Green Bean Casserole

A delicious Green Bean Casserole, filled with fresh green beans in a creamy, savory sauce. All topped with a crispy onion crumble, & baked to perfection! A classic dish that graces many dinner tables, especially during the holiday season. This recipe brings a fresh twist to the traditional green bean casserole by using vibrant, fresh green beans, a creamy and savory sauce, and an unbelievable crispy crumble topping. It’s a healthier take on a beloved family favorite! ✨

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How To Make The Best Green Bean Casserole

Casserole Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh green beans: Washed, trimmed, and cut in half for easy eating.
• ½ large white onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 6 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the casserole with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the savory elements.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best texture and taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Crumble Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas: Drained and roasted to create a crispy, protein-rich topping.
• ½ white onion: Thinly sliced and baked until golden and crisp.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy layer to the topping.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Helps bind the crumble and adds a subtle richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper: For seasoning the topping.

Green Bean Casserole Step-By-Step Instructions

This recipe is really straightforward and easy! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).✨

Prepare the Crumble & Green Beans

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out the drained chickpeas. Drizzle them with olive oil, making sure they're evenly coated. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 40 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.

While the chickpeas are roasting, thinly slice half of a white onion. Toss the onion slices in a small bowl with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the onions on another parchment-lined baking sheet and roast alongside the chickpeas for 40 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden.

While your crumble topping is baking, prepare the green beans. Wash the beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut the beans in half for easier eating.

Sauté & Combine the Casserole Ingredients

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are golden brown.

Once the onions and garlic are golden and aromatic, add the green beans to the skillet. Sauté them together for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the Greek yogurt, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Assemble & Bake the Casserole

Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Once the chickpeas and onions are done roasting, let the chickpeas cool slightly before transferring them to a blender or a food processor. Pulse the chickpeas until they reach a flour-like consistency.

In a medium bowl, combine the chickpea flour, crispy onions, grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the crumble topping is well combined. Sprinkle the crispy onion chickpea crumble evenly over the top of the green bean mixture. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

Fresh Ingredients: Unlike many traditional recipes, which rely on canned beans and cream of mushroom soup, this recipe uses fresh green beans and a homemade creamy sauce.

Healthy Twist: The sauce is made with Greek yogurt, adding a tangy richness while keeping the dish light. Plus, the chickpea crumble offers a crispy alternative to the usual fried onions.

Filled with Delicious Flavor: With garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese, this casserole is bursting with savory goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Alternative Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

One of the great things about green bean casserole is its versatility! Whether you need to cater to dietary restrictions, want to switch up the flavors, or simply using what you have on hand, there are plenty of ingredient alternatives and additions that can make this dish uniquely yours!

Green Beans

• Frozen or Canned Green Beans: If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen or canned green beans can be used as a substitute. Frozen green beans should be thawed and drained, while canned green beans should be thoroughly drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium.
• Other Vegetables: For a twist on the classic, consider substituting some or all of the green beans with other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. These veggies will add different flavors and textures to the dish.

Greek Yogurt

• Sour Cream: Sour cream is a classic alternative to Greek yogurt and will give your casserole a slightly richer flavor.
• Cream Cheese: For a creamier and tangier texture, use softened cream cheese. This option adds extra richness to the sauce.
• Plant-Based Yogurt: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt made from almond, coconut, or soy. These alternatives maintain the creamy consistency while accommodating those with dairy sensitivities.

Parmesan Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper flavor, substitute Parmesan with cheddar cheese. Cheddar will melt nicely into the casserole, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a great alternative if you want a milder, creamier taste. It also adds a nice, stretchy texture to the dish.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free and vegan option, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It's also a great way to add a boost of nutrients like B-vitamins.

Chickpeas for the Crumble Topping

• Breadcrumbs: Classic breadcrumbs can be used in place of chickpeas for a more traditional crunchy topping.
• Crushed Crackers: For a slightly different texture, try using crushed crackers. They’ll add a buttery flavor to the topping.
• Nuts: Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts can be used for a nutty, crunchy topping. They add a unique flavor and extra texture to the casserole.

White Onion

• Shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor than white onions and can be a great substitute. They caramelize beautifully and add a subtle depth of flavor.
• Red Onion: If you prefer a sharper, more pungent taste, red onion is a great option. It also adds a touch of color to the dish.
• Leeks: For a softer, more delicate onion flavor, try using leeks. Their mild taste complements the green beans and creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.

Olive Oil

• Butter: For a richer flavor, substitute olive oil with butter. It will give the casserole a slightly indulgent, creamy taste.

Garlic

• Shallot or Onion Powder: If you want to mix up the flavors a bit, shallot or onion powder can be used instead of garlic. These powders offer a different but complementary flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. It’s less pungent, so you may want to increase the quantity to taste.

Enjoy Your Green Bean Casserole!

This Green Bean Casserole is a timeless, healthy dish! I was skeptical at first when creating a healthier version of the classic holiday side, but this outdoes any green bean casserole I’ve had. It’s so crispy and creamy. When I serve it, people tell me it’s their favorite green bean casserole they’ve had—of course they’re shocked when I tell them it’s a healthier version! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy