🌿🧀 Fresh ‘n Swiss Bistro Green Bean Casserole

Fresh, elevated twist with bacon, creamy Swiss cheese sauce & a crunchy artisan topping.

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

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✨ Why You’ll Love It

• Uses fresh green beans for crisp-tender perfection
• A luxurious sauce made with Swiss cheese, Parmesan & cream
• Savory depth from bacon, garlic, onion & a touch of Dijon
• A gorgeous panko + fried onion topping that photographs beautifully
• No canned soup — ever
• Cozy, rich, indulgent — the definition of elevated comfort food

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🥘 Ingredients

Green Beans

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• Salt, for boiling

Bacon & Aromatics

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ⅓ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan

Crunchy Artisan Topping

• 1 ½ cups French fried onions
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• Optional: ½ cup shredded Swiss for a melty golden top

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prep the Green Beans

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add green beans and cook 4–5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Drain and shock in ice water to stop cooking. Set aside.

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2. Cook the Bacon & Veggies

1. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; leave 1–2 tbsp bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add diced onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and black pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

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3. Make the Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce

1. Add butter to the skillet; let it melt into the onions.
2. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
4. Add heavy cream, Dijon, Worcestershire, and salt.
5. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded Swiss + Parmesan until melted and silky.

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4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the:
   • blanched green beans
   • creamy Swiss cheese sauce
   • crispy bacon
3. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 baking dish or deep casserole.

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5. Mix & Add the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:

• French fried onions
• panko
• melted butter
• (optional) extra shredded Swiss

Mix well, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

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6. Bake

• Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• For extra crisp color, broil 1 minute — watching closely.