French Quarter Green Beans
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with crunchy almonds and smoky paprika, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned French-style green beans.
- Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan over low heat.
- Add undiluted cream of mushroom soup and softened cream cheese to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in the drained green beans, dried onion flakes, salt, pepper, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Top with sliced or slivered almonds and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or using a light cream cheese. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil. To enhance the flavor, adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the dish. For a crunchier topping, toast the almonds beforehand. This recipe can also be adapted for vegetarian recipes by ensuring the cream soup is meat-free.
Serving Suggestions
This French Quarter Green Beans casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a side dish for a holiday meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also complements other American recipes like a classic roast chicken or beef brisket. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the green bean casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating solution.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Quarter Green Beans contains roughly 737 calories, with 27g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans! Simply blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender before adding them to the mixture. This will give the dish a fresher taste and a nice crunch.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor, or use a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups. For a vegetarian option, look for a plant-based cream soup alternative.
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).