Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup flour
• salt
• pepper
• cayenne
• cheddar cheese, grated
• blanched green beans
• panko bread crumbs

Method

1. Fry four slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about two minutes, then add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for three to five minutes.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk to make a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Add 2 1/2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of half and half to the roux, whisking as it heats.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne, then cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
5. Grate cheddar cheese and melt into the sauce.
6. Combine the cooked bacon, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cheese sauce.
7. Blanch green beans by boiling for about a minute to a minute and a half, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking and brighten color.
8. Even out the green beans and pour the sauce over them.
9. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
10. Top with panko bread crumbs.
11. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.