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What Goes in Green Bean Casserole? (19 Best Ingredients)

Looking for some inspiration for your next green bean casserole recipe?

You’ve come to the right place!

I’m sharing 19 great ingredients that you can add to your green bean casserole recipe to make it even more delicious.

From crispy onions and bacon to mushrooms and cheese, there are so many ways that you can take this classic dish to the next level.

So if you are looking for some new ideas for your green bean casserole, then be sure to check out this list!

What Goes in Green Bean Casserole

What Goes in Green Bean Casserole?

While the classic green bean casserole recipe includes green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, you can get creative with your ingredients. Other vegetables that go well in a green bean casserole include carrots, celery, and peas. You can also add crumbled bacon or shredded cheese to the casserole for extra flavor.

Green Bean Casserole
Source: delish.com

Still looking for more ideas?

No problem, just keep scrolling!

Here are 19 ingredients that go great in green bean casserole:

1. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a delicious addition to green bean casseroles because it adds a good amount of flavor and texture.

It also pairs well with a variety of other ingredients and can be used as an ingredient in other dishes.

The best thing about cream of mushroom soup is that it’s versatile!

You can use it to make everything from soups to savory sauces and even desserts.

It’s also perfect for leftovers—you can just pop open the can, warm it up on the stovetop, and serve it over any leftover meat or veggies you might have on hand.

2. Onions

Chopped Onions

Onions are a great addition to any green bean casserole recipe.

They add flavor, texture and other ingredients that pair well with this ingredient such as butter, flour and milk.

You can prepare them by cutting them into quarters, slicing them into thin strips or dicing them into small pieces.

You can also caramelize them for added flavor.

Onions are great for leftovers because they keep their flavor for a long time.

You can use them in salads, soups or sandwiches when you have too many onions left over from your casserole-making spree!

This ingredient would go well with other recipes like soups and stews because they are hearty enough to withstand long cooking times without losing their flavor or texture.

This ingredient is also good when paired with meats like beef stew or pork chops as it gives these dishes some sweetness as well as adding another layer of taste (i.e., garlic).

Onions are great when paired with other vegetables like tomatoes and carrots because they add a savory taste which complements these ingredients well since they’re both sweet-tasting vegetables themselves but also savory-tasting vegetables at the same time.

3. Butter

Butter

Use butter to add a little extra flavor and texture to your dish, but don’t go overboard; you want just enough butter to give the dish its signature flavor, not so much that it overwhelms everything else.

Butter also pairs well with other ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan cheese.

If you’re making this dish for a special occasion or holiday meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes and cornbread stuffing.

And if you have leftovers, they make a delicious addition to your breakfast hash!

4. Celery

Celery Stalks

Celery is the perfect addition to a green bean casserole recipe.

It adds an earthy, sweet flavor and crunchy texture that complements the green beans (Check out this post if you’re not sure what to do with canned green beans).

This ingredient is also great in soups and salads, so consider adding it to those as well.

If you’re looking for other ingredients that pair well with celery, try: butter, sugar, milk (butter milk), onions, carrots, garlic, parsley, dill, basil—or any combination of these!

You can prepare celery by cutting off both ends (the bottom one is usually pretty gross), then slicing it into sticks or small pieces.

You can also mince it up if you want smaller bits of celery in your dish.

For leftovers: store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or freeze them for up to 2 months!

5. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a super-versatile ingredient that adds a lot of flavor and extra moisture to dishes.

It’s also really easy to prepare, which means you can use it whenever your heart desires—which is probably pretty often, because it pairs so well with all sorts of things!

You can use chicken broth as a base for soup, or use it as part of a marinade for meat or fish.

It works especially well with chicken, but it also goes well with veggies (like those tasty green beans) and rice.

And if you want to get really fancy?

You can even make your own chicken broth at home by boiling equal parts water and chicken bones for about 20 minutes, then straining out the bones and cooking down the liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.

Now THAT’S what I call cooking!

6. Baked Beans

Baked beans are an awesome ingredient to have in your pantry.

They go great in a green bean casserole recipe, but they’re also perfect for adding a little something extra to your favorite soups and stews, as well as salads and sandwiches.

One thing to remember about baked beans is that you can’t just buy any old can of them—you need to get the real deal.

You want baked beans made from navy beans (and not white kidney beans), with molasses as one of the ingredients.

That’s what gives them their rich flavor and makes them so good in recipes!

If you’re looking for other ingredients that pair well with baked beans, try adding some bacon or brown sugar syrup to your dish.

These two flavors complement each other perfectly!

Or if you’re looking for something different, try some apple slices or onion rings on top of your salad or sandwich—they’ll give new life to this classic dish!

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a delicious way to add some texture and flavor to your casserole, and they have plenty of health benefits.

And they pair really well with the other ingredients in this dish—like onions and garlic—so they’ll help make all your flavors pop.

If you want to prepare these mushrooms, try roasting them first.

That way they’ll taste even better!

  1. Just wash them and then toss them in olive oil and salt before placing them on a baking sheet to roast at 400 degrees F until tender (about 15 minutes).
  2. Then just add them to the rest of the ingredients for your green bean casserole recipe!

And if you happen to have any leftovers from this meal?

You can freeze them for later use!

Just place leftovers into an airtight container or plastic freezer bag, label with date and contents, then store in freezer until ready to use again (up to 3 months).

8. Bacon

Bacon adds a savory, salty flavor and crispy texture that’s hard to beat.

You can pair bacon with just about any vegetable, but it goes particularly well with potatoes and mushrooms.

If you’re going for a meaty dish, try cooking up some bacon as well!

  1. To prepare bacon, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place strips of bacon on top of it.
  3. Bake them for 15 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes or so.

Get creative—cook them longer if you want them crispier!

If you have any leftovers after making your green bean casserole recipe, try using them in sandwiches or salads the next day!

You can also make small batches of homemade candied bacon as an appetizer for large holiday dinners or potlucks.

This is one ingredient that goes great in many different types of dishes!

9. Garlic Powder or Cloves (optional)

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder or cloves add a delicious kick of flavor that makes your dish pop—but they also pair well with other ingredients.

Garlic powder can be used in any recipe where you’d use fresh garlic, and cloves are great for baking and stuffing.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, I recommend adding a bit of both so that everyone gets some of each spice in their serving.

And if you want to make it even more special, try adding some fresh parsley or rosemary as well!

10. Black Pepper (to Taste)

Black pepper

Black pepper is a fantastic addition to any green bean casserole recipe, and I’m here to tell you why!

This ingredient adds a bit of heat, which pairs well with the sweetness of the condensed milk.

It also helps bring out the flavor of the other ingredients in the dish.

Some other ingredients that pair well with black pepper are salt, sugar, onion powder, and paprika.

You can use any of those ingredients in your casserole to add a little extra something-something.

If you’re adding black pepper, you can add it at any point during cooking—just wait until after you’ve added the onions or if you’re adding it before cooking.

11. Almonds

Almonds

Almonds are a great addition to your green bean casserole recipe.

They add a delicious crunch and a nutty flavor that goes perfectly with the creamy green beans and the creamy sauce.

But it’s not just about taste—almonds are also extremely versatile.

They pair well with many different ingredients, including cheese, honey, chocolate and coconut oil.

And if you’re looking for other ways to use them up after your green bean casserole has been devoured, try adding them to salads or baking them into desserts like these Almond Joy Brownies!

When it comes time to prepare almonds for your dish, there are several different approaches you can take:

  • You can roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
  • You can toast them in an iron skillet on medium heat until they turn brown.
  • Or you can grind them into flour using a food processor or blender (be sure not to overdo it or they’ll start turning into almond butter).

Either way, you’ll end up with an ingredient that will give your dish the perfect crunchy texture while also adding a nutty flavor that will make it stand out from the crowd!

12. Sausages

Sausages are a great addition to your green bean casserole recipe, because they add a savory flavor that really complements the dish.

They also pair well with other ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and cheese!

You can sautee them in butter until they’re browned and then add them to your casserole dish.

You can also grill them on an open flame and cut them into chunks before adding them to the baking dish.

Sausages are also delicious when paired with potatoes and pasta so consider trying them in those recipes as well.

If you have any leftover sausages, you can use them in an omelette or toss them into some soup!

If you don’t want to use up all of your leftover sausages at once, freeze them for future meals!

13. Cheese

Cheese Cubes

Cheese is a wonderful ingredient to add to your green bean casserole recipe!

It adds a delicious rich creaminess that will make your guests swoon.

If you don’t have cheese on hand, then you can use sour cream instead.

You may also want to consider adding some onion for an extra kick of flavor.

You can prepare this ingredient by grating it with a cheese grater or using a food processor, depending on what type of dish you’re making.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, so feel free to double or even triple the recipe if you have lots of guests coming over!

14. Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a little bit of tang, which balances out all the starch and sugar in your dish.

Don’t be afraid to add more than the recipe calls for—you won’t regret it!

If you’re looking for other ingredients to pair with sour cream, try adding some bacon bits or some real bacon pieces (not from a jar).

These add a salty element that really makes a difference in this dish.

I also like to add some white wine—just about 1/4 cup will do—and some diced ham right before serving, but you can use whatever you have on hand!

You can prepare sour cream by simply putting it into a bowl and adding some salt and pepper.

Mix well until evenly distributed throughout your dish.

If you want it to taste fresh and not stale, consider adding some fresh herbs or even just sprinkling with paprika before serving.

15. Chopped Bell Peppers

Chopped Bell Peppers

Chopped bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and crunch, which is always welcome in a holiday dish.

They also pair well with other ingredients like onion, celery, and mushrooms.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some diced ham or bacon to your green bean casserole recipe—it will be delicious!

When preparing chopped bell peppers for your green bean casserole recipe, I recommend slicing them into thin strips so that they cook evenly throughout the dish.

16. Corn

Sweet corn

Corn is one of my favorite ingredients. It’s so versatile, and it makes everything taste better—and I mean everything!

It’s a great addition to a green bean casserole recipe because it adds a sweet, creamy flavor to the dish while also giving it some texture.

I like to use frozen corn kernels for this dish, but you can use fresh if you’d like.

Just be sure to thaw it before putting it in your casserole (otherwise, you’ll have a mushy mess).

As far as other ingredients go, I love pairing corn with mushrooms and onion (in fact, these three things are pretty much all I put in my green bean casseroles).

You can also add some cheese or bacon to your casserole if you want to go all out on the comfort food goodness.

You can prepare this ingredient by cutting off both ends of each kernel and then chopping them up into bite-sized pieces.

If you’re using frozen kernels, just thaw them first so that they’re ready when your casserole needs them!

17. Ketchup (or Tomato Sauce)

Ketchup is a perfect addition to your green bean casserole recipe.

It adds just the right amount of sweetness and tangy flavor that make this dish so comforting and delicious.

Consider pairing ketchup with other ingredients like:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Sour cream
  • Butter
  • Sugar

18. Egg Yolks

egg yolk

Egg yolks add just a touch of richness and depth to the dish, which makes it feel more like something you’d order at a restaurant than something you’d make at home.

Also, they give the casserole an eggy flavor that pairs perfectly with green beans.

I’ve found that egg yolks pair well with lots of different ingredients—especially cooked onions and mushrooms, but also celery and bell peppers.

And if you’re looking for something to serve alongside your casserole, try a side salad or roasted potatoes.

You can even add some extra veggies to the mix!

19. Chopped Pecans

Chopped Pecans

Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture, a hint of sweetness, and a nutty flavor that can’t be beat.

You can use chopped pecans in all sorts of dishes, from salads to desserts.

But what makes them so versatile is also what makes them so great for green bean casserole: they’re naturally sweet and crunchy with just a hint of nuttiness.

Other ingredients that pair well with chopped pecans include brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, honey, basil (for salads), chocolate chips, coconut flakes (for desserts), pineapple chunks (for salads).

You can chop your own pecans using a knife or food processor—just make sure they’re dry before chopping so they don’t clump together.

You can also buy them pre-chopped at most grocery stores or order them online if you need a lot!

What Goes on Top of Green Bean Casserole?

There are many different things you can put on top of green bean casserole. Some people like to put fried onions on top, while others prefer to use canned fried onions. You could also use crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped nuts.

what goes in a green bean casserole

What Goes in Green Bean Casserole? (19 Best Ingredients)

Green bean casserole is a staple at holiday celebrations, but it's also a delicious side dish to serve year-round.
But what goes in green bean casserole?
I've got the answer for you, along with the 19 best ingredients to use in your next batch of green bean casserole!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Onions
  • Butter
  • Celery
  • Chicken Broth
  • Baked Beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Bacon
  • Garlic Powder or Cloves (optional)
  • Black Pepper (to Taste)
  • Almonds
  • Sausages
  • Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Chopped Bell Peppers
  • Corn
  • Ketchup (or Tomato Sauce)
  • Egg Yolks
  • Chopped Pecans

Instructions
 

  • Pick any amount of ingredients from this list to add to your casserole recipe.
  • Prepare the rest of your delicious dish.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword What Goes in Green Bean Casserole
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.