2 1/2cupswhole milkplus extra for thinning if needed
1/2cuphalf and half
1/8tspcayenne pepper
1tspcardamom
1cupsharp cheddargrated
1cuppanko bread crumbs
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Steam in bag for a short amount of time. Cut the green beans in half if you like the pieces to be a little smaller. Set to the side.
Add the bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 2 minutes, and then add the sliced white mushrooms, 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.
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 salt, black pepper, cayenne, cardamom and and then add the grated cheese. Stir while the cheese melts. Turn off the heat.
Add the bacon/onion mixture and stir to combine. Add in the green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is golden – approximately 30 minutes.