Christmas Bean Casserole
A festive and savory green bean casserole with crispy bacon, mushrooms, and crunchy almonds, perfect for holiday dinners. Rich and creamy with a hint of onion and pimento, it offers a comforting side dish that complements roasted meats or vegetarian mains alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook green beans until tender, then drain.
- Fry bacon strips until crisp, then drain and set aside.
- Drain mushrooms, reserving the liquid.
- In a skillet, cook mushrooms and sliced onion in margarine for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and salt, cooking for another minute.
- Gradually add mushroom liquid and sour cream, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Chop bacon and sprinkle over the casserole along with pimento and slivered almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh green beans instead of canned ones. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option or use sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the overall taste, giving it a warm holiday feel. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a convenient alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Bean Casserole makes a wonderful side dish for holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with main dishes like Apple Pork Tenderloin or Beef Roast. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or rolls to balance the richness of the casserole. For added texture, sprinkle some extra slivered almonds on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bean Casserole contains roughly 461 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving, allowing an extra 10 minutes of cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and adds a similar tanginess. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Note that the texture of the green beans may change slightly after freezing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).