Creamy Swiss Green Beans Gratin with Crunchy Topping
Elevate your special occasions with this delectable Creamy Swiss Green Beans Gratin! This dish combines tender green beans with a rich, cheesy béchamel sauce made from Swiss cheese and a hint of dry mustard for an extra kick. Topped with a delightful crunch of crushed potato chips and crispy bacon, it’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration on your plate! Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any event where you want to impress, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
4
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
4 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dry Mustard
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
Swiss Cheese
2/3 cup (grated)
Green Beans
3 cups (cooked)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Potato Chips
1/4 cup (crushed)
Bacon
3 slices (cooked crisp and crumbled)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3
Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Cook the mixture gently until it becomes bubbly and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, continuing to whisk as you go to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-5 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Swiss cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans with the cheese sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
7
Transfer the green bean mixture into a buttered casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Top the mixture with the grated Parmesan cheese, crushed potato chips, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of paprika.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
15
Carbs
7.5
Protein
2.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swiss Green Beans Gratin?
Creamy Swiss Green Beans Gratin is a delectable side dish that combines tender green beans with a rich, cheesy béchamel sauce made from Swiss cheese, topped with crushed potato chips and crispy bacon.
How long does it take to bake the gratin?
The dish should be baked in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the gratin.
What ingredients are needed for the crunchy topping?
The crunchy topping is made from a combination of grated Parmesan cheese, crushed potato chips, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of paprika.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon from the topping.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The primary cheese used in the creamy béchamel sauce is grated Swiss cheese.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 12.5g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, 7.5g of protein, and 2.5g of fiber.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
To prevent lumps, gradually add the milk to the flour and butter mixture while continuing to whisk constantly.
What type of green beans should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked green beans, which can be fresh, frozen, or canned as long as they are prepared beforehand.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is considered an ideal dish for special occasions, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.
What gives the sauce its extra kick?
A hint of dry mustard is added to the sauce to provide an extra flavor kick.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which usually takes 3-5 minutes of cooking over medium heat.
Should the bacon be cooked before adding it?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked until crisp and then crumbled before being added as a topping.
Can I use a substitute for Swiss cheese?
While Swiss cheese provides a specific flavor, you could substitute it with Gruyère or Emmental for a similar melting profile.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is simple to assemble and bake.
What is the preparation for the potato chips?
The potato chips should be crushed before being sprinkled over the top of the casserole.
How much butter is required for the roux?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of potato chips?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute breadcrumbs for potato chips for a different type of crunch.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of milk to create the creamy sauce.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika for the topping.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should use a buttered casserole dish to prevent the gratin from sticking.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the sauce set.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients required to make this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates there is no sugar added to this recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a vegetable side dish, specifically a gratin.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
Can I use flour substitutes?
While the recipe calls for standard flour, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used to make the dish gluten-friendly.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, due to its creamy texture and cheesy topping, it is tagged as a comfort food dish.