Grilled Green Bean Casserole with Bacon: The Ultimate Smoky BBQ Side Dish
Prepare to elevate your taste buds with this incredible Grilled Green Bean Casserole with Bacon! This recipe takes a beloved classic and infuses it with an irresistible smoky barbecue flavor that will truly blow your mind. Imagine tender green beans, savory onion, and crispy bacon, all kissed by the grill’s heat. Unlike traditional oven-baked versions, this BBQ green bean casserole cooks up in half the time on your Big Green Egg or any standard grill, delivering double the flavor and making it perfect for any season, not just the holidays.
Discover the Magic of the Big Green Egg for Grilling and More
The “Big Green Egg” is more than just a grill; it’s a revolutionary kamado-style, ceramic charcoal cooker that has transformed how many people approach outdoor cooking. Its unique ceramic construction provides superior insulation, allowing for incredibly consistent temperatures and efficient fuel usage. This versatility means you can effortlessly grill, smoke, roast, or even bake on it, making it an indispensable tool for any culinary enthusiast. The array of available accessories further enhances its capabilities, enabling you to explore countless cooking possibilities.
Just a few weeks ago, we welcomed a Big Green Egg into our home, and it has genuinely changed my cooking habits. As a food blogger, it might sound ironic, but I often found myself dreading dinner preparation and constantly suggesting eating out. However, the Big Green Egg has reignited my passion for cooking at home every single night! The process of using it is incredibly enjoyable, and the flavor it imparts—even from the very first use, straight out of the box—is absolutely unparalleled compared to my conventional gas grill. The subtle smoky notes and even heat distribution create a depth of flavor that is simply divine. My husband, witnessing this newfound enthusiasm and the delicious results, encouraged me to share these amazing recipes, and that’s how this grilled green bean casserole came to be the first of many Big Green Egg adventures.
No Big Green Egg? No Problem! How to Grill or Bake This Casserole on Any Equipment
Don’t fret if you don’t own a Big Green Egg! This fantastic BBQ green bean casserole can be just as delicious when cooked on any other type of grill. Whether you have a charcoal grill or a gas grill, you can still achieve a wonderfully smoky and flavorful result. Charcoal grills are often preferred for their ability to infuse food with a more pronounced smoky essence, which complements this casserole beautifully. However, a gas grill will also yield a delightful, yummy grilled green bean casserole with bacon. The key is setting up your grill for indirect heat, ensuring the casserole cooks evenly without burning.
To use a charcoal grill, arrange your coals on one side of the grill and place your casserole on the opposite side. For a gas grill, light burners on one side to your desired temperature, leaving the area under the casserole unlit. This indirect cooking method prevents scorching and allows the casserole to absorb those wonderful smoky aromas. Aim for a consistent temperature of 400-425°F for optimal cooking.
And if grilling isn’t an option at all, that’s absolutely no big deal! This recipe can seamlessly transition to your indoor oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes. After this initial bake, top with the remaining fried onions and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy. This flexibility ensures everyone can enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this green bean casserole, regardless of their cooking equipment.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delectable Grilled Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Creating this incredibly flavorful grilled green bean casserole requires a straightforward list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the powerful flavor combination these components create.
- Green Beans: For ultimate convenience, I opted for a bag of cut frozen green beans. There’s no need to wait for them to thaw, making prep time a breeze! However, this recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can absolutely use fresh green beans if you prefer. Just blanch them lightly beforehand if you want them a bit more tender. Any variety of fresh or frozen green beans will work wonderfully, ensuring a vibrant base for our casserole.
- Bacon: Bacon is the star player here, bringing a salty, crispy, and deeply savory element. My inclusion of about a handful of pre-cooked bacon was a last-minute decision, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! The ¼ cup measurement in the instructions is a good ballpark approximation, which usually translates to about 3-4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon. Feel free to adjust to your personal preference – a little extra bacon never hurt anyone!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup and Milk: Yes, I confess – I didn’t whip up the sauce from scratch, and there’s absolutely no shame in that! This recipe embraces the comforting, old-school charm of condensed canned cream of mushroom soup. It provides a creamy, rich base with minimal effort, perfect for when you want maximum flavor with maximum convenience. If you’re a purist and enjoy making sauces from scratch (it’s not particularly difficult, typically involving a roux, fresh mushrooms, and broth or cream), by all means, knock yourself out! But for a quick and satisfying dish, the canned soup is a winner.
- Seasonings: These carefully selected spices truly bring out the barbecue essence of the casserole:
- Smoked Paprika: This is a key ingredient, enhancing the natural smokiness from the grill and adding a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Barbecue Seasoning: Use any barbecue seasoning blend you favor. This adds a complex layer of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, tying into the grilled theme.
- Garlic Powder: A fundamental savory enhancer that complements almost any dish.
- Dill: Just a touch of dried dill introduces a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint that brightens the entire casserole.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential duo for balancing and perfecting all the other flavors.
- Maple Syrup: Don’t let the inclusion of maple syrup surprise you! This barbecue green bean casserole is far from sweet. I added just a small amount of pure maple syrup to provide a subtle background note, a hint of earthy sweetness that beautifully harmonizes with the smokiness and other robust seasonings, creating a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile.
- Fried Onions: You know the stuff! Those crispy, salty, slightly sweet fried onions are a classic for a reason. While some might consider them a guilty pleasure, they are undeniably flavorful and provide that quintessential crunchy texture that is absolutely vital to a great green bean casserole. They add both flavor and a delightful textural contrast.
As written, I absolutely adore how incredibly easy and quick this casserole is to throw together. This means we can now savor this comforting dish year-round, not just confine it to holiday gatherings, which is when I traditionally used to make it. It’s a perfect weeknight side or a crowd-pleasing addition to any barbecue spread.
Simple Steps to Grilling Your Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Making this grilled green bean casserole could not be easier, requiring just a few straightforward steps to achieve a dish bursting with smoky flavor and comforting textures.
- Prepare Your Casserole Mixture: In a sturdy, grill-proof (or oven-proof, if baking) skillet, baking dish, or pan, combine all the ingredients except for half of the crispy fried onions. Give everything a good stir until it’s thoroughly mixed. We intentionally hold back half the onions to add at the very end, ensuring they maintain their crispiness for that satisfying crunchy finish on top. This two-stage onion addition is crucial for texture.
- Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Prepare your Big Green Egg, any other grill, or your oven to the correct temperature and set it up for indirect cooking. For the Big Green Egg, this means using the convEGGtor with its legs pointing up, creating a barrier between the charcoal and your casserole. If using a charcoal grill, push coals to one side. For a gas grill, only light burners on one side. Aim for a steady temperature of 400-425°F. This indirect heat is essential to prevent the casserole from burning while ensuring it cooks through evenly and absorbs that delicious smoky flavor.
- Cook and Stir: Once your cooking apparatus is at temperature, carefully place the casserole dish on the grill grates or in the oven. Allow it to cook for the initial period. Midway through the cooking process, usually after about 10 minutes on the grill, gently give the green beans a little stir to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Final Touches and Serve: After stirring, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the grill (or longer in the oven, if needed) until the top is beautifully toasty and golden, and the casserole itself is bubbling merrily around the edges. This final stage crisps up the onions to perfection. Once it reaches this stage, it’s ready! Remove from the grill or oven, let it cool for a moment, and then enjoy this ridiculously easy and utterly delicious casserole, made with totally approachable ingredients.
Creative Additions and Variations for Your Green Bean Casserole
While this grilled green bean casserole with bacon is absolutely perfect as is, it’s always fun to experiment and personalize dishes to your liking. Don’t hesitate to change things up and make this recipe truly your own! Classic dishes are excellent canvases for culinary creativity.
Traditionally, when I make green bean casserole, I often incorporate sautéed mushrooms and shredded white cheddar cheese. Both of these additions would, of course, work beautifully here, adding an extra layer of umami and creaminess. For mushrooms, lightly brown them in a touch of butter before adding them to the mix to develop their flavor.
Beyond these classic enhancements, here are some other exciting additions to brainstorm, which can elevate your casserole even further:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a burst of concentrated, sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture, chop a few oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and stir them in.
- Sausage or Ham: Replace the bacon with crumbled cooked sausage (like a mild Italian or smoked sausage) for a different savory profile, or even add it in addition to the bacon for an extra hearty dish. Diced ham would also be a fantastic choice, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Transform this side dish into a more substantial meal by folding in some shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- Caramelized Onions: Instead of, or in addition to, the fried onions, try slowly caramelizing some fresh diced onions until deeply golden and sweet. This adds a sophisticated depth of flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Beyond cheddar, consider other melting cheeses like Gruyère for a nutty flavor, smoked Gouda to enhance the BBQ theme, or even a sharp provolone.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra layer of crunch, mix some panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the top along with the fried onions during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give the casserole a lively, unexpected kick.
These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. There’s truly never a bad reason to experiment with classic dishes and discover new flavor combinations that delight your palate.
Essential Tips for a Flawless Grilled Green Bean Casserole Experience
To ensure your grilled green bean casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these crucial tips in mind:
- Master Indirect Heat: This is arguably the most important tip. Always be sure to cook your casserole over indirect heat, whether you’re using a Big Green Egg, a charcoal grill, or a gas grill. Even if your grill is set to the correct temperature range, placing the casserole directly over an open flame will cause the bottom to burn quickly while the rest remains undercooked. Indirect heat allows for even baking and prevents scorching, ensuring a beautifully cooked casserole with a smoky finish.
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast iron pan is an excellent choice for grilling as it conducts and retains heat beautifully, often contributing to a lovely crust on the bottom. However, if a cast iron pan is not available, any sturdy grill-proof skillet or baking dish will do the job. Disposable aluminum pans are also a perfectly acceptable and convenient option for grilling, especially for easy cleanup. Just make sure whatever you use can withstand the heat of the grill.
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. The only crucial step is to hold back half of the crispy fried onions until you reach that specific step in the cooking process. Adding them too early will cause them to become soggy.
- Reheating Leftovers: If you cook this recipe in advance or have leftovers, you can gently reheat it in the oven. To bring back that glorious crispiness to the onions on top, pop it under a broiler for a couple of minutes just before serving. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- No Thawing Necessary for Frozen Green Beans: One of the many conveniences of this recipe is that you do not need to wait for frozen green beans to thaw before preparing it. You can add them directly to the mixing bowl, saving you valuable prep time.
- Adjust Cooking Times for Oven: If you opt to use an oven for baking instead of a grill, remember that cooking times will vary slightly. This casserole will typically take about 30 minutes to bake in a 400°F oven, compared to the 15-20 minutes on a hot grill with indirect heat.
- Check for Tenderness: Regardless of your cooking method, use a fork to check the green beans for tenderness. They should be “fork tender” but still retain a slight bite – not mushy.
By following these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a perfectly delicious and unforgettable grilled green bean casserole with bacon.
Explore More Delicious Grill Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the smoky flavors and ease of this grilled green bean casserole, you’re in for a treat! The grill offers a world of culinary possibilities, from sweet treats to savory main courses. Here are some more fantastic grill recipes to inspire your next outdoor cooking adventure:
- Grilled Pineapple Shortcake with Turbinado Caramel
- BBQ Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Jalapenos
- Grilled Beer Kielbasa with Sausage and Stout Queso
- Grilled Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
- Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cherry Chipotle Salsa
- Honey Beer BBQ Chicken and Waffles
For my best steak recipe and all the expert tips for achieving a perfect grilled steak every time, be sure to check out Grilled Steak with Horseradish Dijon Sauce.
Grilled Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
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Equipment
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Big Green Egg
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz bag frozen cut green beans
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup undiluted
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp barbecue seasoning of choice
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- couple pinches dried dill
- couple pinches kosher salt
- couple pinches fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 2.8 oz container fried onions
Instructions
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In the 10.5-inch Big Green Egg cast iron skillet (or any similar sized grill/oven-safe pan), combine all of the ingredients except half of the crispy fried onions. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even coating.
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Fill the firebox of your Big Green Egg with charcoal, keeping it just under the fire ring, and light it. Set up the Egg for indirect cooking by placing the convEGGtor (with legs pointing up) under the grill grate. Allow the temperature to stabilize at a steady 400-425°F before proceeding. (For other grills, set up for indirect heat at the same temperature.)
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Carefully place the casserole dish onto the grill grates and cook for approximately 10 minutes. The casserole should begin to warm through and bubble.
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After 10 minutes, use a spoon to gently stir the green beans, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and cooking evenly. Then, evenly top the casserole with the remaining fried onions. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the onions on top are beautifully toasty and golden, and the casserole is bubbling hot. Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky deliciousness!