Green Bean Casserole (Ree Drummond) |
|
 |
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 8 |
|
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh green beans, ends cut off |
salt |
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces |
3 cloves garlic, minced |
1 red bell pepper, diced |
1/2 whole large onion, chopped |
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter |
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
2 1/2 cups whole milk, plus extra for thinning if needed |
1/2 cup half-and-half |
freshly ground black pepper |
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
1 cup grated sharp cheddar |
1 cup panko breadcrumbs |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut the green beans in half if you like the pieces to be a little smaller. Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow the green beans to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans once they're cool and set aside.
3. Add the bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 2 minutes, and then add the peppers, garlic and onions, and continue cooking until the bacon is done (but not crisp) and the onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or 2, and then pour in the milk and half-and-half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, some black pepper and the cayenne, and then add the grated cheese. Stir while the cheese melts. Turn off the heat.
5. Add the bacon/onion mixture and stir to combine. Add the green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with the panko. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is golden, about 30 minutes.
|
|