Ingredients

2 pounds fresh green beans, ends cut off

Salt

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, pressed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 whole large onion, chopped

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk, plus extra for thinning if needed

1/2 cup half-and-half

Freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup grated sharp Cheddar

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Cut the green beans in half if you like the pieces to be a little smaller. Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow the green beans to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans once they're cool and set aside.

Step 3: Add the bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 2 minutes, and then add the peppers, garlic and onions, and continue cooking until the bacon is done (but not crisp) and the onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or 2, and then pour in the milk and half-and-half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, some black pepper and the cayenne, and then add the grated cheese. Stir while the cheese melts. Turn off the heat.

Step 5: Add the bacon/onion mixture and stir to combine. Add the green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with the panko. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is golden, about 30 minutes.