Ingredients
Units
- 3 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fried onion (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- If making crispy onions from scratch: cut the onion into thin slices. Add a few tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and add the onions when hot. Salt them and make sure they're spread out. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Move them around a few times so they brown evenly, but don't touch them too much. Blot on several layers of paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C.
- If using fresh green beans, cook them in a large pot with abundant water and salt until al dente (crisp, not too soft). Drain under cold water and reserve. You can put them in a large bowl of ice water to help maintain the green color.Â
- Melt butter in a large skillet. Sprinkle the flour and stir with a whisk until well integrated. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until you have a shiny, lightly colored paste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while you stir over medium heat. It's important to incorporate the milk as you add it. If lumps form, break them up with a spatula. You need a smooth, lump-free sauce.Â
- Add salt, pepper, garlic and nutmeg. Mix well.Â
- Place green beans, 2/3 cup grated cheddar, and fried onion (reserve 3 tablespoons) in a bowl.
- Add white sauce to the green bean mixture and mix with a spatula.
- Transfer to an 8-inch inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining cheese on top and bake for 10 more minutes. Top with the remaining onions and bake for 10 more minutes, until crisp and golden brown.Â
- Serve immediately.
- Refrigerate leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator. Reheat before eating.Â
Notes
- Make in advance: assemble and refrigerate, covered, until ready to bake. When it's time to serve, pop it in a preheated oven and bake until golden.Â
- Spicy: add chili pepper flakes, chili powder or smoked paprika to the white sauce.Â
- Creamier and richer: use half the amount of cream and substitute the rest for cream.Â
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American