Company Bean Salad
A creamy, savory bean salad layered with crispy bacon, Cheddar cheese, and fried onions, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual side dishes with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dilute the cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 can of milk and stir until smooth.
- Fry the bacon until crisp and break into pieces.
- Layer ingredients in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish: start with 1 can of green beans, then 1/3 of the mushroom soup, 1/3 of the bacon, 1/3 of the Durkee French fried onions, and 1/3 of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing onions or garlic before mixing with the soup. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or use cream of chicken for a different taste. If you prefer a healthier option, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Company Bean Salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with main dishes like grilled chicken or pork recipes. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. Consider complementing it with a light dessert, such as Strawberry-Champagne Sorbet, to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven method helps maintain the crispiness of the toppings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Bean Salad contains roughly 546 calories, with 22g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the layers in advance and cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it overnight and bake it when you're ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).