Green Bean Au Gratin
A creamy green bean casserole topped with cheese, almonds, and crispy onion rings, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a white sauce with butter, flour, salt, dry mustard, and milk until thickened.
- Add grated Longhorn cheese to the sauce and melt.
- Stir in the green beans and pour into a buttered 1-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, slivered almonds, and paprika.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, place fried onion rings on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the white sauce. You can also swap Longhorn cheese for cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor. For a crunchy topping, try using crushed crackers instead of fried onion rings.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Bean Au Gratin makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or vegetarian entrees. It pairs beautifully with Hard Times Casserole for a comforting meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to round out the dinner. This dish is perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning while baking at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Au Gratin contains roughly 289 calories, with 12g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1952mg per serving (85% 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 frozen or canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the white sauce. This will ensure they cook properly and retain a vibrant color in the final dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the fried onion rings?
If you prefer not to use fried onion rings, you can substitute with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a crispy topping. This will provide a nice crunch without the added grease.
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).