Green Beans Mornay
Green Beans Mornay offers a comforting blend of tender green beans, crispy fried onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals, it combines savory flavors with a crunchy topping for a satisfying, nostalgic experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, alternately layer the drained green beans and French fried onion rings.
- In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of celery soup, milk, and dried marjoram leaves.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered beans and onions.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. If you're out of green beans, feel free to substitute with asparagus or broccoli. For a crunchier topping, add more French fried onion rings or sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Beans Mornay pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings. For an extra touch, serve with Cheese Biscuits (Red Lobster) to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Mornay contains roughly 567 calories, with 22g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Just blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This will ensure they are tender and properly cooked by the time the dish is done baking.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use reduced-fat cream of celery soup and low-fat cheese to cut down on calories. Additionally, you might substitute the green beans with other vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for a different twist that still maintains the essence of this dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble all the ingredients and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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).