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Crispy Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Fried Onion Topping Easy and Perfect

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A crispy loaded green bean casserole featuring a homemade creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and a golden fried onion topping that adds perfect texture and flavor. This easy and comforting side dish is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched (or frozen if short on time)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups thinly sliced sweet onions
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain again and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add butter and melt over medium heat. Toss in sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs halfway through cooking for extra crunch. Remove onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Evenly spread the fried onion and panko topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set.
  7. Optional: For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use fresh onions for frying to ensure crispiness. Fry onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning. Reserve bacon fat for added smoky flavor in onions and cheese sauce. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Make ahead by assembling casserole without fried onion topping and refrigerate; add topping just before baking. To re-crisp topping after storage, reheat in oven instead of microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, crispy onion topping, loaded casserole, comfort food, easy side dish, holiday recipe, bacon, cheddar cheese

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-loaded-green-bean-casserole-recipe-with-fried-onion-topping-easy-and-perfect/