Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lb. green beans
trimmed
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp. slices bacon
cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 3 c. whole milk
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 c. shredded cheddar
divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 c. French's fried onions
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped chives
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare an ice bath. In a large pot of boiling water, add green beans and cook until bright green, about 6 minutes. With a slotted spoon or tongs, quickly transfer green beans to ice bath to cool, then drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- 2
In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook bacon until crisp, 8 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- 3
Over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden and no longer raw, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Add milk, Worcestershire, and garlic powder and bring up to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let mixture thicken slightly, about 2 minutes, then whisk in 2 1/2 cups cheddar until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
- 5
Combine green beans and cheese sauce in a medium baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and bake until warmed through and bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes.
- 6
Top with bacon and fried onions and bake 5 minutes more.
- 7
Garnish with chives before serving.
Loaded Green Bean Casserole
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About this Recipe
Tired of the same old green bean casserole for your holiday spread? This Loaded Green Bean Casserole takes a beloved Thanksgiving classic and elevates it into something truly special. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for making your festive table unforgettable.
What makes this Loaded Green Bean Casserole shine is its rich, savory foundation. Instead of just a simple mushroom soup, this recipe builds a creamy sauce from scratch, then layers in hearty bacon pieces and plenty of sharp cheddar. These additions transform the familiar side dish into a substantial, flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Expect a symphony of textures and tastes with every spoonful. You'll find tender green beans nestled in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce, studded with crispy, salty bacon bits. The dish is crowned with a generous topping of crunchy French's fried onions and a bright finish of fresh chives, offering a delightful contrast to the rich interior. It’s a truly satisfying dish that embodies the spirit of holiday feasting.
Feel free to make this Loaded Green Bean Casserole your own. While cheddar provides a familiar tang, you could experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon—the casserole will still be incredibly flavorful with its creamy sauce and cheesy goodness. If you're out of French's fried onions, you can use crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed in a little butter for a similar crunchy topping.
This robust side dish is naturally at home on your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, but it's equally wonderful for any cozy gathering or Sunday roast. Serve it hot from the oven as a hearty accompaniment to your main course.