Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites! They’re like a little hug for your taste buds, and they bring such a fun twist to the classic green bean casserole. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, I love making these when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, the combination of creamy mushroom soup, crunchy fried onions, and melty cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible! Plus, they’re vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy them. Once you try these bites, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup, for that creamy goodness
- 1 cup fried onions, because who can resist that crispy crunch?
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for that melty, cheesy delight
- 1/2 cup milk, to keep everything nice and moist
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, adding a touch of flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, for extra depth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the deliciousness
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for a little kick
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed and ready to wrap up all this goodness
How to Prepare Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bites will cook evenly and get that lovely golden color we all crave. A hot oven means crispy, flaky pastry, and who doesn’t want that?
Prepare the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. Then, fold in half of the fried onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic begins—so don’t rush! Make sure every green bean gets coated in that creamy goodness.
Assemble the Bites
Next up, let’s roll out that puff pastry! Dust your surface with a little flour and roll the pastry out to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut it into small squares—about 3 inches wide works great. Place a generous spoonful of the green bean mixture in the center of each square. Now, fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and pinch them together to seal. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just make sure it’s sealed tight so all that yummy filling stays inside!
Bake the Bites
Place your assembled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each one with the remaining cheddar cheese and fried onions for that extra crunch. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells amazing and they look irresistible! Let them cool slightly before serving—trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Rich, creamy flavor with a satisfying crunch from the fried onions and flaky pastry.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone at your table can enjoy them without worry.
- Perfectly portioned bites make for a fun and shareable appetizer or side dish.
- Make-ahead friendly—just assemble and freeze before baking for a fuss-free option.
- Adaptable to your taste—feel free to add your favorite spices or cheese varieties!
- A delightful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites turn out absolutely fantastic! Here are some tips that I swear by:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If you can, opt for fresh green beans instead of canned ones. They add a crisp texture that makes these bites even better!
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Completely: Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before using it. Cold pastry can be tough to work with and won’t puff up as nicely when baking.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, but less is more here! If you overfill, they won’t seal properly, and you might end up with a mess in the oven.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens can be sneaky! Start checking on your bites a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. You want that golden brown color without burnt edges.
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist diving in right away, but letting them cool for a few minutes helps the filling set and makes them easier to eat.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize! Add some cooked bacon bits, swap in different cheeses, or toss in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
With these tips, I know your bites will be a hit! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Each Mini Green Bean Casserole Bite is a delightful treat, and here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving (1 bite):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy indulging in these bites guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite veggies like mushrooms or corn for a fun twist. Just make sure to chop them small so they fit nicely in the bites.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any bites left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that pastry crispy again!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the bites and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s a good dipping sauce? I love serving these with a side of ranch dressing or a zesty aioli. They add an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bites!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites left? Lucky you! To store them, just place the bites in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them before baking. Just layer them in a single row on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw—just bake them straight from the freezer! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll get that lovely crispy texture back. Enjoy your delicious bites just like they were freshly made!
Print
Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites: 7 Irresistible Reasons
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites are a delicious twist on a classic dish. They are perfect for parties or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in half of the fried onions and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small squares.
- Place a spoonful of the green bean mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each bite with remaining cheddar cheese and fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen green beans.
- Make sure to thaw the puff pastry before using.
- These bites can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites, appetizer, vegetarian, green beans