Q1: Why did my cream sauce turn out lumpy?

A lumpy cream sauce is almost always because the liquid was added to the roux too quickly. The secret to a perfectly smooth sauce is to add your milk and cream very slowly, in a thin and steady stream, while whisking constantly.

Q2: Can I make this side dish ahead of time for a holiday dinner?

Yes, absolutely! This is an ideal make-ahead side dish. You can fully assemble the unbaked casserole up to two days in advance. When you are ready for your dinner, you can simply top it with the panko and pop it in the oven to bake. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.

Q3: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

You can, but for the absolute best, most authentic crisp-tender texture, fresh green beans are highly recommended. If you do use frozen, be sure they are completely thawed and patted very dry.

Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and sauté your onions, peppers, and garlic in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil. You can add about 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms for a savory, "meaty" flavor.

Q5: Can I use the classic fried onions on top instead of panko?

Yes! For that nostalgic crunch, you can absolutely substitute the panko breadcrumbs with about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of canned fried onions. Sprinkle them on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.

From-Scratch Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

A classic, from-scratch recipe for a creamy and savory Green Bean Casserole, a perfect side dish for a holiday meal. This comforting casserole features fresh, blanched green beans in a homemade cheese sauce, avoiding canned soups. The rich sauce is flavored with bacon, sautéed onions and peppers, and a hint of cayenne. The entire dish is topped with a crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
Kosher salt
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, chopped
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
Freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Blanch the green beans by dropping them into a pot of boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain the beans and set them aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces for 2 minutes. Add the peppers, garlic, and onions, and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and the onions are golden brown. Remove from the heat.
Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, some black pepper, the cayenne, and the grated cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted, then turn off the heat.
Assemble and Bake: Add the cooked bacon and onion mixture to the cheese sauce. Gently stir in the blanched green beans.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the panko breadcrumbs.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the panko topping is golden brown.

Notes

This is a classic holiday side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, made completely from scratch without any canned soups.
Blanching the green beans and then ‘shocking’ them in ice water is a key technique that keeps them perfectly crisp-tender and vibrant green.
The bacon and its rendered fat provide a savory, smoky flavor base for the entire dish.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/from-scratch-green-bean-casserole/