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5 from 5 votes

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

My Healthy Green Bean Casserole is a fresh take on the classic using tender green beans, a creamy homemade mushroom alfredo sauce, and of course a crispy onion topping made from scratch! This gluten free green bean casserole is a new family favorite holiday side dish.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Calories: 156kcal
Author: Nancylynn

Ingredients

Green Beans

  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Crispy Onion Topping

  • 1 large or 2 small yellow or red onions* sliced super thin - you want about 1 ½-2 cups of onions for this
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs can sub whole wheat
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Mushroom Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 teaspoons butter, vegan butter, or olive oil divided
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons gluten free or whole wheat flour
  • 1 3/4 cup original unsweetened almond or cashew milk
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded sharp white cheddar cheese packed in tight (can sub for parmesan)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese packed in tight
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt + more to taste
  • Dash of nutmeg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil spray. Then grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. Set both aside. 
  •  Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Add in your green beans and cook for 5 minutes. Drain beans and place in prepared baking dish. 
  • Meanwhile, while you are waiting for the water to boil and the beans to cook, make your Crispy Onion Topping. 
  • Place sliced onions in a large bowl and spray liberally with olive oil spray. Add in panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt and parmesan cheese. Use your hands to toss to combine, then place onions onto prepared baking sheet.  Spray everything with olive oil spray again and bake for 10-15 or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the onions are crispy. 
  • Next, prepare your mushroom alfredo sauce.  Heat a ceramic or stainless steel pan over medium heat.  Add in 2 teaspoons of butter, then add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and soft.  Add garlic and the remaining butter, and sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Slowly whisk in flour until well combined. Slowly whisk in almond milk.  Increase heat to medium high and allow milk and flour to thicken for several minutes.  Once your roux is thickened, reduce heat to low and add in all the cheese, stirring well until the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat. Add in ¼ tsp of salt (or to taste), a sprinkle of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.  Mix in 1/4 cup of the crispy onion topping. 
  • Pour mushroom alfredo sauce over green beans, then top with the remaining crispy onion topping. 
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until everything is warmed and topping is golden brown.  (Keep an eye on it so that it does not burn.  If it does start to get too dark, simply lay a piece of aluminum foil on top of the casserole.)

Notes

*Can’t part with the Canned Onion Topping? I love Aldi’s Gluten Free Fried Onions! You can sub one cup of those in this recipe!
21 Day Fix: 1+ GREEN, 1/2 YELLOW, 1/4 BLUE, 1/2 TSP (per serving)
**If you top with the Aldi Crispy Onions, count an extra TSP per serving
WW link for personal points: Green Bean Casserole

Prep ahead tips

You can also easily make this healthy green bean casserole ahead to save time during Thanksgiving. Here’s what I recommend:
  1. Prepare the recipe as directed, and add the crispy onions on top, but do not bake. Wrap with foil and place in fridge up to 2 days ahead.
  2. Once ready, bake as directed. I like to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior, so it’s not super cold going into the oven. 
  3. Serve immediately with all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Storage

The best way to store leftover Green Bean Casserole is covered in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating this classic Thanksgiving dish, simply pop in the microwave covered with plastic wrap or place casserole dish back in the oven on 325 until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 1mg