalted Butter, room temperature  
• 15.25 ounces  Happy Harvest  Whole Kernel Corn, drained
• 8 ounces  Happy Farms  Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup  Burman's  Mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon  Stonemill  Iodized Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon  Stonemill  Ground Black Pepper
• 1 cup  Chef’s Cupboard  French Fried Onions*

*These are Seasonal items that are only in stores for a limited time and may no longer be available.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Bake 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 12 minutes and drain. Chop coarsely and reserve.
3. Cook green beans in a microwave-safe container with 2 tablespoons of water for 6 minutes. Drain and chop green beans in half.
4. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except onions, mix thoroughly.
5. Coat a 9x12-inch pan with cooking spray; add the mixture, top with the onions.
6. Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of the ALDI Test Kitchen