Description
This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon and crunchy French fried onions. It's baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh green beans
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Pantry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups French fried onions
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Trim and Blanch Green Beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half if desired. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, blanch the green beans for 4 minutes, then transfer to the ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Wipe the skillet of bacon grease, then add butter. Over medium-high heat, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Make Cheese Sauce Base: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, approximately 3 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheeses: Remove from heat and stir in kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and heavy cream. Add sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and half of the French fried onions.
- Combine and Bake: Place the blanched green beans in the prepared baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over the beans, and stir to combine. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining bacon and French fried onions on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Blanching the green beans ensures they stay crisp and vibrant after baking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or butter for sautéing.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and reduce butter amount.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
