Keto green bean casserole has been a game-changer for my holiday meals and weeknight dinners alike. I used to think I had to give up classic comfort foods to stick to my low-carb lifestyle, but this recipe proved me wrong! The aroma of the creamy, cheesy beans baking with a crunchy pork rind topping fills my kitchen and instantly makes me feel cozy. It’s truly the best keto green bean casserole recipe I’ve ever tried, and it’s so easy to make. This is the easy keto green bean casserole you’ve been looking for. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Green Bean Casserole
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s a truly satisfying low carb green bean casserole that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Incredible taste: Creamy, savory, and topped with a delightful crunch.
- Quick prep: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Health benefits: Packed with nutrients and fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.
- Versatile: A fantastic low carb green bean casserole for any occasion.
- Dietary friendly: Naturally gluten-free and sugar-free.
Ingredients for Keto Green Bean Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredibly flavorful and creamy keto green bean casserole. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic side dish without the carbs, and it works beautifully as a green bean casserole without cream soup.
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed – I like to use fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is the base for our rich, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Adds extra richness and smooths out the sauce.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk – Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty depth of flavor in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Provides a subtle sweet and savory base note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of spice.
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds – These create the perfect crunchy, keto-friendly topping.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the pork rind topping.
How to Make Keto Green Bean Casserole
Let’s get this delicious keto green bean casserole in the oven! It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting side dish.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: Prepare your green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add your trimmed green beans, and blanch them for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Drain them immediately and set them aside.
- Step 3: Create the creamy sauce. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined. This is the heart of how to make keto green bean casserole.
- Step 4: Combine beans and sauce. Add the blanched green beans to the creamy sauce mixture. Gently stir them in, ensuring each bean is coated in that luscious sauce. The aroma at this stage is amazing!
- Step 5: Assemble the casserole. Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 6: Prepare the crunchy topping. In a separate small bowl, mix together the crushed pork rinds and shredded cheddar cheese. This simple topping adds that irresistible crunch to our keto green bean casserole.
- Step 7: Top and bake. Sprinkle the pork rind and cheese mixture evenly over the green beans. Pop the dish into your preheated oven.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. You’ll see that delicious cheese melting and getting crispy.
- Step 9: Rest and serve. Once out of the oven, let this amazing keto green bean casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up perfectly. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Keto Green Bean Casserole
Want to elevate your keto green bean casserole from good to absolutely amazing? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that guarantee a fantastic result every time.
- Use fresh green beans: While frozen can work in a pinch, fresh beans offer a better texture and vibrant color. Trim them yourself for the best control.
- Don’t overcook the beans: Blanching them until they’re just tender-crisp is key. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, and you don’t want mushy beans.
- Soften your cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a super smooth, lump-free sauce for your keto casserole.
- Crush pork rinds finely: For the best crunchy topping, crush your pork rinds into small, breadcrumb-like pieces. A food processor works wonders.
What’s the secret to perfect Keto Green Bean Casserole?
The secret to a truly perfect keto green bean casserole lies in the balance of creamy sauce and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. Using real cream cheese and heavy cream creates that luxurious texture, while finely crushed pork rinds give you that essential crispness without the carbs! For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes.
Can I make Keto Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the pork rind topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Keto Green Bean Casserole?
A common mistake is overcooking the green beans, leading to a mushy texture. Another pitfall is not softening the cream cheese enough, resulting in a lumpy sauce. Always ensure your beans are tender-crisp and your cream cheese is room temperature for a truly healthy green bean casserole keto. Learning about foods to eat less of can also help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Best Ways to Serve Keto Green Bean Casserole
This keto green bean casserole is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to any meal. It’s a standout among best keto side dishes and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
- Holiday Feasts: It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, complementing roast turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Weeknight Dinners: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even a juicy steak for a complete low-carb meal.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: This crowd-pleasing casserole is always a hit and travels well, making it perfect for bring-a-dish events.
It’s the perfect complement to rich meats and other keto-friendly dishes, adding a creamy, savory element to your plate.
Nutrition Facts for Keto Green Bean Casserole
This keto green bean casserole is a fantastic, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic side dish. Each serving is packed with flavor and fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle, making it a wonderful sugar free green bean casserole option.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy eating tips, consider looking into healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Green Bean Casserole
Leftover keto green bean casserole is a treasure, and storing it properly ensures it stays delicious. Once it has cooled down for about 30 minutes, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from transferring. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. If you need to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. As one of the most versatile low carb side dishes for holidays, having it ready to go is a lifesaver.
Reheating is simple! For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, then follow the baking instructions. The goal is to heat it evenly without making the topping soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Green Bean Casserole
What is keto green bean casserole?
A keto green bean casserole is a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly version of the classic comfort food. It swaps out high-carb ingredients like traditional condensed cream soup and fried onion toppings for keto-approved alternatives such as cream cheese, heavy cream, and crushed pork rinds, ensuring it fits seamlessly into a ketogenic diet. Understanding the basics of a carnivore diet can also be informative for some.
Why make keto green bean casserole?
You should make this keto green bean casserole because it allows you to enjoy a beloved holiday and comfort food without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. It’s incredibly delicious, satisfying, and offers a healthier alternative packed with healthy fats and fewer net carbs, making it a perfect choice for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Can I use frozen green beans for this keto green bean casserole recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen green beans for this keto green bean casserole recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before blanching them. While fresh beans offer a slightly better texture, frozen beans are a convenient alternative that still yields a wonderful result.
What are some good keto-friendly side dishes to serve with this casserole?
This keto green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with many other keto-friendly dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, garlic butter steak, or even a hearty keto meatloaf. It also complements other low carb side dishes like broccoli salad or a fresh green salad.
Variations of Keto Green Bean Casserole You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize your keto friendly green bean casserole to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Add Mushrooms: For a more classic flavor profile, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic before adding them to the sauce. This is a popular addition for those who love the traditional version.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can try using full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind) instead of heavy cream and almond milk, and a dairy-free shredded cheese for the topping. It’s still a delicious diabetic green bean casserole keto option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a little heat.
- Different Toppings: Beyond pork rinds, consider chopped pecans or almonds mixed with a little melted butter and Parmesan for a nutty crunch.
Keto Green Bean Casserole: Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting and satisfying keto green bean casserole that fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle. This recipe features tender green beans, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping, all without the heavy ingredients that can disrupt a ketogenic diet. It’s a flavorful and nourishing dish, ideal for everyday dinners and festive occasions, making it a great alternative to traditional green bean casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, almond milk, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates the creamy sauce for your keto green bean casserole.
- Add the blanched green beans to the cream cheese mixture and stir gently to coat them evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds and shredded cheddar cheese for the crunchy topping.
- Sprinkle the pork rind and cheese mixture evenly over the green bean casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let the keto green bean casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a variation on this keto green bean casserole, you can add sautéed mushrooms.
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Pork rinds can be crushed in a food processor or by placing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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