Million Dollar Green Beans – A Rich, Creamy, and Crowd
Million Dollar Green Beans are a rich and flavorful casserole featuring tender green beans, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. The creamy sauce coats every bite, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the vegetables. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this side dish is ideal for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. The combination of cheese and green beans creates a comforting and satisfying texture. Baked until bubbly and golden, it delivers irresistible flavor in every serving. This recipe turns ordinary green beans into a truly special dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook green beans for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, cooked onion mixture, salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the bacon.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture.
- Frozen green beans can be used if thawed and drained.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the creamiest result.
- Sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
- Bacon can be cooked ahead of time.
- The casserole can be assembled in advance.
- Avoid overcooking the green beans before baking.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before serving.