Swiss Beans
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with a crispy cornflake topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, combining rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour, salt, black pepper, sugar, and onion (if using).
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Fold in the drained green beans, sour cream, and processed Swiss cheese.
- Heat thoroughly until hot and bubbly.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish or casserole and sprinkle with crushed cornflakes.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, if baking time is desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or using a richer sour cream. If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream. To enhance the flavor, try mixing in some garlic powder or using fresh herbs like thyme. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for a quick weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Swiss Beans make a delightful side dish and pair well with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Serve it alongside American recipes like Aunt Hattie Lou's Pound Cake for dessert to complete the meal. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding a side salad such as Rose's Christmas Salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Beans contains roughly 724 calories, with 9g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2088mg per serving (91% 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?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will provide a better texture and flavor. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before draining and adding them to the mixture.
What if I can't find processed Swiss cheese?
If processed Swiss cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with shredded Gruyère or a mild mozzarella cheese. Just ensure it melts well to maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Swiss Beans up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it until golden and bubbly, which makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
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).