HAM AND CHEESE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Ham and Cheese Green Bean Casserole image

With all due respect to the old-school classic, this Ham and Cheese Green Bean Casserole, tested to perfection in the Betty Crocker Kitchens, is ready to take the crown as the best holiday side dish you'll ever make. Here's why: the velvety cheese sauce is made with half-and-half, cream cheese, cheddar and broth, so it's not just rich, it has serious depth of flavor. Added to the mix is savory chopped ham and fresh green beans, which hold their shape when baked, and add toothsome texture to the dish. The one thing we haven't changed, and would never change-those delectable French-fried onions-adding an irresistible crispy crunch on top! If you've ever dreamed of eating green bean casserole for dinner-and honestly, if you haven't, we've got other recipes for you-make it happen with this upgraded classic that's way too good to save only for the holiday season!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 container (2.8 oz) French-fried onions
6 cups water
2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 cup half-and-half
4 oz cream cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup finely chopped cooked ham

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Reserve 1/2 cup French-fried onions for topping.
In 4- to 5-quart saucepan, heat 6 cups water to boiling over medium-high heat. Add green beans. Cook 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; drain, and place green beans back into pan; set aside.
Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and salt; stir with whisk or fork until blended. Gradually stir in broth and half-and-half; cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until smooth, bubbly and sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; stir until cheeses are melted. Stir in remaining French-fried onions and the ham.
Pour cheese mixture over green beans; stir to coat. Spread mixture in baking dish. Top with reserved 1/2 cup French-fried onions.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 600 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g