Description

This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender blanched green beans mixed with a creamy cheesy sauce infused with bacon, onions, and garlic, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection. It’s a savory, comforting dish perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

2 lb. fresh green beans, ends cut off

Bacon and Aromatics

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

4 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. half-and-half
1 1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
Chicken broth, if needed for thinning (optional)
1 (4 oz.) jar sliced pimientos, drained

Topping

1 c. panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Blanch the Green Beans: Cut the green beans in half if desired for smaller pieces. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then drop the green beans in and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into ice-cold water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Cook Bacon, Onion, and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the bacon is cooked through but not crisp, and the onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and half-and-half while whisking constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Turn off the heat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the drained pimientos into the cheese sauce, then fold in the bacon, onion, and garlic mixture. Gently pour and stir this sauce mixture over the blanched green beans until coated evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.

Notes

Blanching the green beans before baking helps maintain their bright color and crisp-tender texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
You can prepare the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate; add extra baking time if baking chilled.
For extra richness, swap half-and-half with heavy cream.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on bacon and broth saltiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: green bean casserole, green beans, cheesy casserole, holiday side dish, baked green beans, bacon green beans, comfort food