15 Best Toppings for Green Bean Casserole You Must Try

If you love green bean casserole, you’re in for a treat!

I’ve compiled a list of the 15 best toppings that will take your casserole to the next level.

From bacon and cheese to crunchy nuts and breadcrumbs, I’ve got a topping for everyone.

Read on to learn which toppings will make your green bean casserole a stand-out dish.

1. Bacon

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Who doesn’t like bacon?

If you’re looking for an easy way to add more flavor to your casserole, bacon is definitely the way to go.

1. I like to prepare my bacon in a skillet on medium heat until it’s nice and crispy.
2. Then, I’ll crumble it up and sprinkle it over the top of my casserole right before baking.

The result?

A delicious dish that’s packed with flavor!

Pro Tip: You can also use cooked bacon bits if you don’t have time or access to fresh bacon. Just make sure they’re not too salty so your dish doesn’t become overly salty.

2. Shredded cheese

As a cheese lover, I’m all about adding shredded cheese to my casseroles.

It adds a nice cheesy flavor, and it’s also great for binding the dish together.

I like to buy pre-shredded cheese from the store since it melts easily and evenly into the casserole.

When preparing my topping, I like to mix different types of cheeses together for more depth of flavor – think parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, or provolone.

For an extra crunchy crust on top of your casserole, add some panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before baking in the oven.

Pro Tip: To get that golden brown color on top of your casserole, put it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

3. Chopped onions

Onions add flavor like no other.

I love to caramelize them for a sweeter flavor, or sauté until golden and crispy.

When added to casseroles, they add an oniony crunch that is hard to replicate with any other ingredient.

You can also use chopped onions as a topping for tacos, nachos or even breakfast dishes like eggs.

For a casserole dish, I would recommend using half of the amount you’d normally use if adding fresh onions – this will prevent it from becoming too overpowering.

Pro Tip: To make caramelizing onions easier (and faster), chop your onions into thin slices. This will help ensure that they cook through evenly and quickly!

4. Breadcrumbs

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If you’ve got a bag of breadcrumbs in your pantry, you can easily add it as a topping for any casserole.

I like to make my own breadcrumbs with stale bread or rolls that are a few days old by pulsing them in the food processor until they become crumbly.

Then, I season them with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley before sprinkling them on top of the casserole.

This adds an extra layer of flavor, texture, and crunch that takes your dish from good to great!

Pro Tip: If you don’t have stale bread on hand, add 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil to 1 cup of dry store-bought breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

5. Chopped mushrooms

Mushrooms have a way of adding a unique flavor and texture to any casserole.

I love using chopped mushrooms as a topping for my casseroles.

To prepare them, I sauté the mushrooms in butter before adding them on top of the casserole.

This gives it an extra boost of flavor that really elevates the dish.

Plus, it adds some great color contrast too!

Pro Tip: For added crunch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking your casserole.

6. Chopped peppers

Yes, peppers aren’t just for pizza!

Adding chopped peppers to your casserole is a great way to add more flavor and texture.

I like to use red, green, and yellow bell peppers because they offer a combination of sweet and savory flavors.

1. To prepare them for the casserole, chop up the peppers into small cubes or strips then sauté them in a pan with some olive oil until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Sprinkle them over the top of your casserole before baking for an added layer of flavor!

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, buy pre-chopped peppers from the store’s produce section.

7. Slivered almonds

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Almonds add a great crunch and nutty flavor to your casserole.

I like to toast mine before adding them as a topping — this brings out their natural sweetness, plus it gives a nice extra layer of texture!

1. Toasting almonds is easy: just spread them out onto a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes at 350°F.
2. Let cool, then sprinkle over the top of your casserole.

You can also add slivered almonds to salads or yogurt bowls for an added crunch.

Pro Tip: Toast more than you need so you have some on hand for snacking!

8. Herb-seasoned croutons

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These little bites of crunchy goodness will take your casserole to the next level.

I like to make my own herb-seasoned croutons, but you could also buy a pre-made version from the store.

1. To make them myself, I just cut up some day-old bread and toss it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or thyme.
2. Then I bake it in the oven until golden brown.

These croutons are great for topping creamy casseroles like lasagna or macaroni and cheese.

Pro Tip: If you want to get super fancy, try adding some grated parmesan cheese onto the croutons before baking!

9. Parmesan cheese

Parmesan is amazing for adding a salty, nutty flavor to any dish.

I like to add it right at the end of cooking my casserole, by sprinkling it on top and letting it sit in the oven long enough for it to get crispy and golden.

If you want an even crispier topping (which is great for texture contrast), mix some panko breadcrumbs into your parmesan before sprinkling onto your casserole.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try grating fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated or powdered cheese.

10. French-fried onions

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Ah, French-fried onions – a classic topping for casseroles.

I like to buy them in the can (it’s easier, faster, and more flavorful).

1. To prepare, simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and spread the onions on top of your casserole.
2. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Not only do French-fried onions add flavor and texture to any dish, but they also give it a nice crunchy finish.

Pro Tip: Add some other mix-ins such as crumbled bacon or finely chopped jalapenos for an even more flavorful casserole!

11. Crispy shallots

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Crispy, golden shallots are a great way to add flavor and texture to your casserole.

All you need is some thinly sliced shallots, olive oil, and salt.

1. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering, then add the shallots and season with salt.
2. Cook for 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle these over your casserole before baking for added crunch!

Pro Tip: If you have any leftover crispy shallots, save them in an airtight container or ziplock bag – they make a delicious topping for salads or soups too!

12. Toasted sesame seeds

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How about toasting some sesame seeds to sprinkle on top of your casserole?

It’s a great way to add some nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

1. To toast them, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the sesame seeds.
2. Stir continuously until they start to smell nutty, then take off the heat.

I like to use this as an alternative topping for my casseroles instead of breadcrumbs – it adds more flavor without extra calories.

Pro Tip: Toast more sesame seeds than you need – any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two months!

13. Fried sage leaves

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Fried sage leaves are a great way to add some extra flavor and crunch to your casserole.

1. To prepare, heat up some olive oil in a pan and place the sage leaves in it.
2. Fry them until they become crispy (about 1-2 minutes), then set aside on a paper towel.

When you’re ready to use them, sprinkle them over the top of your casserole just before popping it into the oven!

They’ll give your dish an earthy flavor with a nice crunch – what’s not to love?

Pro Tip: If you want even more flavor, try adding some garlic or chili flakes when frying the sage leaves.

14. Panko breadcrumbs

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Panko breadcrumbs are the perfect topping for any casserole.

They create a crunchy, flavorful crust that takes the dish to the next level.

Plus, they’re so easy to make and use!

1. All you have to do is mix equal parts melted butter and panko with whatever herbs or spices you like – I love using dried oregano, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
2. Then spread it over your casserole before baking.

Pro Tip: Toast your panko in a dry pan on medium heat until golden brown before adding your seasonings; this will give an even more delicious crunch!

15. Toasted pecans

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Toasted pecans are a great way to add crunch and flavor to your casserole.

1. To prepare, spread the pecans in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden brown.
2. Sprinkle them over your finished casserole before serving – it’s that simple!

They also taste amazing when combined with other toppings like cheese, parsley, or croutons.

Pro Tip: Add some cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet and savory twist!

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