If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, a serving of Green Bean Casserole is the perfect choice for you. Clocking in at just 147 calories per serving, this classic dish can be enjoyed guilt-free. But what makes this dish so special? Let's take a closer look!
Green Bean Casserole is not only low in calories but it's also rich in vitamins and minerals. One serving provides 11% of your recommended daily intake of iron and 18% of your daily vitamin C needs. Plus, it's a great source of fiber! But how do you make this dish? Let's find out!
In this article, we'll show you an easy recipe for Green Bean Casserole, discuss its nutritional information and health benefits, give you some alternatives and unique twists to make your casserole stand out, and share tips for storing and reheating. Plus, we'll give you suggestions for pairing it with other dishes and explore vegan and vegetarian options. Let's get started!
Easy recipe for Green Bean Casserole
To make this classic side dish, you'll need some basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need: - 2 cans of French-style green beans
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and mix the beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper in a casserole dish. Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top and bake for about 25 minutes. Enjoy!
A serving of Green Bean Casserole (1 portion) contains: - 147 calories
- 6.2g fat
- 19.8g carbs
- 3.9g fiber
- 4.8g protein
- 77.3mg calcium
- 2.2mg iron
- 9.1mg vitamin C With only 6.2g of fat and 3.9g of fiber, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, its high vitamin C content makes it a great choice for boosting your immune system!
Ingredients required for Green Bean Casserole
To make Green Bean Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cans of French-style green beans
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions All of these ingredients are widely available in grocery stores, making this dish easy to prepare on short notice.
Health benefits of Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole offers a variety of health benefits, including: - Low calorie count (147 calories per serving)
- High in fiber (3.9g per serving)
- Rich in vitamins and minerals (11% of recommended daily intake of iron and 18% of daily vitamin C needs per serving) The dish is also suitable for vegetarians and, with a few modifications, for vegans as well. Plus, it's a versatile dish that pairs well with many other foods.
Alternatives to traditional Green Bean Casserole
If you want to try a different take on Green Bean Casserole, there are plenty of alternatives to explore. For instance, you could try making: - Vegan Green Bean Casserole (using dairy-free alternatives to cream and milk)
- Gluten-free Green Bean Casserole (using gluten-free crispy fried onions)
- Keto Green Bean Casserole (using low-carb cream of mushroom soup)
- Bacon-wrapped Green Bean Casserole (adding bacon strips over the top) All of these options are delicious and easy to make, so don't hesitate to experiment!
Unique twists to make your Green Bean Casserole stand out
Green Bean Casserole is a classic for a reason, but there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on this dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Add shredded cheese on top of the crispy fried onions
- Use fresh green beans instead of canned ones
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup
- Top with sliced almonds or breadcrumbs instead of onions
- Add garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor With a few tweaks, your Green Bean Casserole is sure to stand out at any potluck or holiday gathering!
How to store and reheat Green Bean Casserole
Leftover Green Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you could reheat it in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sides that pair well with Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with many other foods. Here are a few suggestions: - Mashed potatoes
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Macaroni and cheese These sides will complement your casserole and make for a well-rounded meal!
Tips for making the perfect Green Bean Casserole
Making Green Bean Casserole is a breeze, but here are a few tips to make sure it turns out perfectly: - Use an oven-safe dish for baking
- Don't overcook the beans (they should still be slightly crispy)
- Swap out the crispy fried onions for breadcrumbs or sliced almonds to add crunch
- Season to taste with salt and pepper
- Serve hot and enjoy! With these tips, your Green Bean Casserole will be the talk of the town!
Vegan and vegetarian Green Bean Casserole options
Green Bean Casserole is a dish that's easy to adapt to vegan and vegetarian diets. Here are a few options to consider: - Substitute dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for the regular version
- Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk
- Use vegan crispy fried onions or make your own using cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor With these modifications, your vegan or vegetarian Green Bean Casserole will be just as delicious as the original!
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that's easy to make and full of flavor. With a few tweaks, you can put your own spin on this dish and make it your own!
5 FAQ About Green Bean Casserole
1. What are the ingredients in Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole typically consists of canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and French fried onions.
2. Is Green Bean Casserole a healthy side dish option?
It depends on the specific recipe being used. While green beans are a nutritious vegetable, many recipes for Green Bean Casserole contain high amounts of sodium and fat from the cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions. However, there are healthier alternatives available, such as using fresh green beans or substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a lower-fat version.
3. Can Green Bean Casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, Green Bean Casserole can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, it can be fully baked and then reheated in the oven or microwave.
4. Can Green Bean Casserole be made without canned soup?
Yes, there are recipes available that do not use canned soup as a base. Instead, a homemade cream sauce can be made using flour, butter, milk, and seasonings.
5. What are some variations of Green Bean Casserole?
While the classic recipe is made with green beans and French fried onions, there are variations that include different vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, or different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan. Additionally, some recipes add bacon or other meats to the dish for added flavor.