Introduction
The classic green bean casserole is a beloved dish, especially during holidays. This incredible keto green bean casserole transforms that comforting tradition into a low-carb masterpiece. You get all the rich, creamy, and savory flavors you adore without the added carbs. It is a wonderfully satisfying side that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, making any meal feel special.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Keto Green Bean Casserole
- Low-Carb & Keto-Compliant: Enjoy a classic comfort food completely guilt-free, fitting perfectly into your dietary goals.
- Deliciously Rich & Creamy: This keto green bean casserole boasts a velvety smooth sauce, full of savory goodness.
- Easy to Prepare from Scratch: With straightforward steps, even beginners can create this impressive dish with confidence.
- Classic Holiday Flavor, Guilt-Free: It delivers all the nostalgic taste you expect from the traditional version, made healthy.
- Satisfies Cravings Without the Carbs: Indulge in a truly satisfying side dish that leaves you feeling full and happy.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 1.5 pounds, trimmed and snapped.
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button).
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Onion or Shallots: 1/2 cup, finely diced.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 1 cup, low sodium.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
- Cream Cheese: 2 ounces, softened (optional, for extra richness).
- Xanthan Gum: 1/4 teaspoon (for thickening, optional).
- Keto-Friendly Crispy Topping: 1 cup (e.g., crushed pork rinds, parmesan crisps, or baked crispy onions).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped.
Notes & Substitutions
Fresh green beans offer the best texture and flavor for this keto green bean casserole, but frozen (thawed and drained) also work. Cremini or button mushrooms add earthy depth; wild mushrooms elevate the flavor even more. For a dairy-free cream sauce, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the cream cheese. Keto topping options like crushed pork rinds provide savory crunch, while parmesan crisps offer a cheesy crispness. Experiment with smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme for enhanced flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the trimmed green beans for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Alternatively, steam them. Drain immediately and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain thoroughly. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir well. If using, add the softened cream cheese and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum over the simmering sauce while whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Season the creamy mushroom sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, stir in smoked paprika and fresh thyme now.
- Combine & Transfer: Gently fold the blanched green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle your chosen keto crispy topping over the top of the green bean mixture. This is what makes a truly delicious keto green bean casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the keto green bean casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, enhancing its creamy texture.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfectly tender-crisp green beans by blanching them just until vibrant green, then immediately chilling them. For a thick, creamy, lump-free sauce, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened and whisk vigorously. If using xanthan gum, add it slowly while whisking. Make the crispy topping extra crunchy by baking crushed pork rinds or parmesan crisps separately until golden before adding. Flavor boosters like crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, or more fresh herbs can elevate this keto green bean casserole. You can prepare the casserole mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge; simply add the topping just before baking. Always adjust salt and pepper for optimal taste.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve this delectable keto green bean casserole hot as a primary side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, grilled chicken, or any festive meal. This dish is hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for holiday gatherings.
Storage
Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a fresh sprinkle of topping if desired.
Variations
- Added Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for a more complete meal.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit cream cheese for a rich dairy-free sauce.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a subtle, warming heat.
- Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage along with thyme for different aromatic profiles.
Nutrition
This homemade keto green bean casserole provides excellent low-carb nutrition. It’s rich in healthy fats from the cream and butter, and provides fiber from the fresh green beans. The net carb count is significantly lower than traditional versions, making it an ideal choice for a keto diet.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-18 g |
| Cholesterol | 80-90 mg |
| Sodium | 300-400 mg |
| Total Carbs | 7-9 g |
| Fiber | 3-4 g |
| Net Carbs | 4-5 g |
| Protein | 8-10 g |
FAQs
Is classic green bean casserole keto-friendly?
A: No, traditional green bean casserole often contains canned condensed soup and fried onions, which are high in carbs and unhealthy additives. This recipe offers a delicious, keto-compliant alternative.
What makes this recipe keto?
A: This recipe uses fresh ingredients, a homemade cream sauce with heavy cream and broth, and keto-friendly toppings like pork rinds, completely avoiding high-carb items found in traditional versions.
Can I use canned green beans for this?
A: While fresh or frozen green beans are preferred for texture and nutrition, you can use canned green beans. Ensure they are well-drained and rinsed to reduce sodium before adding them.
How do I make the crispy onion topping keto-friendly?
A: You can make your own by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in almond flour and spices, then baking or air-frying until crisp. Crushed pork rinds or parmesan crisps are also excellent ready-made options.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole mixture (without the crispy topping) up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the topping and bake just before serving.
Conclusion
This keto green bean casserole recipe truly proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat healthy. It delivers all the warmth, richness, and comfort of the classic dish, perfectly reimagined for your low-carb lifestyle. Whether for a festive holiday spread or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is a delicious and healthy choice. Give it a try and share your experience – we’re sure it will become a new favorite!
For more comforting dishes to enjoy alongside your Keto Green Bean Casserole, try our savory Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken, warm up with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, or add a festive touch with our Festive Eggnog Cheesecake.
Follow me on Pinterest for keto-friendly meals, cozy casseroles, and easy recipes that bring flavor to every occasion.
The Best Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 1 1/2-quart oven safe casserole dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 2/3 cup fried onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling, then stir and sprinkle with the remaining 2/3 cup fried onions.
- Continue baking for 5 minutes until onions are golden brown. Let rest briefly before serving, and store leftovers in an oven-safe dish.
