Ritzy Green Bean Casserole
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with crunchy Ritz crackers and almonds, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 2-quart casserole, mix drained green beans and white Shoe Peg corn.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream of celery soup, sour cream, chopped onion, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the vegetables in the casserole.
- Mix melted margarine with Ritz crackers and crumble them over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds over the crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion in a bit of olive oil before mixing it into the casserole. If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. To make this dish vegetarian, ensure all ingredients are free from meat products.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted meats, making it a versatile side dish for any meal. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Ham, Cheese And Broccoli Bake for a hearty dinner. It also complements well with other comfort food favorites such as Scalloped Potatoes In Cream Sauce, making for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ritzy Green Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help retain the casserole’s crisp topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritzy Green Bean Casserole contains roughly 3048 calories, with 21g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 308g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2832mg per serving (123% 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! Just blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will ensure they are tender and maintain their bright green color during baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble all the ingredients and cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake it, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can substitute them with crushed saltine crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy topping. Just mix them with melted butter before adding to the casserole for that satisfying crunch!
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).