Cheesy Green Bean–Bacon Casserole

Pimientos and bacon give this holiday favorite a fun and easy flavor upgrade.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, cut into ¼” pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ whole large onion, chopped
• 4 Tbs. butter
• 4 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 jar (4 oz.) sliced pimientos, drained
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Blanch green beans: Drop them into lightly salted boiling water and let cook 3–4 min. Remove with slotted spoon; immediately plunge them into bowl of ice water. Drain once cool; set aside. 
2. Add bacon to skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 min., then add onions and garlic. Cook 3–5 min. or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden. Remove from heat.
3. In skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook 1–2 min. Pour in milk and half-and-half. Cook, whisking constantly until thick. Add salt, pepper, cayenne and cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat. Add pimientos and bacon mixture. Pour over beans; gently stir. Pour into baking dish; top with panko crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 30 min. or until golden.