Grandma'S Crumbly Beans
A comforting baked green bean casserole with a crunchy crumb topping, cheesy goodness, and savory onion flavor, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook flour and margarine in a pan until lightly browned.
- Stir in salt, pepper, sugar, grated onion, sour cream or yogurt, cooked green beans, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Mix cornflake crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted margarine and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist, or use low-fat cheese to reduce calories. Grated shallots can be used in place of onion for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, try serving it alongside mashed potatoes. It also complements well with other American recipes, making it a versatile addition to any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the topping may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Crumbly Beans contains roughly 1360 calories, with 8g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2332mg per serving (101% 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 cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans, but they need to be cooked first. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until tender, then drain and cool before adding them to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the cornflake crumbs are gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).