Low-Carb Sides

Green Bean Casserole

Name: Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (115g) crispy bacon, crumbled; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Maren Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Low-Carb Sides

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves6

As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the art of creating delicious low-carb keto dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. One of my favorite recipes is the classic Green Bean Casserole, which I've adapted to fit my keto lifestyle. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a side dish for a weeknight dinner.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was amazed by how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out. The combination of fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy topping is a match made in heaven. Since then, I've made it countless times, and it's become a staple in my household.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a keto Green Bean Casserole from scratch. We'll start with the basics, including selecting the freshest ingredients and preparing the green beans. Then, we'll move on to making the creamy sauce and assembling the casserole. Finally, we'll top it off with a crispy topping and bake it to perfection.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb keto side dish that's easy to make and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this Green Bean Casserole. So, let's get started and make this amazing dish together!

Throughout this recipe, I'll share my tips and tricks for making the perfect Green Bean Casserole. From selecting the right ingredients to avoiding common mistakes, I'll cover it all. By the end of this recipe, you'll be a pro at making this delicious dish, and you'll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
The combination of fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy topping is a match made in heaven.
This recipe is keto-friendly and low in carbs, making it perfect for a keto lifestyle.
It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences.
The leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it a great meal prep option.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Green Bean Casserole is in the layers of flavor and texture. By using fresh green beans, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, we create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The green beans provide a nice crunch, while the sauce adds a rich and creamy element. The topping, made with almond flour and grated cheese, adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of keto-friendly ingredients. By using almond flour instead of traditional flour, we reduce the carb content of the dish and make it more suitable for a keto lifestyle. Additionally, the use of grated cheese and heavy cream adds a rich and creamy element to the sauce, without adding any unnecessary carbs.

Finally, the cooking technique used in this recipe is also important. By baking the casserole in the oven, we create a nice golden-brown crust on top, while keeping the inside creamy and tender. This technique also helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, making the dish even more delicious.

Overall, the combination of fresh ingredients, keto-friendly ingredients, and proper cooking technique makes this Green Bean Casserole a winner. Whether you're a keto enthusiast or just looking for a delicious side dish, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Green Bean Casserole, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are fresh green beans, heavy cream, grated cheese, and almond flour. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and butter. When shopping for ingredients, be sure to select the freshest green beans you can find, and choose a high-quality grated cheese that melts well.

In addition to the ingredients, you'll also need some basic equipment, such as a large skillet, a baking dish, and a mixing bowl. Make sure to have these items on hand before you start cooking, as they'll make the process much easier.

1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmedFresh green beans are essential for this recipe, as they provide a nice crunch and flavor. Look for beans that are firm and bright green, with no signs of wilting or browning.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterButter adds a rich and creamy element to the sauce, and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the green beans. Use a high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it provides a rich and creamy element to the sauce. Look for a high-quality, full-fat heavy cream for the best flavor.
1 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheeseGrated cheese adds a nice flavor and texture contrast to the dish, and helps to bind the sauce together. Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) almond flourAlmond flour is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it provides a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. Look for a high-quality, finely ground almond flour for the best texture and flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps to bring out the sweetness of the green beans. Use a high-quality, kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice flavor and texture contrast to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce. Use a high-quality, freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a nice flavor and aroma to the dish, and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the green beans. Use a high-quality, fresh garlic for the best flavor.
1 cup (115g) crispy bacon, crumbledCrispy bacon adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce. Look for a high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a nice flavor and texture contrast to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce. Use a high-quality, fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panBaking dish (9x13 inch)Mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWhisk

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and blanch the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until they're tender but still crisp. Drain the green beans and set them aside.
3
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they're coated in the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated cheese, and almond flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Add the cooked green beans to the mixing bowl, and stir until they're well coated in the cream sauce.
7
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, and top with the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley.
8
Dot the top of the casserole with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9
Remove the casserole from the oven, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
10
To ensure the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
11
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to set.

Expert Tips

To ensure the green beans are cooked to the right texture, check them frequently during the blanching process.
Don't overcook the green beans, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Use a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
If using crispy bacon, make sure to crumble it into small pieces before adding it to the casserole.
To add some extra flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced onions or mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic.
To make the casserole more substantial, try adding some cooked chicken or beef to the green bean mixture.
To make the casserole ahead of time, prepare the green bean mixture and the cream sauce, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the green beans, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Not cooking the casserole to a safe internal temperature, which can be a food safety issue.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the sauce to be runny and unappetizing.
Not using the right type of almond flour, which can affect the texture and flavor of the casserole.
Not seasoning the casserole with salt and pepper, which can make it taste bland and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced ham or cooked sausage to the green bean mixture for added flavor and protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced onions or mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
Try using different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, instead of almond flour for a different texture and flavor.
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and lower-carb option.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the cream sauce for added flavor and freshness.
Try using different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, instead of bacon for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Green Bean Casserole

This Green Bean Casserole is perfect as a side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Some ideas for serving this casserole include:

As a side dish for a weeknight dinner, paired with a protein such as chicken or beef.

As a side dish for a special occasion, such as a holiday dinner or a party.

As a main dish, paired with a salad or a side of vegetables.

As a snack or appetizer, paired with a dip or a spread.

Serve with a protein such as chicken or beefServe as a side dish for a special occasionServe as a main dish, paired with a salad or side of vegetablesServe as a snack or appetizer, paired with a dip or spread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Green Bean Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven until it's hot and bubbly.

To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the casserole in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the sauce to become runny and unappetizing.

Some tips for storing and reheating the casserole include:

Letting the casserole cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Using airtight containers or wrapping the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to prevent moisture and other contaminants from entering the casserole.

Labeling and dating the casserole, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored and when it was made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of green beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese to your taste, as different cheeses have different levels of saltiness and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, and to reheat it properly before serving.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can use a different type of nut, such as pecans or walnuts, instead of almond flour. Just be sure to adjust the amount of nut flour to your taste, as different nuts have different levels of flavor and texture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, as it uses low-carb ingredients such as almond flour and heavy cream. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure that they fit within your daily keto macros.

Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and lower-carb option. Just be sure to adjust the amount of coconut cream to your taste, as it can be quite rich and creamy.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too runny?

To prevent the casserole from becoming too runny, make sure to not overcook the green beans and to use the right amount of cream sauce. You can also try adding some grated cheese or chopped nuts to the casserole to help absorb excess moisture.

Can I freeze the casserole for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for later use. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

The Full Recipe

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