Green Bean Gratin

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a casserole dish.

2. 2

   Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, bring water to a simmer. Add green beans and cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid. Drain bacon slices on paper towels, reserving grease in the skillet. Crumble bacon.

4. 4

   Heat 3 tablespoons of the reserved grease. Stir in flour until blended and nutty in color. Add reserved cooking liquid and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thick, about 5 minutes. Fold in beans and Cheddar cheese. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Cover with bread crumbs.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until hot and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle bacon on top before serving.

No additional tips available.