Zesty Green Beans
Zesty green beans baked with a creamy sour cream sauce, crunchy corn flakes topping, and cheese, making a flavorful side perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm the green beans and pour off the liquid.
- In a separate pan, mix butter, flour, salt, pepper, chopped onion, and sour cream.
- Cook the mixture slightly until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the beans in a buttered casserole dish.
- Mix melted butter with crushed corn flakes.
- Sprinkle the corn flakes mixture over the beans.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or substituting half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use fresh green beans if available, cooking them briefly before mixing with the sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This zesty green beans dish pairs beautifully with baked ham and macaroni or grilled chicken. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch. For a cozy family dinner, complement it with a slice of Granny Anderson's Doughnuts for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Green Beans contains roughly 192 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 7g 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 1377mg per serving (60% 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 frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw and briefly steam them before adding to the casserole. This will help retain their texture and flavor, ensuring a delicious outcome.
What cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for topping this dish because it melts well and adds a nice richness. You could also use mozzarella for a milder flavor or a blend of cheeses for added complexity.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra 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).