Elevate your holiday dining experience with this indulgent twist on a classic favorite! This creamy, made-from-scratch Bacon & Goat Cheese Green Bean Casserole features a savory blend of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and luscious goat cheese, all enhanced by a splash of white wine and a hint of nutmeg. Finished with a generous topping of crispy fried onions, this dish brings a delightful crunch and rich flavor to any Thanksgiving table. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love it:

Decadent Flavor: The combination of savory bacon and creamy goat cheese creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
Made from Scratch: With a homemade touch, this casserole is crafted from fresh ingredients, ensuring a delicious taste that store-bought versions can’t match.
Unique Twist: The addition of white wine and nutmeg adds depth and warmth, making this casserole a standout dish at any holiday gathering.
Crispy Topping: The crispy fried onions provide the perfect contrast to the creamy filling, adding a delightful crunch that enhances every bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or a family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress guests and become a beloved favorite around the table.

Upclose Bacon & Goat Cheese Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

Ingredient Notes:

Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed at the ends and cut in half width-wise for optimal cooking and texture. Their vibrant color and crispness add a fresh crunch to the casserole.
Thick Cut Bacon: Provides a savory, salty element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. The crispy bacon bits offer a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce.
Baby Bella Mushrooms: Chopped for added depth and earthiness, these mushrooms bring a rich, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic: Minced to release its aromatic qualities, garlic adds a fragrant and robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Shallot: Minced for a milder onion flavor, shallots contribute a subtle sweetness that balances the savory components.
Butter: Used to create a rich base for the roux, adding creaminess and depth to the sauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for making a light roux, which helps to thicken the sauce and create a lovely gravy-like texture for the goat cheese and mushroom mixture.
Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor while keeping the casserole moist and delicious.
Dry White Wine: A splash of dry white wine brightens the flavors and adds acidity, which balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings a luscious creaminess to the casserole, creating a rich sauce that coats the green beans perfectly.
Crumbled Goat Cheese: Ultra-creamy, rich, and slightly tangy, goat cheese pairs beautifully with the salty bacon, creating a delightful flavor combination that elevates the dish.
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances the flavors in creamy or cheesy dishes. Its warm, aromatic profile adds depth; a little goes a long way!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients, allowing each component to shine.
French Fried Onions: These crispy toppings add a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor, making the casserole visually appealing and deliciously irresistible.

Bacon and Goat Cheese Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Dairy-Free:
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative (like cashew cream or almond milk).
- Goat Cheese: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or a nut-based cheese (like cashew cheese) for a similar creamy texture.
Gluten-Free:
- Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux.
- French Fried Onions: If using pre-packaged french fried onions, ensure they are labeled gluten free.
Vegetarian:
- Thick Cut Bacon: Use a plant-based bacon alternative or sautéed mushrooms for added umami flavor without the meat.
- Chicken Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan:
- Bacon: Use plant-based bacon, smoked tempeh, or extra mushrooms.
- Butter: Replace with vegan butter or olive oil.
- Heavy Cream: Use coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative.
- Goat Cheese: Opt for a dairy-free cheese made from nuts or tofu.
Low-FODMAP:
- Garlic: Use garlic-infused oil instead of minced garlic for flavor without the FODMAPs.
- Shallot: Substitute with the green tops of scallions for a milder flavor.

Optional Additions & Variations:

Mushroom Medley: Use a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms, to add different textures and earthy flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Add toasted walnuts or sliced almonds for a nutty crunch that complements the creamy sauce and crispy fried onions.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat, giving the casserole an spicy twist.

Bacon & Goat Cheese Green Bean Casserole

How to Make Crispy Fried Onions From Scratch:

Making crispy fried onions from scratch is simple and elevates your dish with a fresh, homemade touch. Here’s how to do it:

2 medium onions
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Fry Onions– Thinly slice onions. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle mixture over onions and toss to fully combine. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over med-high heat until temperatures reach 375F. Add a handful of onions to pot, fry for about 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown. Using a wire skimmer, carefully scoop out onions and place on paper towel to drain. Repeat this process with the remaining onions.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the green beans, bacon, and mushroom mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the casserole right before baking for a quicker cooking time.
Blanching Green Beans: For perfectly cooked green beans, blanche them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This keeps them vibrant and tender-crisp.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality bacon and goat cheese for the best flavor. If possible, opt for fresh herbs and organic vegetables.
Customize the Cheese: If you love cheese, consider adding a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for an even creamier texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the green beans. Adjust the salt, pepper, or nutmeg according to your preference.
Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, you can mix some of the fried onions with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before sprinkling them over the casserole before baking.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, adding a sprinkle of fresh fried onions on top to revive the crunch.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as turkey or chicken, and can also be served as a hearty vegetarian side dish.

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