How to Make a Classic Green Bean Casserole

A green bean casserole is an oven-baked side dish that usually combines the legumes with a creamy sauce, onions, and other spices and ingredients. Often served alongside sweet potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole also pairs well with soy sauce or a cream sauce. The addition of thick dairy elements like half-and-half is common, although this increases the dish’s saturated fat content.

The healthiness of green bean casserole largely depends on what ingredients you plan to use, although green beans themselves are healthy. Green beans are lower in carbohydrates than many other members of the legume family and high in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. Green beans are also low in total fat and packed with a ton of dietary fiber, which can help you process cholesterol.

The best green bean casserole recipe is one you can tailor to your preferences, including the particular green beans you want to include.

1. 1. Crispy cut green beans: Green beans are naturally soft with a waxy exterior, but you can make them crispy if you want. Bake them with panko breadcrumbs until they turn golden brown to give them a crunchy exterior. Consider pairing them with crispy fried onions.
2. 2. French cut green beans: French cut green beans are thin, resulting in an alternative texture to regular green bean casserole and a faster cooking time overall. These green beans can also make for an elegant visual presentation.
3. 3. Canned green beans: Canned green beans, which are already washed and cut, make it easy to prepare a green bean casserole quickly, such as for a weeknight dinner. Heat the green beans in the same way you would a canned soup.