Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST KETO GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
My mother-in-law (Grammy) makes the most amazing Green Bean Casserole. Before I shared my first Thanksgiving meal with my husband’s family, Green Bean Casserole was just “meh” to me. It wasn’t great, and it wasn’t terrible. However, that first Thanksgiving I spent in Ohio years ago changed my mind forever, and I’ve made it the way she does ever since.
Now, I make Grammy’s Green Bean Casserole for our special holiday meals such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. A couple of weeks ago, my daughter asked if I could make a keto version of Green Bean Casserole. Besides the French Onions and Cream of Mushroom Soup, I didn’t think it would be too hard. After playing around with the recipe a little, I can’t believe how much this tastes like Grammy’s Green Bean Casserole!
Keto Green Bean Casserole Crispy Topping
The trickiest part was finding a substitute for the French-fried onions topping. That crunch and the oniony flavor are essential for a true green bean casserole. The secret to copycat keto French Onions is baking shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, minced onion, and Italian seasoning until crispy. You break into pieces, and you’ve got the perfect keto-friendly alternative. When I told my husband what I was using, he gave me this look that said, “That will never work.” I gave him a bite, and he looked at me, shocked, with his mouth gaping open. He changed his tune quickly and said, “Holy Smokes, that tastes just like it! I am shocked!!” Seriously, y’all, it is that good.
Ingredients:
- Green beans – Provides the base and main ingredient for the casserole.
- Mushrooms – add flavor and texture to the base.
- Garlic – adds a savory flavor to the base.
- Butter – provides richness and flavor to the base.
- Heavy whipping cream – provides creaminess and richness to the base.
- Salt and pepper – enhances the flavor of the dish, and pepper also adds a mild heat.
- Cream cheese – adds tanginess and helps to thicken the base.
- Nutmeg – adds a warm, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese – adds a rich and sharp flavor to the base and topping.
- Mozzarella cheese – balances the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (for topping) – adds a crispy, crunchy texture and a sharp flavor.
- Minced onion (for topping) – adds a crunch and a savory flavor to the topping.
- Parmesan cheese (for topping) – adds a nutty and salty flavor to the topping.
- Italian seasoning (for topping) – adds a savory and herbaceous flavor to the topping.
How to Make Keto Style Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish. Sauté garlic and mushrooms in melted butter in a saucepan.
Step 2: Add heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Simmer on medium-high for about 25 minutes or until the mixture reduces and thickens. Make sure to simmer with the lid off so the moisture can evaporate and reduce and stir occasionally.
Tip: If you have an immersion blender, you can easily blend the diced mushrooms for a smoother texture and enhanced flavor.
Step 4: While the mushroom soup mixture simmers, prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese, minced onion, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning onto the parchment paper. Bake until the cheese melts and turns crispy and golden brown (approximately 8-12 minutes) for a deliciously crunchy topping!
Step 5: The shredded cheese will melt and fuse together, forming a single sheet of crispy, flavorful goodness during baking.
Step 6: Once out of the oven, let the cheese topping cool before breaking it into small bites. Place the pieces on paper towels to absorb any excess grease. As it cools, the topping will continue to crisp up. You can transfer it to a small bowl after cooling or leave it on the paper towels until it’s ready to be added to the casserole.
Step 7: In your greased 13 x 9 baking dish, layer it with 1 1/2 cans of drained green beans. Pour the mushroom soup mixture over the green beans and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining green beans and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese to complete the delicious keto green bean casserole.
Step 8: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the baked cheese topping over the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt and meld the flavors. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Get ready to enjoy this scrumptious keto green bean casserole!
Note: This recipe makes 12 servings, so it’s perfect for a crowd! If serving more people, feel free to double or triple the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this keto green bean casserole recipe is gluten-free. However, it’s always important to double-check the ingredients of any packaged or pre-made items used in the recipe to ensure they are gluten-free, as some products may contain hidden sources of gluten.
What are variations to this recipe that keep it low carb?
- You can use crushed pork rinds instead of the crispy cheese topping for a dairy-free option.
- Use regular-cut green beans instead of French style.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream to make the recipe dairy-free and lower in carbs.
- Use the coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce to make the recipe soy-free and lower in carbs.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free and lower carb option.
- You can also use olive or avocado oil in place of butter.
- Add cooked bacon or prosciutto to the recipe for additional flavor and protein.
- Use roasted or sauteed cauliflower instead of green beans for a low carb option.
- Use chopped kale instead of green beans for a low carb and nutrient-rich option.
- Add chopped roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
WHAT SIZE BAKING DISH WORKS IN THIS RECIPE?
When making this Keto Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese as posted, I would suggest using a 9 X 13 casserole dish. However, if you don’t have a baking dish of that size, you can use a similar-sized dish, such as a 9 x 9-inch square baking dish or a round baking dish with a similar capacity. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of baking dish used, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes to ensure it cooks evenly. If you cut the recipe in half, a 9-inch square baking dish would work nicely.
CAN YOU USE FRESH GREEN BEANS IN THIS KETO GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used in this keto green bean casserole recipe. Blanch them in boiling water until slightly tender, then drain and rinse. Follow the original recipe instructions, adjusting the baking time as needed.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS EASY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE IN ADVANCE?
Yes, you can make this easy green bean casserole in advance. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, but do not bake it yet. Instead, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be slightly extended if the casserole is chilled, so check for doneness with a toothpick or fork before serving.
This keto-friendly green bean casserole is so versatile as a side dish. It goes with so many different meal options. You will be surprised how much the melted cheese crispy topping with dried minced onions tastes like regular crispy onions on a traditional green bean casserole.
This keto-friendly green bean casserole is so versatile as a side dish. It goes with so many different meal options. You will be surprised how much the melted cheese crispy topping with dried minced onions tastes like regular crispy onions on a traditional green bean casserole.
How Many Net Carbs Does this Low Carb Version Have?
There are 7 carbs and 2g of fiber, making it 5g net carbs per serving based on 12 servings.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy Keto Green Bean Casserole! A perfect low-carb and gluten-free substitute for the traditional recipe, topped with crispy cheese. Ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners. Make it in advance for added convenience.
Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans?
It’s up to your personal preference! You can use fresh or frozen green beans for this Keto Green Bean Casserole recipe. Fresh green beans will provide a crispier texture, while frozen green beans may be more tender. Both options will work well in the casserole, so choose based on your preference and availability.
How Many Net Carbs Does this Low Carb Version Have?
What to Serve with Keto Green Bean Casserole:
Need more keto inspiration for your Thanksgiving or holiday spread? These keto-friendly main courses are fantastic choices for your festive get-togethers!
More Keto Side Dishes:
- Keto Southern Green Beans
- Fried Cabbage and Bacon
- Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Keto Cauliflower Mac N Cheese
- Creamy Keto Cauliflower Mash
Keto Green Bean Casserole {Low Carb}
Ingredients
- 3 cans french style green beans or cut green beans, drained
- 2 cups diced mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup diced onions
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the crunchy topping:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 X 13 casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add mushrooms, onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Saute on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are soft.
- Add chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream to skillet and simmer on medium-high until mixture reduces and thickens. Make sure to simmer with the lid off so that the moisture can evaporate and reduce. It took about 25 minutes or so for it to thicken. If you find it is not thick enough after 25 minutes, continue to simmer until it thickens. While it took 25 minutes on my stove, every stove cooks differently. If you have an immersion blender, you can blend up the diced mushrooms in the reduced cream of mushroom soup.
- While the mushroom soup mixture is cooking, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese, minced onion, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning on the parchment paper.
- Bake until cheese melts and starts to brown so that it is crispy (approx 8-12 min). The cheese will bake together to form a large sheet. You can see the process pics above the recipe card in this post.
- Remove from oven and cool, then break into small bites and lay the pieces on paper towels. The topping will crisp as it cools.
- In a greased 13 X 9 baking dish, add 1 ½ cans of the green beans (drained), then add the mushroom soup mixture and sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the rest of the green beans, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the casserole dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the baked cheese on top and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Keto-Friendly Recipes
I know you are going to love my Keto Green Bean Casserole. Along with this, make sure you check out all of our family’s favorite keto comfort foods found in my Keto Recipe Index.
Are the minced onions in the crunchy toppings the dry onions that come in a bottle, or fresh minced onions? Thank you
They are the dried minced onions. Thanks!
Do you think this would freeze well?
I would think so, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure.
I just made this and the chicken broth/heavy cream stayed very runny. Any options to make it more like soup?
You have to boil it down so that it thickens. You can add Xanthan Gum if you’d like it to thicken faster.
How much Xanthan Gum?
None
What is the serving size?
I divide the entire dish into 12 equal servings.
when you say cook to thicken mixture to consistency of cream of mushroom soup in a can , you mean as thick as it is right out of the can? because mine didnt thicken this much
Do you think I could I could do steps 1-7 the day before Thanksgiving and then finish the rest up on Thanksgiving?
I haven’t tried but I would think it would be okay.
Most excellent!
Glad you liked it!
Do you use fresh or canned diced mushrooms?
I used fresh.
This was the one thing requested by the family this year over the old regular GB casserole. We love it!,,
Great! So glad you loved it.
I would love to make this for Thanksgiving. Do you think that I could make it in a crock pot?
I don’t think it would work in the crock pot.
Loved this recipe! I didn’t make it as thick as what I should have but the overall entree is great!
Awesome. So glad you enjoyed it. Next time just continue simmering until it reaches desired thickness. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe.
What mushrooms would you recommend?
Terrible question for me!! lol!! No one in my family likes mushrooms so I would be of no help! Sorry.
If your family doesn’t like mushrooms can that be left off and then reduce other items in recipe so it’s not so runny? If so what would those measurements be?
I don’t know as I’ve only made the recipe as is. That being said my entire family hates mushrooms but this is more like cream of mushroom soup where it doesn’t actually taste like mushrooms.
Just tried this tonight. Overall, I felt like the flavor was good. It took my sauce about 40 minutes to thicken up, and could’ve been thicker. Also, the crunchy topping never did get crunchy and my husband felt like it was weird that the pieces were chewy. Not sure how to get them crispier? Finally, the pic above looks like way more than 1/4 cup of mozzerella cheese. 1/4 cup to cover a 9×13 pan is hardly any at all. I thought maybe it was a misprint. Anyway, good flavor but I’ll make a few tweaks next time.