Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Every Thanksgiving, my kitchen fills with familiar, cozy smells-roasted turkey, warm buttery rolls, and, most importantly, green bean casserole.
It’s been my favorite side dish for as long as I can remember. For years, I took the easy route and picked up the frozen version from Trader Joe’s.
It had everything I wanted: a creamy texture, that signature crispy onion topping, and the convenience of just popping it in the oven. It became a no-brainer staple on our holiday table.
But last year, things didn’t go as planned. I waited a little too long to shop, and when I finally got to Trader Joe’s, the green bean casserole was completely sold out. Total panic moment.
I couldn’t imagine Thanksgiving without it, so I decided to try making it from scratch. I searched online, hoping someone had shared the recipe, but came up empty.
Desperate, I turned to Reddit-and that’s when things took a turn. A Trader Joe’s employee actually replied to my post and shared what they claimed was the real recipe.
To my surprise, it turned out amazing. The texture, the flavor, even the crispy topping-it was all there. In fact, it tasted fresher and more flavorful than the frozen version ever did.
So this year, I’m skipping the freezer aisle and making it from scratch again. And I’m sharing the copycat Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe with you, too.
If you’ve ever loved that Trader Joe’s green bean casserole, you’re going to be blown away by how easy-and delicious-it is to make at home.
Why This Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is Unique!
This version of green bean casserole is not like the usual ones I’ve tried. You know, the ones that are mushy or too creamy or taste like canned soup? Nope.
This one’s fresh, rich, and has a nice mix of texture-crunchy on top, creamy in the middle, and full of flavor in every bite.
What really makes it different is how it’s served in little fillo cups. They’re small, crispy, and easy to eat. Perfect for holidays or anytime you want something fun and simple to serve.
Each bite is packed with mushrooms, green beans, cheese, and that crispy onion crunch we all love.
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish from scratch:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Pre-baked mini fillo/phyllo dough cups | 1 package (15–24 count) | Light, flaky base; found in frozen section at Trader Joe’s or similar |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tablespoon | For cooking mushrooms and onions; butter adds a richer flavor |
| Mushrooms (cremini or white), finely chopped | 8 oz | Adds hearty, earthy flavor; chop small for better texture |
| Onion, finely chopped (optional) | ½ medium | Adds savory depth; optional based on preference |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Fresh garlic gives best flavor |
| Cut green beans, drained and chopped | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Main ingredient; use canned for convenience |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Makes the filling creamy and rich |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | ¼ cup + extra (optional topping) | Melts into filling; more on top adds flavor and texture |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon, or to taste | Enhances all other flavors |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon, or to taste | Adds a subtle spice to balance richness |
| Crispy fried onions | ½ cup | Classic crunchy topping |
Helpful Swaps
- Fillo Cups: Can’t find them? Use mini muffin tins with fillo sheets cut into squares.
- Heavy Cream: You can use whole milk or half-and-half if needed, but the texture will be lighter.
- Cheese Options: Try Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a twist.
- Onions: If you don’t like raw onions, sauté them longer until soft.
- Fresh Green Beans: You can boil fresh green beans for 4-5 minutes if you prefer not to use canned.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Baking Sheet – For laying out the mini cups before baking.
- Medium Skillet – To cook the mushroom and green bean filling.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine everything before filling.
- Spoon – For scooping the filling into each cup.
- Oven or Air Fryer – Either works great for baking.
How To Make Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
Step 1 | Make the Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and onions (if using).
Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir every now and then until the mushrooms release their water and turn golden brown.
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 minute – just until it smells amazing.
Now add your drained and chopped green beans. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together. Add in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the mix becomes creamy. Turn off the heat and let it cool just a bit before filling the cups.
Step 2 | Fill the Cups
Line up your fillo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon the filling into each one. Don’t overfill – just enough so it looks full but doesn’t spill over.
Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of each cup. If you want, add a little extra shredded cheese too.
Step 3 | Bake
Oven Method: Preheat to 400°F. Bake for 7 to 12 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F and bake for around 7 minutes. Watch closely since air fryers cook fast.
Step 4 | Cool and Serve
Take the tray out and let the bites cool for 2-3 minutes – the filling gets super hot. Then serve them warm. These go fast, so you might want to make a double batch!
Tips for Success
- Drain the green beans well to avoid a watery filling.
- Chop ingredients small for a smooth, even texture in the cups.
- Taste the filling before assembling to adjust salt and pepper.
- Don’t overfill the cups to keep them from getting soggy.
- Add the crispy onions last minute if you want them extra crunchy.
What to Serve with Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
These casserole bites go well with almost anything. I often serve them next to roasted chicken or turkey. They’re also great with mashed potatoes or even mac and cheese.
You can serve them as a side dish or even as little appetizers. Since they come in small cups, they’re easy to grab and eat. I’ve even packed leftovers in lunch boxes the next day.
I’ve even served them during small weekend dinners. They’re light but filling, and because they’re bite-sized, they don’t weigh you down.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can make the filling one day ahead. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready, fill the cups and bake them fresh.
If you have leftovers, store the baked bites in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 5 minutes until crispy again.
Want to freeze them? You can freeze the unbaked filled cups. Don’t add the crispy onions until you bake them. Freeze on a tray first, then move to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for 12–15 minutes at 375°F.
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe FAQs
1. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
No problem. You can skip the mushrooms or use cream of celery or chicken soup instead. Some people even use extra onions or a bit of bacon for flavor.
2. How do I keep the cups from getting soggy?
Make sure the green beans are very well drained. Let the filling cool a bit before adding it to the cups. Baking right before serving also helps keep things crispy.
3. Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Nope! The fillo cups are already baked and dry. Just place them straight on the tray – no oil or parchment needed.
4. What if I can’t find fillo cups at my store?
If you can’t find pre-made fillo cups, you can make your own using regular fillo dough sheets. Cut the sheets into squares about 4 inches wide, brush them with melted butter, and press them into mini muffin tins. Bake them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until they’re lightly golden.
5. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Sure thing! Diced cooked bacon or sausage crumbles would be a tasty addition to the filling. Stir them in when you add the green beans. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained before mixing to avoid extra grease.
Trader Joe's Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Make this copycat Trader Joe's Green Bean Casserole recipe in just 30 minutes! A crunchy, creamy bite-sized holiday favorite made fresh and fast.
Ingredients
- 1 package (15–24 count) pre-baked mini fillo/phyllo dough cups
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white), finely chopped
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) cut green beans, drained and roughly chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
Step 1 | Make the Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and onions (if using).
Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir every now and then until the mushrooms release their water and turn golden brown.
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 minute - just until it smells amazing.
Now add your drained and chopped green beans. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together. Add in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the mix becomes creamy. Turn off the heat and let it cool just a bit before filling the cups.
Step 2 | Fill the Cups
Line up your fillo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon the filling into each one. Don’t overfill - just enough so it looks full but doesn’t spill over.
Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of each cup. If you want, add a little extra shredded cheese too.
Step 3 | Bake
Oven Method: Preheat to 400°F. Bake for 7 to 12 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F and bake for around 7 minutes. Watch closely since air fryers cook fast.
Step 4 | Cool and Serve
Take the tray out and let the bites cool for 2-3 minutes - the filling gets super hot. Then serve them warm. These go fast, so you might want to make a double batch!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15–24 mini bitesServing Size:
3-bite servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 310mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
If you’ve ever loved the taste of Trader Joe’s green bean casserole, you’re going to love this homemade version. It’s simple, tasty, and made with real, fresh ingredients.
I hope this Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe becomes one of your favorites like it is for me.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!
