Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my easy green bean casserole recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
How To Make Healthy Green Bean Casserole
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Trim the green beans and cut them in half so that the pieces are easier to eat. Drain and immediately run under cold water in a colander to prevent overcooking. Pat dry and transfer to a baking dish. Season with more salt to taste if needed. You can blanch the green beans and make the mushroom sauce in advance. Feel free to fry the onions ahead as well, but I recommend tossing with the parmesan and breadcrumbs right before baking to keep the crunch. You could also assemble the entire casserole in advance (totally done it!), but again, the topping is best if you mix it fresh.
Thanksgiving Recipes – For the perfect Thanksgiving spread, serve this dish alongside my juicy Thanksgiving turkey, healthy sweet potato casserole, and sugar free cranberry sauce — I’ve got all 3 pictured above! I also like to start things off with a Thanksgiving charcuterie board and Thanksgiving salad! Christmas Recipes – Swap the turkey for my prime rib roast or roasted beef tenderloin, and try my roasted potatoes and creamed spinach for side dishes. My Christmas charcuterie board, bacon wrapped water chestnuts, and Christmas salad make festive appetizers. Weeknight Mains – Who says this green bean casserole recipe has to be reserved for holidays? If you prep it ahead, I think it’s great for weeknights with roasted chicken, smothered pork chops, or seared salmon.
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Tips: Check out my recipe tips to help you get perfectly crisp-tender green beans, a crispy onion topping, and the right texture in the creamy mushroom sauce. I’ve also got a tip to fix a sauce that’s too thin! Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love using any leftovers to make a tasty leftover turkey casserole! Make ahead: You can prep most of this green bean casserole recipe in advance! See my make ahead instructions. Reheat: Just pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm. Freeze: You can store this casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating. The fried onion topping does come out less crunchy, but I think it’s still good!
Like I mentioned in my sweet potato casserole recipe, I made this spread earlier in the fall to take the photos for this post — and for my Healthy Holiday Cookbook. I can’t wait to make one of these dishes for the potluck Friendsgiving we have every year!
