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from-scratch green bean casserole

Canned cream of soup, begone!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping creeam
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans, sliced if large
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 1/2 cup cooked tofu or regular bacon, crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a large, oven-safe skillet, saute the butter and onion until the onion softens, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning for 1 minute, until fragrant. Whisk in the flour until no visible streaks remain.
  • Pour in the milk and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the green beans and cook 5-7 minutes, until the beans soften to a crisp-tender texture. Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and French-fried onions. Cook in the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles and the onions are crispy and golden, about 12-15 minutes. During the final 5 minutes of baking, pull the dish from the oven, top with the bacon, and return for the remaining time.
  • Cool the casserole about 10 minutes, then scoop and serve!

Notes

*Make ahead: Casserole can be prepped up to 3 days in advance - so, Monday before Thursday Thanksgiving! Stop after step 3, cool the dish, then cover and refrigerate.
*Tofu bacon:
  • Drain and press a block of extra firm tofu to remove excess water for about 5-10 minutes. I make a homemade press by placing paper towels on a large plate, then the tofu, then more towels, another plate, and a skillet.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees and lightly grease a large baking sheet. Slice the tofu very thin (as thin as you can without breaking it) and place onto the baking sheet.
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  • In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour over the tofu and, using a basting brush, coat each slice. Flip, and brush the sauce over the opposite side. Let sit while the oven heats.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through baking time. Let cool on the baking sheet: the tofu will continue to crisp up.
Keyword bacon, casserole, cheese, christmas, comfort food, fall, green beans, side dish, thanksgiving, vegetarian