Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Say goodbye to the canned stuff and hello to a new take on a holiday classic. This Loaded Green Bean Casserole brings all the comfort of the traditional dish, then turns things up a notch. Inspired by the flavors of a fully loaded baked potato, this version blends crisp bacon, fresh chives, and plenty of melty cheese for a side that steals the spotlight.
Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering, it bakes beautifully in a gas oven and delivers hearty, crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite.
Tip: Hosting vegetarian guests? Skip the bacon and swap in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to keep all the richness without the meat.
Serves: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Cook Time: 1 hr.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. green beans, trimmed
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded cheddar (preferably sharp), divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup French’s fried onions
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped chives
Directions
- 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.
- In a large, high-sided skillet (ideally 11×11) over medium heat, heat oil. Cook bacon until crisp, 8 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden and no longer raw, about 2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with bacon and fried onions and bake 5 minutes more.
- Garnish with chives before serving.
Vegetarian Option
- Skip the bacon and swap in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to keep all the richness without the meat.
See original recipe here: delish.com