Green bean casserole is perfect for potluck events and always wins the hearts of many because it really is one of the ultimate comfort foods. I was so excited when I found this green bean casserole recipe tutorial by Ree Drummond on The Food Network because she really puts a cool twist on this old-time favorite. Instead of using the same old soup method, she uses a homemade bechamel white sauce that she makes in a cast iron skillet with a real roux.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh green beans (with the ends cut off)
• Salt (to taste)
• 4 slices of bacon (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 whole large onion (chopped)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (plus a little extra for thinning, if needed)
• 1/2 cup half and half
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or French’s French fried onions)

Directions:

In this wonderful recipe tutorial by Ree Drummond of The Food Network, Ree makes a traditional green bean casserole completely from scratch. Instead of using canned green beans and canned soup, Ree uses fresh green beans and homemade bechamel white sauce that she makes from scratch. The bechamel white sauce is started by making a delicious New Orleans style roux. 

Then, when Ree’s sauce is thickened, she adds sauteed bacon, red bell pepper, garlic, and onion. Then, the green beans are blanched for one minute and then iced, so they will retain their crispiness. Then you add all the ingredients to a buttered casserole dish and bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

This is an excellent recipe by Ree, I will be making this version of green bean casserole from now on.

Ree Drummond’s Green Bean Casserole