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Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

These bite-sized green bean casserole cups take everything you love about the classic holiday side — garlicky cream, nutty Parmesan, and crunchy onions — and shrink it into a perfectly portable appetizer. Light puff pastry shells hold a creamy green bean filling that bakes up golden and irresistible; they’re great for parties because they’re easy to eat and even easier to love. For a complete run-through and printable version, check the full recipe page.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of the same old large casserole dishes hogging the holiday table and leaving guests standing in line for seconds, this recipe converts that nostalgic dish into tidy, hand-held cups that are faster to serve and simpler to portion — perfect for entertaining stress-free. The cups cut down on plating, let every guest enjoy a perfectly toasted pastry with creamy filling, and bring the familiar flavors of green bean casserole with a fresh, modern twist.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ cup crispy fried onions
1 tbsp parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups

Preheat and prepare muffin tin
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray so the puff pastry cups will release easily.
Cut and shape the puff pastry
Unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into a muffin cup, forming a little tart shell with the corners slightly overlapping the sides for extra flakiness.
Parbake the pastry shells
Parbake the shaped puff pastry cups for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges look puffed and just golden. This step prevents sogginess once the creamy filling is added. Remove from the oven and let the shells cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Blanch the green beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and cut green beans and blanch for 3–4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath (or run under cold water) to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
Make the garlic-Parmesan cream base
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder, stirring to combine. Let the sauce thicken slightly — it should coat the back of a spoon.
Combine filling ingredients
Stir the blanched green beans and half of the crispy fried onions into the skillet with the cream and Parmesan. Mix until the beans are evenly coated and the onions are distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Fill the pastry cups
Spoon the green bean and cream mixture into the parbaked puff pastry cups, dividing evenly among the 12 shells. Leave a small margin at the top so the filling doesn’t spill over during the final bake.
Add finishing touches and bake
Top each filled cup with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and the remaining crispy fried onions. Bake the assembled cups at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are golden.
Garnish and serve warm
Remove the cups from the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm so the cream is still silky and the pastry maintains its crispness.

Best Way to Store Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at 40°F (4°C).
Freezer: Freeze unbaked filled cups on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Reheat from refrigerated in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through; for frozen cups that have already been baked, reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until heated and crisp.

How to Present Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups

Platter-style party serving: Arrange a ring of cups on a large platter with lemon wedges and extra parsley in the center for color. Guests can pick them up easily.
Appetizer stations: Pair the cups with a small bowl of tangy dipping sauce (garlic aioli or Dijon-herb dip) for people who like a little contrast.
Buffet accompaniment: Nestle the cups around the main dish on the buffet table to add a handheld, savory option that complements turkey or roast without requiring additional plates.

Tips to make Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups

Work quickly with puff pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until ready to cut so it puffs up properly in the oven. If it becomes too warm, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Don’t overcook the green beans: Blanch just until tender-crisp — they will finish cooking in the oven and you want them to retain a little snap.
Crispy onions at the end: Fold half the fried onions into the filling for texture and save the rest for a crunchy topping so they don’t become soggy in the cream.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated varieties can contain anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly into the cream.

Variation ideas

Vegetarian swap (bullet): Replace the heavy cream with a cashew cream (soak raw cashews, blend with a little water until silky) to make a dairy-free version, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Larger-size variation (paragraph): If you prefer a shareable side rather than bite-sized cups, press the puff pastry into a small tart pan to make a single green bean tart. Increase the filling by 50–75% and bake until the tart center is set; this gives you the same flavors with a more rustic presentation for family-style serving.

FAQs
Q: How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
A: Parbake the shells first (as directed) and make sure the green beans are well-drained before mixing into the cream. Also, add crunchy onions last to preserve texture.

What’s the best way to reheat these so the pastry stays crisp?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which will make the pastry soft.

Can I make the filling ahead and bake just before guests arrive?
- Yes. Prepare the filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Fill and bake the puff pastry cups just before serving for optimal flakiness.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes—thaw and drain them thoroughly, then pat dry before using. Blanching is still recommended to refresh their texture.

Cooking notes and technique tips

Consistent sizing: When cutting the puff pastry, aim for uniform squares so every cup bakes and fills alike. If a few pieces are slightly smaller, patch them together or use the scraps to create decorative twists on top before parbaking.
Flavor balance: The Parmesan brings salt and umami; taste the cream mixture before filling and remember the crispy onions add salt as well. You may want to start with ¼ tsp salt and adjust to taste.
Texture contrast: The interplay between the flaky pastry, silky cream, tender beans, and crunchy onions is what makes these cups memorable — focus on keeping each element distinct through proper timing (parbaking pastry, blanching beans, reserving some crispy onions).

Serving timeline strategy for entertaining

Day-of plan: Parbake pastry shells and cool; make the filling in the morning and store in the fridge. Fill and bake the cups 20–30 minutes before guests arrive for a warm, just-baked presentation.
Make-ahead for stress-free hosting: You can assemble the filled cups and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Bake them right before serving to keep the pastry crisp and the filling pleasantly warm.

Pairing and beverage suggestions

Wine: A crisp unoaked Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the garlic and Parmesan, balancing the creaminess with acidity.
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light apple cider (served chilled) complements the savory flavors without overpowering them.
Menu companions: These cups work beautifully alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or as part of a holiday appetizer spread with cranberry-brie bites and stuffed mushrooms.

Troubleshooting common issues

Pastry not puffing: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F and the pastry was cold when put into the oven. Avoid opening the oven door during parbaking.
Filling too runny: Let the cream sauce thicken on the stove a bit longer; you can also add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help thicken it, or simmer gently for another minute before combining with beans.
Onions getting soggy: Fold half the crispy onions into the filling but save the rest for topping right before baking; this keeps the crunchy contrast.

Nutritional pointers (estimated)

These cups are rich and indulgent — the heavy cream and butter contribute to the creamy mouthfeel, while the green beans add fiber and vitamins. If you’re watching calories, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reducing the amount of puff pastry by using mini phyllo shells for a lighter bite.

Final plating and presentation tips

Garnish with finely chopped parsley for color and a hint of fresh herb aroma.
Use small decorative picks for easy handling at a party.
Serve on a warm platter to keep the cups pleasantly warm longer (just take care to avoid direct heat that might steam the pastry).

Conclusion

These Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Cups are a festive, crowd-pleasing way to transform a classic into handheld perfection — ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, and anytime you want a comforting bite with minimal fuss. For an oven-roasted take on the garlic-Parmesan green beans, see this helpful inspiration at Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans – Kalefornia Kravings, and for another party-friendly green bean casserole bite idea, check out Easy Green Bean Casserole Bites for Thanksgiving – Best Appetizers. Enjoy sharing these golden cups — they’re as practical as they are delicious.