What to Eat with Green Bean Casserole – 20 Delicious Pairings for This Classic Side

Green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition in many households That creamy mushroom sauce blanketing crisp green beans and fried onions is utterly irresistible But this classic side dish is so delicious that there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy it, Green bean casserole makes a fabulous accompaniment to simple weeknight meals all year round,

If you’re cooking up a batch of green bean casserole, you may be wondering what to serve alongside it. The casserole’s rich, umami flavors and crispy topping call for dishes with contrasting textures and bright, acidic notes to balance the plate. After scouring recipes, here are my top recommendations for what to eat with green bean casserole.

Savory Roasted Chicken

A simple roasted chicken is a perfect pairing for green bean casserole. The crispy seasoned skin plays nicely against the casserole’s soft textures. An acidic pan sauce, like one made with lemon juice or vinegar, brightens up the rich mushroom flavors. For an easy weeknight meal, roast a spatchcocked chicken and let the green bean casserole act as your vegetable side.

Pork Tenderloin

Lean and tender pork tenderloin offers a nice contrast to the casserole’s richness. I recommend a seasoned and seared tenderloin for this pairing. The brown exterior adds great texture. Consider serving it with a fruity sauce like an apricot gastrique or cherry pan sauce to cut through the decadence of the green bean casserole.

Salmon

Salmon is another smart choice to serve with green bean casserole. Bake, grill, or pan-sear a salmon fillet for this pairing—any preparation works well! Salmon’s richness stands up to the casserole, while its bright orange hue looks beautiful next to the green beans on the plate. I love serving it with a lemony dill sauce.

Meatloaf

For the ultimate comfort food meal, make a homemade meatloaf to accompany the green bean casserole. Ground beef or turkey work nicely here. Top the meatloaf with a sweet glaze, like ketchup, maple syrup or brown sugar, to balance out the green bean casserole’s earthiness. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a true Midwestern meal.

Grilled Vegetables

If you want to make your green bean casserole the star of the show, keep things simple by pairing it with grilled vegetables. Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and eggplant all make excellent accompanying dishes. The charred veggies offer great color and texture contrast. Drizzle them with a lemony dressing or herb oil.

Macaroni Salad

For more old-fashioned appeal, serve your green bean casserole with a macaroni salad. The bright, acidic dressing—I love apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard—cuts through the casserole’s richness. Creamy, cool macaroni salad makes a fitting summer side when served alongside the hot green bean casserole. Add diced veggies for extra color and crunch.

Pasta Salad

Any pasta salad makes a nice complement for green bean casserole. Go for a fun shaped pasta like rotini, bowties or wagon wheels. Toss with a mix of chopped fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and carrots. An Italian dressing brings acidity and herbs that pair beautifully with the earthy mushroom flavors of the casserole.

Coleslaw

Creamy, crunchy coleslaw is an underrated pairing for green bean casserole. Its acidity and freshness balances the casserole perfectly. For bonus flavor and texture contrast, use a slaw mix that incorporates shredded brussels sprouts or kale along with the cabbage. The pop of color from carrots and green onions makes for a festive plate.

Corn on the Cob

When corn is in season, it’s a fantastic accompaniment for green bean casserole. Opt for simply boiled or grilled corn so the sweet kernels pop against the casserole’s flavors. If you want, spice up your corn with a chili lime butter or sprinkle of cotija cheese. Otherwise, let the natural sweet corn flavors shine through.

Skillet Cornbread

Warm cornbread straight from the skillet or oven completes this classic side dish duo. Pick a recipe with some sugar for a touch of sweetness to offset the green bean casserole. Add bacon, chiles or shredded cheese to the cornbread batter for extra flavor. The slightly crusty cornbread provides a satisfying crunch factor.

Dinner Rolls

You can never go wrong pairing green bean casserole with dinner rolls. The soft, pillowy texture contrasts gorgeously with the crunchy onions. Make classic Parker House rolls, shiny glazed buns or fluffy biscuits—any style roll tastes fantastic with the rich casserole. Serve with softened butter for spreading over each warm roll.

Mashed Potatoes

What better to serve with green bean casserole than a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes? Smooth and creamy potatoes are the perfect complement. Use milk and butter for ultra-rich spuds. For bonus flavor, mix in roasted garlic or sharp cheddar cheese. Potatoes help round out the textures and absorb the delicious sauce.

Wild Rice Pilaf

For a more elegant and modern meal, serve your green bean casserole with a wild rice pilaf. Wild rice offers great texture contrast and pairs well with the earthy mushrooms. Toss the cooked grains with toasted pecans or walnuts and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. The nubby rice soaks up the creamy sauce deliciously.

Quinoa Salad

A protein-packed quinoa salad makes a lighter pairing for green bean casserole. Chickpeas, edamame, or nuts add extra texture. Chopped veggies like bell pepper, carrots and celery add nice color contrast on the plate. Dress the quinoa with a vinaigrette and fresh herbs to help cut through the casserole’s richness.

Brussels Sprouts

For a very on-theme accompaniment, serve your green bean casserole alongside Brussels sprouts! Roasted or sautéed sprouts caramelize beautifully. Toss them with balsamic vinegar to brighten their flavor. Crispy sprouts taste amazing dunked into the creamy mushroom sauce. The matching green color looks spectacular too.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Lean into the classic Thanksgiving flavor combo by pairing your green bean casserole with sweet potato casserole. With marshmallow topping and pecans, this sweet and sticky side provides the perfect balance. And it helps use up your can of fried onions! Serve the two casseroles side by side for a gorgeous orange and green presentation.

Cranberry Sauce

Tangy-sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the indulgent flavors of green bean casserole fantastically. Serve it in a ring mold over the casserole or simply spoon it on the plate alongside. The brightness of the berries and citrus provides excellent contrast. Fresh or jellied cranberry sauce both pair nicely.

Green Salad

A crisp green salad rounded out with fresh veggies is a smart choice alongside heavy green bean casserole. The salad’s brightness balances the rich flavors. Top with a light vinaigrette and add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots for crunch. Even just a simple mixed greens salad hits the spot.

With so many tasty options, there’s no need to reserve green bean casserole just for Thanksgiving! This classic comfort food tastes fantastic any day paired with fresh, bright accompaniments. Next time you’re cooking up this irresistible casserole, try serving it alongside one of these delicious pairings for a mouthwatering meal.