In 2015, the classic green bean casserole celebrated its 60^th anniversary.

A casserole with an anniversary? You bet. In 1955, the soup company Campbell’s put together today’s classic dish using what they knew Americans had on hand: green beans and soup. According to Campbell’s, more than 30 million households per year make green bean casserole.

A healthy twist on the classic dish

“Though it’s popular and loved, green bean casserole could use some modifying nutritionally, as with most holiday recipes,” said Brittany Powelson, a Marshfield Clinic registered dietitian.

Traditionally, the dish is high in fat and sodium, neither of which is friendly to your heart.

Classic Green Bean Casserole serves up 227 calories, 15.4 g fat and 624 mg sodium, among other not-so-heart-healthy numbers.

“By swapping in heart-healthy ingredients, like fresh onion over French fried onions and reduced-fat, low-sodium soup over regular, you save yourself hundreds of calories and milligrams of sodium,” Powelson said.

We’ve adapted one of American Heart Association’s recipes to provide a heart-healthy casserole option below.

“If you feel overwhelmed during your holiday meal-making by preparing your own onion strips to top your healthy green bean casserole, you might consider pre-sliced almonds or crushed salad croutons,” Powelson said. “Almonds add heart-healthy fats, and two tablespoons of croutons are only about 20 calories depending on which brand you choose. These options can save you time and are still nutritious.”

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen green beans (French cut is best), thawed
• 10.5 ounces canned, reduced-fat, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion (cut into thin strips)
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a 9 x 13 casserole dish, combine green beans, soup, sour cream and pepper. Stir until well mixed and bake for 20 minutes.

While the casserole bakes, spread out onion sticks and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Sprinkle flour over onion pieces, tossing to coat equally.

Spray a medium-large skillet with cooking spray and heat to medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.

Remove casserole from oven, add ½ onions and stir well.

Top with remaining half and return to oven. Bake 5 minutes.

Onion alternatives: Substitute onion topping with thinly sliced almonds or crushed salad croutons for more crunch. If you miss the onion flavor with these alternatives, add diced onions to your soup mix.

Nutrition

Each serving contains approximately 77 calories, 2.0 g fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 401 mg potassium, 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 3.2 g sugars, 3 g protein, 80 mg calcium

Source: Recipe adapted from American Heart Association

Print casserole recipe

 

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