It’s that time of year again! The holidays are upon us, meaning it’s time to break out the tried-and-true family recipes.
Whether it’s a staple of your holiday spread or a weekly family dinner, One dish that is always a hit to make an appearance on the table is the creamy, cheesy green bean casserole.
But what are the best sides to serve with green bean casserole? Here are 17 side dishes that will round out your spread and leave your guests asking for seconds.
17 Delicious sides to serve with Green Bean Casserole
1. Mashed Potatoes are The all-time Best Pair
Mashed potatoes are always a good choice. It’s a classic side dish that fits with almost anything. They’re especially good when topped with a dollop of green bean casserole.
The smooth texture of the potatoes pairs nicely with the texture of the green beans. It is also a comforting and hearty option; you can dress up depending on your preference.
The creamy, starchy potatoes help balance the dish’s richness, and they’re also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Try using Yukon Gold potatoes and adding some shredded cheese to the mix. Yum!
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts- For a Touch of elegance
Try pairing green bean casserole with roasted Brussels sprouts for something a little more unique. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a wonderfully healthy option, and they’re also incredibly flavorful.
Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees. The result is a tasty, slightly crispy vegetable that’s oh-so-satisfying.
The crispy texture and savory flavor of the Brussels sprouts will add a nice contrast to the creamy soft casserole.
This side dish can also be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots
These carrots are the ideal balance of sweet and savory. First, steam or blanch your carrots until they’re slightly softened.
Then, coat them in a mixture of honey, butter, and orange juice before roasting at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
4. Quinoa Stuffing- Best Low-carb Option to go with Green Bean Casserole
Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat vegetarian option. Simply cook your quinoa according to package instructions, then mix in some chopped kale, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and a vinaigrette dressing of your choice.
5. Baked Acorn Squash
The Baked Acorn squash dish is both hearty and elegant. Start by cutting your squash into halves or thirds (depending on their size) and scooping out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
6. Roasted Turkey- Top Rated Pair with Green Bean Casserole
This is a no-brainer. Turkey and green bean casserole are a match made in heaven.
The savory flavors of the turkey perfectly complement the creamy richness of the green beans. Plus, there’s always room for seconds (or thirds)!
Pair it with roasted turkey and mashed potatoes for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
7. Glazed Ham
Try serving green bean casserole with glazed ham for something a bit unusual. The glaze’s sweetness will contrast nicely with the casserole’s savory elements. Plus, ham is always a hit during the holidays!
8. Cornbread
Cornbread is another perfect classic side dish for green bean casserole, and it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
The sweetness of the cornbread will wonderfully balance out the savory tastes of the entrée.
Plus, having some bread on hand to soak up any surplus sauce is usually a good idea! It’s also a quick side dish that can be prepared ahead of time, which is always welcomed on hectic weeknights.
Read More- 22 Quick Side dishes for stuffed mushrooms
9. Simple Salad- a Light and Fresh Option
A simple green salad is always a refreshing option, and it’s especially nice with green bean casserole. For added taste, sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese or a mild vinaigrette.
The dressing’s acidity cuts through the dish’s richness and the sharp greens are a nice contrast to the soft beans and creamy sauce.
10. Roasted vegetables- A Colorful and Healthy Pair
Try serving roasted vegetables as a side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and it’s a great way to add extra nutrients to your meal.
Plus, the colorful vegetables make for a beautiful presentation.
11. Rice- Simple Yet Flavorful
Simple but full of flavor, Rice is yet another versatile side dish that may be used in various ways. If you want something easy and cheap, plain white rice is always a choice.
But if you want something more flavorful, try using brown rice or wild rice. Either way, rice is a great way to bulk up your meal and make it more filling.
12. Quinoa
Quinoa is an excellent alternative to rice if you want something healthier or gluten-free. It’s high in protein and fiber, with a nutty flavor that complements green bean casserole.
Quinoa is very simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
13. Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are essential for sopping up all of that delicious sauce from the green bean casserole.
But instead of using boring old white bread, try something different, like sourdough or whole-grain rolls. They’ll add flavor and nutrition to your dish without being overly heavy.
14. Macaroni and cheese- Truly Unique Duo
Macaroni and cheese might seem odd, but trust us, it works.
The Creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of green bean casserole, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Plus, it’s an easy side dish that can be made ahead of time, which is always appreciated on busy weeknights.
Try pairing green bean casserole with unlikely side dishes like macaroni and cheese, rice pilaf, or even spaghetti squash.
And, of course, no meal is complete without bread! Serve green bean casserole with crusty baguettes or rolls, or try using it as a topping for crostini.
15. Sweet Potato Casserole
Another traditional side dish that works well with green beans is sweet potato casserole.
The sweet potatoes’ sweetness complements the casserole’s savory aromas wonderfully, and the crunchy topping adds an irresistible tactile contrast.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin A, which makes it a healthier option than traditional mashed potatoes.
16. Braised Kale
Braised kale is a wonderfully healthy option, and it’s also incredibly flavorful. The slightly bitter taste of kale pairs beautifully with green beans, and braising helps soften the kale’s tough texture.
Plus, This companion plate can also be made ahead of time, making it ideal for engaged weekday evenings.
17. Cauliflower gratin
Lastly, Cauliflower gratin is another flavorful way to incorporate some veggies into your meal.
The cauliflower pairs well with green beans, and grating the cheese adds a nice touch of creaminess.
My Opinion- Best Way to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
These 17 dishes are the perfect complement to any green bean casserole. With options ranging from Classic comfort food to vegetarian fare, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Green bean casserole goes well with turkey and stuffing for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For a summer barbecue, try serving it with grilled chicken or burgers.
And for a winter holiday meal, green bean casserole is the perfect side to roasted ham or lamb.
Note- A common mistake is to pair it with another heavy, creamy dish, which can quickly lead to an overly rich and filling meal.
No matter what you serve it with or what your taste buds are craving, there’s sure to be an option on this list that will hit the spot.
So go ahead and invite all of your friends and family over—it’s time to celebrate!
FAQs
Do people eat green bean casserole on Thanksgiving?
Green bean casserole is one of the most famous Thanksgiving side dishes. While the dish has been around since the 1950s, it has only recently become really renowned.
In addition, its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a welcome addition to any holiday table.
Although there are many variations on the basic recipe, most green bean casseroles include a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and fried onions.
Some recipes also call for cheese, bacon, or other ingredients.
Regardless of the ingredients, green bean casserole is a delicious and easy way to add some extra vegetables to your Thanksgiving feast.
What is the main dish goes with green beans casserole?
While green bean casserole is typically thought of as a side dish, it can actually be quite versatile.
For example, it can be served alongside various main dishes, including roasted chicken, fish, or pork.
It can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course and paired well with baked tofu, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
No matter what you choose to serve it with, green beans casserole will surely be a hit.
What meat to serve with green bean casserole?
Consider light meat like chicken or fish. Both of these options will complement the flavors in the casserole without overwhelming them.
Try pairing the casserole with pork or beef for something a little heartier. These richer meats will add another layer of flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious.
What wine goes with green bean casserole?
The key to a good meal is finding the right pairing of flavors. This is especially true when it comes to wine.
I recommend choosing a white wine that has a touch of sweetness. The creamy sauce and number of spices in the dish can overwhelm a red wine, so white wine is often a better choice.
Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent options to complement the casserole flavors without overpowering them.
For a red wine option, try Pinot Noir. Its light body and delicate flavor bring out the casserole’s best.
Note- A rich red wine can bring out the best in a hearty steak, while a light white wine can complement a delicate fish dish.
What kind of spices goes with green beans?
While some might think that all green beans are the same, there are actually many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Common green beans have a crisp and slightly grassy flavor, while Romano beans are nutty and earthy.
As a result, the best spices for green beans will vary depending on the bean you use.
For instance, garlic and onion are classic choices that can help to enhance the flavor of almost any dish. Try red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want to add a bit of heat.
Or, for a touch of sweetness, cinnamon or nutmeg can be used.
