Ultimate Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cheese Sauce
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole made from scratch, with crispy bacon and a golden panko topping. Perfect for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Prep20 min
- Cook30 min
- Total50 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings8
This green bean casserole takes the classic holiday side dish to the next level. Instead of canned soup, we make a rich, creamy sauce with butter, milk, half-and-half, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Bacon adds a smoky crunch, while pimientos bring a touch of sweetness and color. A final sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs bakes into a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender green beans.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- If desired, cut the green beans in half for smaller pieces. Blanch them: drop into lightly salted boiling water and cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain once cool; set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces for 2 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, until the bacon is cooked (but not crispy) and the onion is golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk immediately to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add the milk and half-and-half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Add the salt, black pepper, and cayenne, then stir in the grated cheddar until melted. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth. Turn off the heat.
- Stir the drained pimientos into the sauce, then add the bacon-onion mixture. Mix well. Pour the sauce over the blanched green beans and gently toss to coat. Transfer to a baking dish and top evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is golden brown.
💡 Tips
- For a crispier topping, mix the panko with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- You can use frozen green beans (thawed) if fresh are unavailable; blanch for 2 minutes instead.
- Make ahead: assemble the casserole (without panko) a day in advance, refrigerate, then add panko and bake just before serving.
Inspired by a recipe from The Pioneer Woman