French Green Beans
A classic side dish featuring tender French green beans combined with water chestnuts and creamy soup, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen French-cut green beans according to package directions.
- Slice the water chestnuts and discard the liquid from the can.
- Grease a casserole dish with butter.
- Layer half of the cooked beans in the casserole.
- Spread a layer of cream of celery soup over the beans.
- Add a layer of sliced water chestnuts.
- Repeat the layering with remaining beans, soup, and water chestnuts.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid from the casserole.
- Top with French-fried onion rings and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until onions are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh green beans instead of frozen. Just blanch them briefly before layering. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile, or make your own with heavy cream and sautéed celery. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder can enhance the dish's flavor. This recipe is perfect for potlucks alongside other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a great side for holiday meals or family gatherings. Serve it alongside roasted meats or a hearty vegetarian main dish. It pairs beautifully with Viva'S Fresh Apple Cake for dessert, creating a satisfying meal experience. A simple green salad can also complement the richness of the casserole.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Green Beans contains roughly 257 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, chopped bell peppers can add a nice texture and color, although the flavor will be different.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients. Ensure that your cream of celery soup is vegetarian, as some brands may contain meat-based broth.
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).