Green Bean Casserole (PW Version)

By TeeSquared

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, trimmed and sliced (optional)
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, diced into 1/4" pieces
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 of a large onion, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk, plus extra for thinning, if necessary
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 4-oz. jar sliced pimentos, drained
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Details

Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 60mins

Preparation

Step 1

If you’re using mushrooms, saute them in a little butter and/or oil, then set aside.

Cut green beans in half if you like pieces to be a little smaller.

Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow green beans to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain beans once they’re cool and set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon for two minutes, then add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne then add the grated cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat.

Add pimentos to pan, then add bacon/onion mixture. Stir to combine. Pour over green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and panko crumbs are golden. If you’ve made the dish ahead, allow the mixture to come to room temperature before placing in the oven.