Swiss String Beans
A creamy Swiss string beans casserole with melted cheese, crispy bread crumbs, and a savory onion flavor, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen French-cut beans.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan.
- Add flour to the pan and stir in sour cream.
- Cook until mixture is thick or bubbly; then add chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the thawed beans.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch square casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese over the top and cover with bread crumbs.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the bread crumbs.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat sour cream instead of reduced-fat options. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can work as great substitutes. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. For an extra crunch, try using seasoned croutons that can add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a comforting side with roasted meats or a hearty salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tamale Corn Casserole for a delicious vegetarian option. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added touch of freshness.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may soften the texture of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss String Beans contains roughly 653 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1899mg per serving (83% 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 frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh green beans. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding to the recipe. Fresh beans offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use buttermilk for a lighter option, though it may alter the consistency slightly.
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly! With its combination of beans, cheese, and sour cream, it makes a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. To make it even more hearty, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
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).