Make sure to check out video below!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45-60 minutes (worth every second)

Materials:

• 2 lbs. green beans ends removed
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or cut into small pieces)
• 1 tbs. shredded parmesan
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 4 tbs. unsalted butter (additional 1 tbs. for topping)
• 6 slices of bacon chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves diced
• 4 tbs. flour
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt (about 1 tbs. or so). Add in the green beans and cook 2-3 minutes. Remove green beans using a slotted spoon and put directly in a bowl filled with ice water. Let green beans cool off and drain them. Set aside to dry.
3. In a medium sized skillet add in the bacon. Cook 4-5 minutes on medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove onto a paper towel lined plate  using a slotted spoon, leaving behind the grease rendered by the bacon.
4. Add in the chopped onion and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add in garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. In a skillet with high sides over medium high heat add in 4 tbs. of unsalted butter. Once that melts add in the flour and cook for about 60 seconds stirring constantly.
8. Once you no longer see any flour add in the milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Watch video to see a visual of what you are looking for.
9. Turn heat off and add in sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted.
10. Add in onion and garlic mixture, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper (again to taste), and stir will.
11. Add in cooled green beans and mix well.
12. Pour the mixture in to a casserole dish (mine was 6″ by 3″). Top with bacon, parmesan cheese, panko crumbs, and the remaining butter.
13. Cook 30-40 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes and ENJOY!