Green Bean Casserole

5 from 2 votes

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food that’s often associated with holiday meals and family gatherings, but when you elevate it with fresh green beans, crispy fried onions, and a rich cheese sauce, it goes from a simple side dish to a showstopper.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Matt Price

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
6 slices bacon chopped
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup grated Gruyère cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
AP Seasoning and Buttery Garlic Pepper
1 ½ cups crispy fried onions divided (for topping and mixing)

Instructions

Prep Work:

First things first, let’s get our prep work done. We need to measure out the flour, milk, bacon, and green beans.
Next, dice your onion and set it aside.

Blanch the Green Beans:

Start by blanching the fresh green beans.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the green beans and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. Be careful not to overcook them. Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drain and set aside.

Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, whisking occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The cheeses will melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and the creamy cheese sauce.
Stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated.
Gently fold in 1 cup of crispy fried onions, saving the remaining ½ cup for topping the casserole.
Taste as you go and adjust the flavor as needed. Add the bacon and mix to combine.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the reserved crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole for that extra crunch and flavor.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
If you want an extra crispy topping, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
The creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with crispy bacon and fried onions is ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole:

Prep Ahead: You can blanch the green beans, cook the bacon, and make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Just assemble everything and bake when you're ready to serve.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Gruyère or even some shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy kick.
Texture Variations: For extra texture, you can add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top in addition to the fried onions. This adds an extra layer of crunch.

• • Make it a Meal: Add some shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey to turn this side dish into a main course. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover poultry!

Nutrition