Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

From Michelle Richards via Pinterest

            Ingredients

3 slices thick-cut bacon diced

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

2 cloves garlic minced

12 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms chopped

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup half-and-half

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound fresh green beans trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain)

1 can quality French fried onions

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Melt the butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour. Once combined, continue whisking for another 2 minutes until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. Add the half-and-half and chicken broth while constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Once slightly thickened, add the cheese and whisk until melted and combined. Next add the mushroom/bacon mixture along with the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the green beans. Stir to combine. Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Note:
This dish can be made in advance, just leave off the onions. Before baking, top with onions.