One of the best ways to enjoy green beans, this Cajun green bean casserole gives a bold kick to a classic dish. Perfect side or main course for any meal where you need an extra little kick. Choose your favorite Cajun seasoning to incorporate into this savory side.
What you Need to Make Cajun Green Bean Casserole:
I really was never a fan of green beans until I was an adult. I wished my Mom had made this for us when we were little! The textures and flavors go so well together, it could have changed my mind on beans back then.
We tend to serve this for special occasions or holidays. It presents so well and the flavors and textures are always a hit. Play with the levels of spice and seasonings to suit your taste buds.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Diced onions
- Diced bell peppers (red and green)
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Crispy fried onions (for topping)
How to Make Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Not a very quick-to-prepare dish, but oh so worth it! This green bean casserole will take about 1 hour total until ready to be served, so its perfect alongside roasts or hearty main courses that have a longer cooking time.
The combination of the creamy Cajun sauce, tender green beans and that layer of crispy fried onions on top makes it a memorable addition to your dinner table.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Cooking the Veggies:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Add Broth and Cream:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until it thickens.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and gently stir to coat them with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Baking and Serving:
- Bake the casserole in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the top begins to turn golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions over the top.
- Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the onions are crispy and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Cajun Green Bean Casserole
- Spicy Kick: The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that sets this green bean casserole apart from the rest.
- Creamy Goodness: The creamy sauce coats every green bean, making each bite delicious.
- Crispy Crunch: The combination of melted cheese and crispy fried onions on top provides the perfect contrast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, or holiday feasts. Prepare for compliments and recipe requests!
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for a time-saving option.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked and shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits. Yum!
- Adjust Spice: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux if you have dietary restrictions.
Variations
- Fresh or Frozen: You can use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to thaw and drain them before use.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers, red and green
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, for topping
Instructions
Cooking the Veggies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until it thickens.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the Cajun sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the top begins to turn golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions over the top.
- Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the onions are crispy and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Really delicious thanks we liked it even with no onions.
Thank you for the 5 stars, and you’re right, it is yummy without too!