Green Beans In Cheese Sauce
Creamy green beans topped with cheesy pimento sauce and crispy bacon, then baked with buttery bread crumbs for a savory, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the diced Cheddar cheese, milk, chopped pimento, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and cayenne in a double boiler.
- Cook over boiling water until the sauce is smooth.
- Crumble the fried bacon into small pieces.
- Mix the crumbled bacon with the buttered bread crumbs.
- Place the drained green beans in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the green beans.
- Cover the beans with the bacon-bread crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier cheese sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to the mix. If you don't have Cheddar, Gruyère or Monterey Jack work well as substitutes. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or using crispy fried onions instead of bacon for a vegetarian option. This dish pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Wild Rice Stuffed Turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a side to complement grilled meats or roasted chicken. It pairs nicely with hearty main dishes like Pork recipes or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Hamburger Mac for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to maintain the cheese sauce's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans In Cheese Sauce contains roughly 80 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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 frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the baking dish, as they may retain more moisture than canned beans.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese sauce and mix the green beans with it a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish but wait to add the bread crumb topping until just before baking to keep it crispy.
What can I serve with Green Beans In Cheese Sauce?
This dish pairs well with various mains, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak. For a more casual meal, complement it with Bacon Tater Bites for a delightful side experience.
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).