GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH BACON

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH BACON 4 slices bacon, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/4 cups whole milk 4 14.5 ounce cans French style green beans, drained 1 teaspoon ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup French fried onions, divided 1 cup grated cheddar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and fry until crisp. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constanty, for one minute. Whisk in the flour until smooth and creamy. Whisk in the milk and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of a gravy. Add the drained green beans to a large mixing bowl and pour the bacon mixture over the top. Add salt, pepper, and half of the fried onions. Stir well to combine. Spread into a greased 9x9 baking dish. Sprinkle the top with cheddar. Bake for 35 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining onions over the top of the casserole and continue baking for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.