Festive Green Bean Casserole
A vibrant and comforting green bean casserole featuring tender green beans, sweet red peppers, water chestnuts, and melted cheddar cheese. This festive dish offers a creamy, slightly spicy flavor profile perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, combining crunchy textures with rich, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen french style green beans, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, saute the red pepper and onion in butter until tender.
- Add the condensed cream of celery soup, milk, hot pepper sauce, and worcestershire sauce; stir until smooth.
- Stir in the green beans and water chestnuts.
- Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soup and broth. Fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen; just blanch them before adding. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to taste if you prefer a milder flavor, or try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
This festive green bean casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham for a holiday meal. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. For an added crunch, consider topping with crispy fried onions just before serving. It also makes a great side dish for potlucks or gatherings, ensuring everyone has a taste of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven helps keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Green Bean Casserole contains roughly 743 calories, with 19g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (39% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1311mg per serving (57% 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 make this green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the cheese topping until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed celery, and seasonings. This will maintain the creaminess while adding a different flavor profile.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this casserole is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat. Just ensure that the cream of celery soup and any other ingredients you use are vegetarian-friendly. It’s a delicious addition to vegetarian recipes during holidays or family dinners.
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).