Green Beans Fermier
Green Beans Fermier is a hearty, cheesy casserole featuring tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a savory homemade sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare green beans as label directs; drain.
- Place green beans in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, cook diced bacon and diced onion over medium heat for 10 minutes or until bacon is browned and onion is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in flour until blended.
- Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups water, chicken bouillon envelopes, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is very thick.
- Gently stir the sauce with the green beans; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon and sautéing it until crispy before adding the onion. If you're out of chicken bouillon, vegetable broth can serve as a substitute for added depth. To make the dish healthier, you can replace half of the cheese with a low-fat version or even omit it altogether for a lighter side.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Beans Fermier pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as Garlic And Rosemary Roast Chicken or grilled fish. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It's also a delightful option for potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring a hearty vegetable side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Fermier contains roughly 304 calories, with 12g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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. Just trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crispness in the final dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon. You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a depth that mimics the savory taste of bacon.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
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).