Green bean casserole is a popular holiday side dish, especially at Thanksgiving. The dish consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions on top. While the basic ingredients are straightforward, there is some debate around whether canned or frozen green beans make a better green bean casserole.
Both canned and frozen green beans have their advantages and disadvantages when used in green bean casseroles. Canned beans are already soft, require no prep work, and are available year-round. However, some feel the texture of canned beans is mushier. Frozen beans retain more of their color, firm texture, and fresh flavor. But frozen beans require thawing, trimming, and blanching before using.
So which is better for green bean casserole – canned or frozen? There are good arguments on both sides. Here is an in-depth comparison of using canned versus frozen green beans in this classic holiday dish.
Nutritional Value
When examining canned versus frozen green beans, one factor to consider is nutrition. Which option retains more of the original nutritional value of fresh green beans?
Green beans are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants and fiber. However, some nutrients are lost in the canning and freezing processes.
Studies show that frozen green beans retain more nutrients overall compared to canned beans. Canned beans lose vitamin C and vitamin B6 during the canning process. The high heat also damages other delicate nutrients like thiamine, riboflavin, and carotenoids.
Frozen green beans are blanched first to stop enzyme action but are not exposed to the high heat of canning. As a result, frozen beans better preserve vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium levels compared to canned.
Therefore, frozen green beans have an edge over canned in terms of nutrient content. If maximizing the nutrition in your green bean casserole is important, frozen beans are likely the better choice.
Nutrient Comparison of Canned vs Frozen Green Beans per 1 Cup Serving
| Nutrient | Canned | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 | 30 |
| Fiber | 4g | 3g |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV | 13% DV |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV | 15% DV |
| Thiamine | 4% DV | 7% DV |
| Riboflavin | 4% DV | 8% DV |
| Magnesium | 6% DV | 8% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV | 6% DV |
Texture
Another vital factor when choosing between canned and frozen green beans is the texture. Canned beans become soft and soggy during the canning process. Frozen green beans try to maintain the crunchy fresh texture after blanching and freezing.
Texture impacts the taste and mouthfeel of the green beans, as well as how well they hold up when baked into a casserole. Some people prefer the soft, almost mushy texture of canned beans in casseroles. Others like that frozen beans keep some of their natural crunch.
If aiming for a silkier, softer casserole, then canned beans may work well. But if you want the beans to have some bite, frozen is likely the better way to go. You can also slightly undercook the frozen beans before making the casserole to ensure they retain texture and don’t become too mushy when baked.
So texture preference will come down to personal tastes. Think about the mouthfeel you want from your green bean casserole when choosing between canned and frozen vegetables.
Convenience
Ease of use is often an important factor for home cooks. So how do canned and frozen beans compare when it comes to convenience?
Canned green beans offer more convenience since they require no prep work. You simply open the can and add them straight to the casserole. Canned beans are pre-cooked and ready to bake.
Frozen beans require a few extra steps before using. You need to remove them from the package, rinse, and thaw them first. Most recipes also call for blanching frozen beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to a casserole or other dish. So there are some extra time and effort considerations when using frozen.
However, the differences in convenience may not be quite as significant as they first appear. Thawing frozen veggies can be done quickly under running water or in the microwave. And the blanching step requires just a few minutes in some boiling water. The small amount of extra prep work may be worth it for some people to gain the texture and nutritional benefits of frozen green beans. But for others, the ease of canned may still win out.
Here is a quick overview of the convenience factors:
Convenience Comparison
| Canned Green Beans | Frozen Green Beans | |
|---|---|---|
| Prep work | No prep needed | Requires thawing and blanching |
| Cooking | Already cooked | Need to blanch 2-3 mins |
| Time | Quicker | Takes more time |
| Effort | Less effort | More effort |
Cost
The cost comparison between canned and frozen green beans depends on a few factors. Canned beans are often more economical, especially when purchased in bulk or bought store brand. Store brands of canned green beans can run between $0.50-$1 per can. Name brand canned beans are $1-$1.50 per can.
Frozen beans are usually sold in 12-16 oz bags. Store brand bags are $1-$1.50, while name brand bags can be $2-$3. When you break down the per-ounce cost, frozen is often more expensive than canned.
However, frozen beans do not have added liquid like canned versions. So when comparing cost, it is the actual grams of green beans, not the total weight. Accounting for liquid, a 16 oz bag of frozen may contain about the same amount of actual beans as a 14.5 oz can of canned. This closes the cost gap somewhat.
Sales and deals can also impact the price comparison. Canned beans go on sale frequently, making them very budget-friendly at times. But frozen vegetables also go on sale, making them more cost-effective as well. Checking weekly sales and stocking up is a good strategy for either option.
Overall, canned beans tend to be a bit more economical, while frozen cost a little more per ounce. But with sales and generic brands, either can be purchased at a budget-friendly price point.
Taste
The final factor to weigh is taste. Do canned or frozen green beans make a tastier green bean casserole?
Again, personal preference rules here. Some enjoy the softer, more uniform taste and bite of the canned beans in a casserole. For others, the crunch and fresher flavor of frozen makes for a better eating experience.
When canned, the high heat of processing softens the beans and melds flavors together. The beansabsorb liquid, taking on a saltier brine taste. For frozen beans, the quick blanch before freezing preserves more bright,distinct green bean flavor. The texture also remains slightly crispy when baked in a casserole.
It is hard to declare one option universally tastier. You would likely get a mixed response if asking a group of people to compare the two versions side-by-side. In the end, taste preference will come down to an individual’s palate.
Taste Comparison
| Canned Green Beans | Frozen Green Beans | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, soggy | Firm, retains crunch |
| Flavor | More uniform, salty | Brighter, more distinct |
| Color | More drab, dull | Vibrant green |
Conclusion
So in the canned vs. frozen green bean casserole debate, which is better? There are good arguments on both sides.
Canned beans offer convenience, soft texture, and possible cost savings. The ease of canned may be preferable for quick holiday meals. Canned also works well if you prefer a silkier, soft bean texture in casseroles.
Frozen green beans provide more nutrients, crunchier texture, and fresher flavor. Going frozen maximizes nutrition retention and yields a nicer color. The extra crunch may also be favored by those who like some texture in their baked dishes.
The choice between canned and frozen comes down to priorities. Think about the texture you prefer, your budget, and how much time you have to prep. Nutrition content may also guide your selection between the two.
There is no universally “better” option. The green bean casserole will have slightly different qualities depending on whether you use canned or frozen beans. Taste test a casserole made each way to decide which you like best. Either canned or frozen can make a delicious holiday side, as long as you choose quality, name brand beans. Whip up a batch of classic green bean casserole this Thanksgiving, no matter which form of green beans you favor.