Mediterranean Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites
These Mediterranean Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites take the cozy idea of classic green bean casserole and turn it into a fresh, flavorful, bite-sized appetizer with bright herbs, creamy filling, and a crisp top. Instead of relying on heavy condensed soup, this version leans on olive oil, garlic, lemon, and light cheeses that give the bites a Mediterranean character. They’re easy to serve for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners because each bite is neatly portioned and not overly rich. The combination of tender green beans, caramelized onions, creaminess, and crisp topping makes them feel both familiar and new. They’re simple to assemble and bake quickly, so you can get a warm tray to the table with very little stress.
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups finely chopped fresh green beans
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Olive oil spray or drizzle for crisping
Instructions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking.
Sauté the onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft and lightly golden.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta, Parmesan, yogurt, egg, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic, then fold in the green beans.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
Spoon the mixture into each cup, filling them almost to the top.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each one and mist lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops are golden. Let them cool slightly before removing.
Tips
Chop the green beans small so they fit neatly into the mini muffin cups.
Blanching helps keep their color vibrant and gives them the right tender bite.
Let the sautéed onions cool slightly before mixing so they don’t scramble the egg.
Greek yogurt gives the bites creaminess without making them too heavy.
Use a silicone mini muffin pan if possible. It makes removal much easier.
If the mixture feels too thick, add a spoonful of yogurt. If too thin, add a bit of Parmesan.
Don’t overfill the cups. The bites puff slightly and need room to rise.
A light mist of olive oil over the breadcrumb topping helps them crisp evenly.
Let the bites rest a minute before taking them out so they don’t break apart.
Serve them warm. The flavor and texture are best right out of the oven.
Variations
Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
Mushroom Mix: Sauté chopped mushrooms with the onions and stir them in.
Red Pepper: Add finely diced roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.
Cheesy Top: Mix Parmesan with breadcrumbs for a richer crust.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of harissa.
Herb Heavy: Use dill, basil, or mint for a herbier bite.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese, omit the egg, and add extra breadcrumbs for binding.
Olive Add-In: Stir in finely chopped black or green olives for a salty bite.
Air Fryer Crisp: Bake normally, then air fry the bites for 2 minutes for extra crunch.
Q&A
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes. Thaw, drain, and chop them before blanching.
Can these be made ahead? You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and bake fresh.
How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
How do I reheat them? Use an oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
Can I skip feta? Yes. Add more Parmesan or use mozzarella.
Can I make them larger? Use a regular muffin pan and increase the bake time by a few minutes.
Do they freeze well? Freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven to restore texture.
Can I reduce dairy? Replace cream cheese with more yogurt and use less feta.
What dip pairs well? Lemon yogurt, roasted pepper sauce, or tahini.
Why are mine too soft? Add extra breadcrumbs or Parmesan to firm the mixture.
Nutrition
(per bite, approx. based on 24 bites)
Calories: 60
Fat: 3 g
Carbs: 5 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Values vary depending on topping choice and cheese amounts.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Mini Green Bean Casserole Bites give you the comfort of a classic casserole but in a lighter, fresher form that works for any occasion. They’re simple to assemble and bake quickly, with a mix of creaminess, herbs, and crisp topping that feels familiar but brighter. Whether you serve them as appetizers, sides, or party snacks, they hold up well and taste great warm or at room temperature. Keep a batch on hand for gatherings or weeknight meals when you want something cozy but not too heavy. Enjoy them with your favorite dip or simply as they are, warm and flavorful.