Fancy French Beans
A sophisticated side featuring tender French-style green beans, crunchy bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and flavorful cheeses, topped with almonds and broiled to golden perfection. Perfect for elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen French-style green beans ⓘ
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups half & half cream
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beans according to package directions.
- Add bean sprouts and water chestnuts; heat through. Drain well and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth.
- Gradually add cream, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil and cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and bean mixture; toss to coat.
- Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Combine sliced almonds and Swiss cheese; sprinkle over the top.
- Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 5 minutes or until almonds are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat half & half or substituting with almond milk. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can work as alternatives. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving enhances the flavor balance. For extra crunch, toss in some toasted sesame seeds alongside the almonds. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your meals.
Serving Suggestions
Fancy French Beans make a delightful side for roasted chicken or grilled fish. Pair it with a light salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. For a unique twist, serve alongside slices of Lemon Shaker Pie for dessert, as the tartness complements the creamy beans beautifully. This dish can also be a standout at potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy French Beans contains roughly 1346 calories, with 44g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (155% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), and protein (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1373mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will add a wonderful crunch. Simply trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain crisp when mixed with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama for a similar crunch, or even diced celery for a fresh bite. Both alternatives will maintain the texture of the dish. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven after adding the almond and cheese topping. This can save time during busy meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).