PW's Green Bean Casserole

I have left over green beans to use up. I am also in need of some serious comfort food. This recipe is compliments of Pioneer Woman who ALWAYS supplies rich yummy comfort food. I am going to replace the Panko with the French's onions. I've edited for what I did.

Green Bean Casserole

| Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, Ends Cut Off (mine were left over)
  
• 4 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/4 Inch Pieces (pre cooked in microwave)
  
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• ½ whole Large Onion, Chopped
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 2-½ cups Whole Milk (I went heavier - heavy cream and half and half just because I had it)
  
• ½ cups Half-and-half
• 1-½ teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• ⅛ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (I of course added more)
  
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Sliced Pimentoes, Drained (I'd have loved even more)
  
• Extra Milk For Thinning If Necessary
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs - I ommitted and used French's Onions instead cause I was after comfort breading, not healthy breading! :D
  

Preparation Instructions

• Cut green beans in half if you like pieces to be a little smaller.
• Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow green beans to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain beans once they’re cool and set aside.
• Add bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon for two minutes, then add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne then add the grated cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat.
• Add pimentos to pan, then add bacon/onion mixture. Stir to combine. Pour over green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko crumbs.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and topping is golden.
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