Oriental Green Bean
Savory green beans baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with bacon, mushrooms, and crunchy onion topping—comforting, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. green beans ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 4 oz. mushrooms, drained (keep juice) ⓘ
- 8 oz. water chestnuts, drained
- ½ cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 strips crisp bacon ⓘ
- French fried onions ⓘ
- 1 stick butter, melted ⓘ
- milk to combine with mushroom juice to equal 1½ cups ⓘ
- 1½ cups sharp Cheddar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- ¼ tsp. Tabasco ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté green beans, mushrooms, water chestnuts, onion, and bacon strips until vegetables are tender.
- Drain the liquid and set aside the mushroom juice.
- Melt the stick of butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 4 tablespoons flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add the reserved mushroom juice mixed with enough milk to reach 1½ cups, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups sharp cheddar, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon Tabasco, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a casserole dish, combine the cooked beans and vegetables with the creamy sauce and crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle French fried onion rings over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the dish is bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the sautéed vegetables. For a vegetarian version, swap out the bacon for smoked paprika or a plant-based bacon alternative. If you can't find sharp cheddar, a medium cheddar or a blend of cheeses will work well too.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or with some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving it with Bermuda Triangle Burgers for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Green Bean contains roughly 311 calories, with 25g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1039mg per serving (45% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes as it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will give you a crispier texture and vibrant color. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before sautéing to ensure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can replace them with chopped baby corn or even diced bell peppers for a different texture. While the flavor will change slightly, it will still contribute to the overall crunch of the dish.
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).