Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe (Low Carb, Gluten Free)

Keto green bean casserole is a low-carb spin on a classic holiday favorite, and this version features fresh mushrooms, fresh green beans and incredible flavor! It's a healthier, from-scratch version of the classic Campbell's soup-inspired dish.

There's no canned soup here, for obvious reasons. Instead, we make our own mushroom and onion-infused cream sauce and bake it with a delicious crunchy topping to create a flavorful, green bean side dish you'll be so excited to dig in to. 

If you're reading this, chances are a keto green bean casserole is a dish that's right up your alley. As in, your Thanksgiving table is basically incomplete without one (hi, it's me). And if so, hello, my people. 

I'm right there with you. Because, come on, how can you not like crisp green beans smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce?

It's the stuff of comfort food dreams, and this version is beyond good. 

Fresh green beans, a creamy and savory mushroom sauce, and a crispy topping with pan-fried walnuts, bits of bacon and caramelized shallot up the flavor.

But what's great about this keto green bean casserole recipe is that you can take the green bean and mushroom base and top it however you like! Go for the classic crispy onions if you're able to, or smother it in grated cheddar cheese. 

While I am all about the traditional fried onion topping that is arguably one of the best things about the classic green bean casserole, I created a crunchy, keto version that is equally yummy. 

Crisp bits of bacon, pan-fried walnuts and caramelized shallot add even more flavor. But if you want something really simple, crumble some pork rinds on top and call it good. I've tested it and it's also a 10/10.

​why this recipe works

This keto green bean casserole starts with a thick and flavorful cream sauce.

Cream cheese is the base of the sauce and if you're dairy-free, no worries, a vegan cream cheese will also work.

Loads of mushrooms and onion is required, and I'm not exaggerating. There's an entire onion in the sauce, plus onion powder, plus pan-fried shallots on top. Onion, onion, onion. It's a must!

Also, for the best flavor and results, opt for fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen. Please just trust me on this? 

​Here's why you'll love it:

• It's quite easy to make from scratch and is a healthy green bean casserole recipe made with real, whole foods!

• Whether you're making it for a special occasion dinner or to complete your holiday meal, there's not a whole lot of work involved and I'm sharing tips below to help you cook in advance!

• It's a naturally gluten free, keto diet friendly and low-carb dish the whole family will love. 

• Keto green bean casserole is so versatile! Enjoy the recipe as-is or layer it up with your own favorite casserole topping

the ingredients

To make this low-carb green bean casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh green beans. No mushy, canned green beans here! The best green bean casserole calls for fresh ingredients, so fresh green beans are the way to go. They're cooked until tender yet slightly crisp.
• Avocado oil or olive oil. For cooking the onion, garlic and sliced mushrooms. You can also substitute it for reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
• Yellow onion and fresh garlic. These aromatics add a wonderful, savory flavor to the creamy sauce. 
• Crimini (or baby bella) mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms give the casserole that delicious, earthy, mushroom flavor (and I promise, it's way better than a can of mushroom soup!).
• Full-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese. You can make this with either regular cream choose or use a dairy-free cream cheese if needed. I like Kite Hill which is almond-based, and Miyoko's which is cashew-based, broken up into tablespoon-sized pieces so they melt easier. 
• Chicken broth or chicken stock. Adds moisture and flavor to the dish!
• Unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream). This helps thin out the cream cheese sauce. 
• Dry red or white wine (optional). A splash of a dry wine will add depth of flavor to the sauce. You can definitely omit it and substitute more chicken broth instead. 
• Spices and seasonings. You'll need salt, black pepper, onion powder, and ground nutmeg to create the perfect savory flavor in this dish. 
• Crunchy topping. I like a combination of shallots, chopped bacon (pre-cooked) and walnuts. They create a topping that's much different than your standard fried onion layer, but delicious in its own way! This topping is totally optional. If you're looking to save a little extra time or don't really care for this topping combination, you can always skip it and crush up some pork rinds instead.

a keto green bean casserole recipe

Before I get to the process, a quick note.

If you plan on making the walnut/bacon/shallot topping, you can fry the bacon ahead of time and use the reserved grease instead of avocado oil or olive oil. It'll give your dish so much extra flavor!

Here's a look at how to make keto green bean casserole, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the printable recipe card. 

1. Blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and toss in the green beans. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes to blanch, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. Sauté the mushroom and onion. In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or an oven-safe skillet) heat the bacon grease or olive oil/avocado oil and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook 3 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic.
3. Make the mushroom cream sauce. Place the cream cheese in the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth, almond milk, and wine. Stir in the salt and pepper, nutmeg, and onion powder. Increase to medium-high heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring it constantly to reduce and thicken the sauce.
4. Bake the low-carb green bean casserole. If not using a cast iron skillet, transfer the sauce to an oven-safe pan and toss with the green beans. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. (After 15 minutes, remove the casserole to top it with the walnut/bacon mixture, then bake another 5 minutes).
5. Make the topping. In the meantime, heat a tablespoon of reserved bacon grease or butter in a separate small pan. Add the walnuts and chopped shallots, allowing them to toast for about 5-7 minutes to turn golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped bacon. After the casserole has baked for 15 minutes, spoon the walnut/bacon mixture on top of the casserole and return it to the oven to bake another 5 minutes.

keto green bean casserole tips

• Don't walk away from the mushroom sauce, it can easily burn! Continue stirring it as it reduces and thickens.

• The wine is optional, but it adds a lovely flavor to the sauce. To keep it low in sugar, I use a dry red wine like cabernet, pinot noir, or merlot.

• For extra ease and fewer dishes to wash (a major bonus on Thanksgiving, yeah?), make the entire thing in a large cast iron skillet. This means you don't have to transfer the green beans and sauce to a casserole dish before baking.

• About the mushroom sauce-- it's a recipe to keep in your back pocket, because it's also multi-purpose. Toss in zucchini noodles for a delicious creamy low-carb dinner. Or spoon it over cooked chicken thighs and cauliflower rice.

• Feel free to top the casserole with crunchy onions or pan-fried shallots, pork rinds, or with a layer of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese. 

storing low-carb green bean casserole

If you have leftovers (always the best part of Thanksgiving dinner!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F to heat through. 

making in advance

If you'd like to save some time on Thanksgiving day, you can make this keto casserole recipe in advance!

Follow the recipe up until the baking step. You can prep the topping ahead of time too.

Store the casserole in the fridge, covered for up to two days. Store the topping separately. When it's time to bake the casserole, follow the recipe instructions and add a few extra minutes of baking time.

how many carbs are in keto green bean casserole?

This keto green bean casserole recipe is only 7g net carbs per serving!

It is gluten free, dairy optional, and is a healthy green bean casserole recipe that I think even non green bean casserole fans will approve of. Bold statement? Probably. 😉 But I love this healthy green bean casserole recipe so much, I proudly stand by it.

you might also love

• Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sugar-Free Apple Cider
• Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie
• Fall Kale Salad with Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette
• Keto Pumpkin Roll