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Introduction
There’s something about the holidays that makes you crave comfort food — creamy, soft, and satisfying. Growing up, green bean casserole was a staple at every Thanksgiving table in my family. But when I started following a keto lifestyle, I realized the traditional recipe, loaded with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, just wasn’t going to fit my macros.
That’s when I decided to reinvent it — keeping the classic comfort and festive vibes but simplifying it to just five ingredients and making it keto-friendly, soft, and perfect for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just looking for a lighter holiday side, this casserole is going to steal the show.
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
- Soft and creamy texture, perfect for post-surgery or bariatric diets.
- Keto-friendly and low-carb — no guilt, just comfort.
- Quick to prep yet festive enough for any holiday table.
💫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥦 Soft & Creamy Texture: Perfectly tender green beans coated in a flavorful keto-friendly sauce.
- 🕒 Quick & Simple: Only 5 ingredients and under 30 minutes to prep.
- 🍽️ Holiday-Ready: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
- 🥓 Keto & Low-Carb: Enjoy a festive dish without spiking your carbs.
- 👩🍳 Bariatric-Friendly Option: Soft enough for easy digestion without sacrificing taste.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made this casserole, I wasn’t sure it would live up to the traditional version. But the creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy topping exceeded my expectations! Even my non-keto family members asked for seconds. What I love most is that it’s foolproof, even if you’re short on time during the holidays.
Required Equipment
Baking Dish
A medium-sized baking dish is perfect for even cooking and browning the top just enough.
Knife & Cutting Board
You’ll need these to trim and prep the green beans quickly.
Mixing Bowl
Essential for tossing the beans with the creamy sauce before baking.
Spoon or Spatula
For spreading the mixture evenly in the dish and serving.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Green Beans (fresh or frozen) – 1 lb
Soft, low-carb, and full of fiber. Frozen works too if you’re short on time. - Chicken or Turkey Bacon – 4 slices, cooked & crumbled
Replaces traditional bacon or pork bacon for keto-friendly protein and flavor. - Cream Cheese – 4 oz, softened
Adds creaminess and richness. Can substitute with mascarpone for a slightly sweeter flavor. - Heavy Cream – ½ cup
Makes the sauce smooth and decadent. Coconut cream works if dairy-free. - Shredded Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup
Adds flavor and a melty topping. Can use mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Keto Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Trim the ends of your green beans and steam them until just tender, about 5–6 minutes. Don’t overcook — you want them soft but still vibrant green.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook your turkey or chicken bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside for topping.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with heavy cream until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine & Bake
Toss the steamed green beans with the creamy sauce. Pour into your baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The casserole will be creamy, soft, and perfect for Thanksgiving!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overcooking Green Beans: Leads to mushy texture. Steam until just tender.
- ❌ Skipping the Bacon: It adds flavor and crunch. Consider turkey/chicken bacon if keto.
- ❌ Uneven Cheese Distribution: Spread evenly to avoid burnt edges.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh green beans for best color and texture.
- Softened cream cheese blends more easily; don’t microwave — let it sit at room temp.
- Air fryer option: Assemble in a small casserole dish that fits your air fryer; cook 10–12 minutes at 350°F for a quick version.
Keto Benefits of Green Beans
Green beans are low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like A, C, and K. Perfect for keto-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, they satisfy your comfort food craving without spiking blood sugar.
Variations You Can Try
- Herby Version: Add thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds subtle heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix Parmesan with cheddar for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for This Recipe
- Prepare green beans ahead to save time on Thanksgiving day.
- For a smoother casserole, blend the cream cheese and cream before tossing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Optional Additions
- A handful of sautéed mushrooms adds earthiness.
- Sprinkle a few crushed nuts for crunch (if allowed on your keto or bariatric stage).
Serving Ideas
- Pair with roasted turkey, mashed cauliflower, or keto stuffing.
- Great for family dinners, Thanksgiving, or Christmas tables.
Storage Recommendations
- Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (best to bake fresh after thawing).
- Reheating: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Steam them just until tender to avoid sogginess.
Q2: Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely — assemble, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Q3: Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
Q4: Can I omit the cheese?
You can, but cheese adds richness and helps hold the casserole together.
Q5: Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Use a small casserole dish in the air fryer for 10–12 minutes at 350°F.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 4g
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 220
5-Ingredient Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 4 slices turkey/chicken bacon
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Trim and steam green beans until just tender.
- Cook bacon until crisp; crumble.
- Mix cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss green beans with creamy sauce.
- Pour into baking dish, top with cheese and bacon.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
