Green Beans Au Gratin: A Festive Delight
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Description: Green Beans Au Gratin is one of those quintessential dishes that elevates any special occasion with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This recipe combines fresh green beans with a luscious cheese sauce, topped with crispy potato chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will make your gatherings even more memorable. Don’t skip the potato chips—they’re what make this dish truly special!
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: < 60 mins, Green Beans, Au Gratin, Easy Recipes
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2/3 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup crushed potato chips
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
-
Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your dish is ready for baking. -
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until it’s fully liquid. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Continue cooking this mixture for a minute or two, just until it starts to bubble and develop a slightly nutty aroma. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of dry mustard. Stir to combine and cook for another minute. -
Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and begins to gently bubble. -
Add the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add ⅔ cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary. -
Prepare the Green Beans:
While the sauce is thickening, blanch 3 cups of fresh green beans in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they’re just tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. Drain thoroughly. -
Combine and Assemble:
Gently fold the blanched green beans into the cheese sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into a buttered casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. -
Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, add ¼ cup of crushed potato chips for a delightful crunch. Scatter the crumbled bacon over the top and finish with a light sprinkling of paprika for color and a touch of smokiness. -
Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and crispy, and the sauce should be bubbling. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy this decadent Green Beans Au Gratin as a perfect side dish for any special occasion or holiday meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 405.3
- Fat: 29.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.1 g
- Cholesterol: 69.5 mg
- Sodium: 978.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Protein: 14.2 g
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it an ideal side dish for family dinners or festive gatherings. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender green beans, and crispy toppings will make this dish a new favorite at your table!
