Scalloped Green Beans And Celery
Creamy scalloped green beans and celery combine tender vegetables with cheesy, buttery breadcrumbs for a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cut-up celery in water to cover until almost tender. Drain, saving the liquid.
- Make a white sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of butter, then stirring in the flour, milk, celery liquid, and salt. Cook until thickened.
- Add shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until melted, avoiding boiling.
- Butter the bread crumbs and brown them in a greased baking dish.
- Place half of the cooked green beans, celery, and bread crumbs in the dish.
- Add the remaining vegetables and all of the cheese sauce on top.
- Top with the buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes or until brown and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want a different flavor profile, try adding garlic powder or nutmeg to the cheese sauce. For a crunchier topping, mix in some crushed nuts with the bread crumbs. You can also substitute the green beans with asparagus for a seasonal twist, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a delightful side alongside roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian main dish. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Delicious Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert, creating a well-rounded meal. Consider a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Green Beans And Celery contains roughly 504 calories, with 16g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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 cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Simply blanch them in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain and proceed with the recipe as directed. This will enhance the freshness of the dish.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor and good melting properties. However, you can also use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste, or a combination of cheeses for added complexity.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the bread crumbs before baking to maintain their crunch. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
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).