This Keto Green Bean Casserole brings all the comfort of the classic dish with none of the carbs. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream, almond milk, and melted cheese, coats the tender green beans, making each bite indulgent. The crispy topping of crushed pork rinds adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly. Whether you’re making this for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this low-carb casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s simple to prepare, delicious, and fully keto-friendly. With its rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures, this dish can be enjoyed by anyone following a low-carb or keto diet, and it’s a fantastic option for those who want a healthy, gluten-free side dish to go with any meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds (for crispy topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, almond milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, cooking until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed pork rinds with a little extra Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the green beans for the crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes Keto Green Bean Casserole the Best Low-Carb Side Dish?
1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
The primary benefit of this Keto Green Bean Casserole is that it fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto diet. The original recipe is often loaded with starches, sugars, and processed ingredients that can spike blood sugar levels and kick you out of ketosis. By using fresh green beans, heavy cream, almond milk, and a crispy topping made from crushed pork rinds, this casserole becomes a healthy, low-carb side dish that won’t derail your diet goals.
Unlike other casseroles that rely on flour-based sauces or bread crumbs, this recipe uses keto-friendly alternatives that add richness and flavor, without the excess carbs.
2. Packed with Nutrients
This casserole is not only keto-friendly but also packed with nutrients. Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate. They also contain fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes satiety, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
The addition of heavy cream and butter provides healthy fats, making this dish a great choice for keto dieters who need to meet their daily fat requirements. Moreover, the cheeses (cheddar and Parmesan) contribute protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.
3. A Comforting, Creamy Texture with a Crunchy Topping
What makes green bean casserole so comforting is the creamy texture of the sauce combined with the crispiness of the topping. The heavy cream and almond milk create a luscious sauce that envelops the green beans, adding a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. The cheddar and Parmesan cheese blend into the sauce for an added layer of cheesy goodness.
To finish off the casserole, the crushed pork rinds form a golden, crunchy topping that mimics the traditional fried onions, offering a savory contrast to the creamy base. The pork rinds add a crispy texture without the carbs, and they help retain the dish’s keto-friendly status.
4. Simple to Prepare and Family-Friendly
Another great thing about this keto green bean casserole is that it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen – the dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday meals. Additionally, this casserole is a great option for families, as it’s easy to customize based on individual tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you have keto followers, gluten-free eaters, or just picky eaters at the table, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and turkey to grilled steaks and fish.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Green Bean Casserole
In its traditional form, green bean casserole is often loaded with processed ingredients like canned mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. These ingredients tend to be high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. By swapping these ingredients for fresh, whole foods like green beans, heavy cream, and almond milk, you create a much healthier version that is not only keto-approved but also gluten-free and suitable for various dietary restrictions.
2. Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions
If you’re looking for a side dish to serve during a holiday meal or a special gathering, the Keto Green Bean Casserole is the ideal choice. It has the classic flavors and comfort food appeal of traditional casseroles but with a modern, healthier twist. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just enjoying a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
3. Can Be Easily Customized
One of the greatest things about this keto green bean casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based cheese and skip the pork rinds for a breadcrumb topping made from crushed keto-friendly crackers or nuts. If you’re looking for a deeper flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bacon bits to the casserole. The possibilities are endless, and the dish can be tailored to accommodate different tastes.
4. A Flavor-Packed, Satisfying Dish
Despite being low-carb, this dish is full of rich flavors that will make you forget you’re even eating a “diet-friendly” meal. The combination of the creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crunchy topping creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying and full of umami flavors. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or not, you’ll find this casserole to be a delicious, comforting side dish that everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Keto Green Bean Casserole Your Own
The beauty of keto cooking lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ways you can personalize your Keto Green Bean Casserole:
- Add Bacon: For an extra savory kick, sprinkle crispy bacon bits into the casserole, either mixed into the beans or as a topping.
- Mushrooms: Incorporate fresh sautéed mushrooms into the casserole for added depth and flavor. Mushrooms are low in carbs and bring a rich, earthy taste to the dish.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the flavor profile of the casserole. A pinch of nutmeg or paprika can also add a delightful twist.
By incorporating your favorite ingredients, you can make this keto green bean casserole uniquely yours.
Conclusion
Keto Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle. It offers all the flavors and textures you love about the classic green bean casserole, but with none of the carbs. This dish is easy to make, nutritionally balanced, and incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a special meal for yourself, this keto-friendly casserole will satisfy your cravings for comfort food while helping you stay on track with your dietary goals. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be enjoyed year-round, so why not give it a try today?