French-Style Green Beans And Corn Casserole
A creamy, cheesy green bean and corn casserole with crunchy cracker topping and almonds, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings craving comfort food flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green beans and corn; spread them evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and chopped water chestnuts.
- Spread the mixture over the beans and corn in the dish.
- Sprinkle generously with slivered almonds if using.
- Melt the margarine and set aside.
- Finely crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole.
- Pour the melted margarine over the cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly in the center.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can substitute fresh green beans if you have them on hand; just blanch them before adding to the dish. If you prefer a crunchier topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10 minutes. Adding some garlic powder or herbs can elevate the flavors. This casserole can also be customized with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a great side dish for holiday meals or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Creamed Dill Carrots. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal. Consider a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the casserole, or serve it with a warm, crusty bread for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping may lose some crispiness. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole before baking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French-Style Green Beans And Corn Casserole contains roughly 609 calories, with 18g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it convenient for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a roux and adding celery for flavor. Another option is to use a thickened vegetable broth combined with heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative for a vegetarian option.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, ham, or even bacon can be added for extra flavor and protein. Just mix the meat into the cream mixture before spreading it over the beans and corn. Make sure to adjust cooking time if adding larger pieces of meat to ensure everything is heated through.
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).