Green Bean Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese, adding the freshness of green beans for an extra veggie boost. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect as a side or even a main course. Here's a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Olive oil (for cooking the green beans)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the green beans:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they're tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine pasta, green beans, and cheese sauce:
- Add the drained pasta and cooked green beans to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
5. Optional: Bake for a crispy topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Serve the green bean mac and cheese hot, with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips:
- Green bean alternatives: You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables, such as broccoli or peas, for variety.
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.
This Green Bean Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish with the added bonus of fresh veggies. It’s the perfect comfort food with a little twist!