Green Bean Caesar
A flavorful green bean side dish featuring garlic, Parmesan, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals with a savory, cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the frozen French-cut green beans.
- Toss the beans with salad oil, vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased 1-quart casserole dish.
- Stir together bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted oleo, then sprinkle over the beans.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, you can use fresh green beans instead of frozen ones. If you don't have dried onion flakes, finely chopped fresh onions work well too. For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors and complements the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Bean Caesar makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken, adding a fresh, crunchy element to your meal. It pairs beautifully with Eleanor's Lemon Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside Buttery Rolls for a complete family dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Green Bean Caesar can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Caesar contains roughly 63 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used in place of frozen. Simply trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before proceeding with the recipe. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this Green Bean Caesar vegan, substitute the melted oleo with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed peppers. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a starch like rice or quinoa, or alongside a simple salad.
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).