Monterey Green Beans
Creamy green beans with melted Monterey Jack cheese and sautéed onions, offering a flavorful side perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté chopped green onions in butter until tender.
- Add frozen green beans, drained mushroom stems and pieces, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until beans are tender.
- Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cover, and let stand for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the sautéed green onions. If you prefer a different cheese, consider pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist. For an even healthier option, substitute fresh green beans for the frozen ones, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These Monterey Green Beans make a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish, complementing any main course beautifully. They also pair well with a crisp salad or the Sour Cream Potato Toss for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve alongside a slice of Homemade Apple Turnover for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monterey Green Beans contains roughly 21 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1285mg per serving (56% 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 instead of frozen. Just make sure to trim and cut them into similar lengths. You may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they become tender.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese on hand, you can substitute with mozzarella for a mild flavor or cheddar for a sharper taste. Both will melt well and add a delightful richness to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans and mushroom mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving and add the cheese at the end to ensure it melts perfectly.
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).