Keto Green Bean Casserole with Bacon: A Deliciously Guilt-Free Side Dish

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, enjoying classic comfort foods can be a challenge. Traditional green bean casserole, a staple at holiday meals and family gatherings, often contains ingredients high in carbs, like canned cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. However, with a few clever modifications, you can indulge in a keto-friendly green bean casserole with bacon that's just as satisfying as the original. This recipe brings together the goodness of fresh green beans, creamy sauce, cheese, bacon, and other seasonings in a dish that's low in carbs and full of flavor.

Why Green Bean Casserole Can Be Keto-Friendly

Traditional green bean casserole recipes often include ingredients unsuitable for a keto diet. The most problematic ingredient is usually the canned cream of mushroom soup, which is typically high in carbs and contains non-keto-friendly additives. However, by making simple swaps, you can enjoy a green bean casserole with bacon that is keto and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients for a Keto Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dish:

• Fresh Green Beans: The star of the show, green beans are naturally low in carbs and a good source of vitamins and minerals. According to Self Nutrition Data, 1 cup of raw green beans has 4.1g net carbs.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds a salty, savory crunch that replaces the traditional fried onions.
• Creamy Sauce: Instead of canned soup, a homemade sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and spices creates a rich and flavorful base.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy goodness that complements the other flavors.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a savory depth to the dish.
• Pimentos: Chopped pimentos add a touch of sweetness and color.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a hint of acidity.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper (optional) enhance the overall taste.
• Optional Toppings: Almond flour topping, parmesan crisps or extra shredded cheese can be used for added flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make your own keto green bean casserole with bacon:

1. Prepare the Green Beans

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cut the ends off the fresh green beans, then cut them in half for shorter pieces.
• Drop the green beans into the boiling water and cook until they reach your desired tenderness, about 4-8 minutes. Remember that they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Immediately drain the green beans and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Return to the pot and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics

• Dice the bacon and onion. Mince the garlic.
• Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the bacon.
• Cook until the bacon is crispy, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add the onion and garlic and continue cooking until the onion is transparent, another 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• Add the pimentos, lemon juice, and cream of mushroom soup (see recipe below) to the bacon/onion mixture.
• Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If it tastes "flat", it needs salt!
• Stir to combine.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the sauce over the green beans and stir gently to combine.
• Pour the mixture into a glass or ceramic 3-qt casserole dish.
• Crumble the almond flour topping over the casserole (instructions below) OR sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Place the casserole in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the green beans are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
• Turn the oven to broil, then optionally top with either french fried onions or crushed parmesan crisps for an added crunch.
• Cook until the top starts to brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch the topping carefully so it doesn't burn.

Recipe Variations and Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: While fresh green beans are preferred, frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the baking dish.
• Add Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use ghee or non-dairy butter, full-fat canned coconut milk in the cream of mushroom soup, and compliant bacon.
• Prepare Ahead of Time: This casserole can be made and assembled in advance. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. If preparing ahead of time, freeze without the topping.
• Add Potatoes: If you are not low carb or keto, you can add potatoes to this dish too. They go well if you want to make this a more substantial side dish.

Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Here's how to make a keto-friendly cream of mushroom soup from scratch:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Butter or oil of choice
• 1 Medium Onion, diced (to reduce carbs only use ½ onion)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ¾ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• ½ Cup Chicken Broth
• 8 Oz. Mushrooms, chopped
• ⅛ teaspoon Ground Thyme
• Salt, to taste (roughly ½ tsp)
• Pepper, to taste (roughly ¼ tsp)
• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, optional

Instructions

1. Heat the butter or oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are soft and the onion is translucent.
3. Slowly add in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Then stir in the thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Allow to bubble around a minute then remove from heat.
5. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth (or use an immersion blender). Be very careful because the soup is hot!!! If you prefer some texture, reserve some mushrooms and stir in after blending.

Optional Almond Flour Topping Recipe

Here's how to make an almond flour topping for your keto green bean casserole:

Ingredients

• ½ Cup Blanched Almond Flour
• ½ - 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

This keto green bean casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Green beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. They are also a good source of fiber and protein. This wholesome side dish provides a good balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Green beans deliver the perfect combination of low net carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals-making them a smart and tasty choice for keto dieters. With just 3.6 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, they fit easily into daily carb limits, allowing you to enjoy generous servings without worrying about undermining your goals. Their high fiber content not only supports digestive health but also helps you feel full and satisfied. Plus, their low calorie count and high nutrient content mean you can add bulk and nutrition to your meals without adding excess calories.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Bacon Green Bean Casserole is best served right out of the oven. Let leftover green bean casserole cool to room temp, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, freeze the casserole without the bacon topping and add freshly cooked bacon when reheating. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

A low-carb keto green bean casserole is the perfect contribution to any potluck gathering. It’s also a great weeknight dinner side when paired with mains like Rosemary Steak, Pan-Seared Salmon, or Smothered Pork Chops.

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