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Creamy Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Crispy Topping

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This comforting casserole combines classic mac and cheese with green bean casserole, featuring a silky cheese sauce, tender green beans, plump pasta, and a crispy panko-fried onion topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday side dish that brings nostalgic flavor with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells (dried, uncooked)
  • 3 cups water for boiling pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter sauce)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  • Optional: Chopped cooked bacon
  • Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In the same pot, add macaroni to boiling water. Cook according to package instructions (7-9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly but not browned.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and broth. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked macaroni, blanched green beans, and cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.
  8. In a bowl, mix panko, crispy onions, parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle mixture evenly over casserole and press down lightly.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling at the edges. If topping browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.
  10. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Blanch green beans briefly to keep them crisp. Make ahead by assembling up to the topping and refrigerating overnight; add topping just before baking. For extra creamy sauce, add 2 oz cream cheese. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are possible. If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat dry before blanching.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, green bean casserole, holiday side, comfort food, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy casserole, crispy topping

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-green-bean-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-holiday-side/