Party Green Beans
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with a crunchy cornflake topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, blending savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the green beans.
- Make a white sauce by melting margarine in a skillet, then adding flour, salt, pepper, and sugar to form a paste.
- Stir in sour cream and grated onion until well combined.
- Layer half of the green beans in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the Swiss and Cheddar cheeses over the beans.
- Add the remaining green beans on top of the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top of the beans.
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the white sauce. If you're out of Swiss cheese, you can substitute with Gruyère or even mozzarella. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour. Adding sautéed mushrooms can enhance flavor and depth, making this dish even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
This Party Green Beans dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or a grain dish like quinoa. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks, and you can browse more American recipes to complement your meal.
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 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will help retain the crunch of the cornflakes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Green Beans contains roughly 280 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 891mg per serving (39% 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, you can use fresh green beans! Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain before proceeding with the recipe. This will ensure they maintain a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Just sauté them before adding to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?
To reduce calories, consider using low-fat sour cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also use less margarine in the white sauce. Additionally, using whole grain cornflakes can add fiber without significantly increasing calories.
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).