Green bean casserole is a beloved classic holiday side dish. With its creamy mushroom gravy and crispy fried onion topping, it’s pure comfort in a baking dish. But green bean casserole can’t stand alone – it needs the right accompaniments to round out the meal. So what should you eat with this iconic casserole?
There are lots of delicious options for pairing with green bean casserole The key is finding dishes that complement, rather than compete with, the casserole’s signature flavors Savory, hearty foods or lighter sides with crunch or acidity balance out the rich, earthy casserole.
Here are 42 sensational side dishes to serve with green bean casserole:
Main Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Green Bean Casserole
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Cajun Turkey – For Thanksgiving or Christmas spice up your bird with Cajun seasoning. The kick of heat contrasts the creaminess of the casserole.
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Pot Roast – Fork-tender beef bathed in gravy is comfort food at its finest. The bold, beefy flavors balance the earthiness of the mushrooms.
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Lentil Loaf – A protein-packed veggie loaf makes a satisfying meatless main. The texture plays off the casserole’s crunch.
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Oven-Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy chicken without deep-frying. The coating adds crunch just like the onion topping.
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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Elegant but easy to make. The bacon wrap adds salty, smoky notes that enhance the casserole.
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Lamb Chops – For special occasions, rich lamb chops can hold their own with the hearty casserole. Grilled and boldly seasoned.
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Baked Cod – Quick and healthy, flaky cod is complemented by the casserole’s creaminess. Lemon and garlic brighten up the fish.
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BBQ Ribs – Satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Slow-cooked ribs glazed with sticky barbecue sauce contrast the smooth, creamy casserole.
Vegetables & Salads For Serving With Green Bean Casserole
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Pumpkin Dinner Rolls – Fluffy, pumpkin-flecked rolls for sopping up the casserole’s luscious sauce. A must-have accompaniment.
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad – Brussels sprouts match the green bean’s heartiness while bacon and maple vinaigrette add crunch and sweetness.
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Baked Mac and Cheese – Comforting and irresistible, especially with a crispy breadcrumb topping. A rich complement to the casserole.
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Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Meaty mushrooms pick up the umami flavors of the casserole. Char-grilled for extra depth.
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Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet and savory, with garlic and parmesan adding richness. Crispy edges provide textural contrast.
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Sausage Stuffing – The ultimate holiday side. Hearty, seasoned stuffing absorbs all the delicious sausage juices.
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Mashed Potatoes – Smooth, creamy spuds are the perfect blank canvas for the flavorful green bean casserole. A classic pairing.
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Roasted Squash – Sweet veggies like butternut squash balance the casserole’s saltiness. Toss in spices like cumin or chili powder.
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Cranberry Sauce – Bright, tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the casserole. Homemade is best but canned works too.
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French Bread – For dipping in the luscious cheese sauce. A crusty baguette or sliced loaf is ideal.
What To Drink With Green Bean Casserole
Wash it all down with one of these tasty beverage options:
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Mulled Wine – Warm up with this comforting spiced wine. The intensity stands up to the strong flavors of the casserole.
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Hot Apple Cider – For a non-alcoholic option, apple cider is subtly sweet and complements the onions.
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Beer – An amber ale pairs nicely with the earthy mushrooms and fried onions.
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Milk – A tall glass of milk balances and cuts through the casserole’s richness.
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Iced Tea – For lighter pairing, unsweetened tea lets the flavors of the dish shine.
Tips for Serving Green Bean Casserole
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Prep the casserole ahead of time for easy reheating on the holiday.
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Make extra fried onions and sprinkle them over everything!
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Round out the meal with a light starter salad before the main event.
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Offer rolls or bread to encourage mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
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Add crunchy toppings like crispy bacon or fried shallots for texture.
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Drizzle the casserole with gravy or pan drippings from your main course.
With so many wonderful options for sides and mains, you can create a show-stopping green bean casserole meal. Play with sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, rich and bright combinations. From down-home to elegant, whatever you serve alongside it, this classic casserole is sure to be the star of your holiday table.
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