French Ritz Green Beans
A creamy green bean casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers, perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners with comforting, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cans of French style green beans and mix with chopped onions, chopped bell pepper, sour cream, and cream of celery soup.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Melt the margarine and mix it with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley in the mixture. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed Ritz crackers. This dish also works well with fresh green beans if you want a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Ritz Green Beans dish as a side with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini Bread With Pineapple for a sweet contrast. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, providing a creamy and comforting flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Ritz Green Beans contains roughly 286 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 852mg per serving (37% 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 in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the crushed Ritz crackers topping right before baking to keep it crunchy. It can be baked straight from the fridge, but consider adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice tangy flavor. You could also use a dairy-free yogurt if you're following a vegan diet, maintaining the creaminess in the dish.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this French Ritz Green Beans recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels of the cream of celery soup and Ritz crackers to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
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).