Green Bean Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Green Bean Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salt for boiling water; 1 pound green beans, trimmed; 1 pound dry elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 cups cold milk; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; pinch of nutmeg; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 pound extra sharp Cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup French fried onions, or more as needed

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This creamy and savory mac and cheese with green beans makes for the perfect comfort food. Rich in flavor, with a crispy topping and tender beans, its sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons salt
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups cold milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pound extra sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup French fried onions (or more as needed)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Bring 3 quarts of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Remove with a hand strainer and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut them into 1-inch pieces and reserve.

Step 3: Add the elbow macaroni to the same boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit for 1 minute. Then transfer the drained pasta into a large bowl.

Step 4: While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flavor of the flour.

Step 5: Gradually pour in the cold milk, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. You can increase the heat to medium-high to speed up the process, but make sure to stir constantly.

Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the kosher salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, white pepper, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 8: Add the green beans to the hot, drained macaroni and pour the cheese sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 9: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the dish on a sheet pan to catch any potential drips while baking.

Step 10: Evenly scatter the French fried onions on top of the mac and cheese, pressing them lightly into the surface with your fingertips.

Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the mac and cheese is hot throughout.

Step 12: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.

Chef's Note

For the creamiest sauce, always grate cheese fresh from the block. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose powder, which can impact the texture of the sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 473
Fat: 29g (38% DV)
Saturated Fat: 16g (81% DV)
Cholesterol: 79mg (26% DV)
Sodium: 2812mg (122% DV)
Carbohydrate: 34g (12% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% DV)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 19g (38% DV)
Vitamin C: 5mg (5% DV)
Calcium: 501mg (39% DV)
Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
Potassium: 320mg (7% DV)

The History and Heritage of Green Bean Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Mac and Cheese is a creative twist on two classic American comfort foods: traditional macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole. Macaroni and cheese itself has European roots, with early recipes appearing in 14th-century Italy and later evolving in the United States in the 18th century as cheddar cheese became widely available. The green bean casserole, popularized in the mid-20th century by the Campbell Soup Company, introduced a simple yet flavorful way to combine vegetables with creamy sauces and crunchy toppings. This fusion dish emerged as home cooks began experimenting with textures and flavors, adding the slight bitterness and crispness of green beans to the rich, cheesy macaroni base, creating a balanced and visually appealing dish.

Regional Variations

While this dish is most popular in the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest, regional adaptations are common. In the South, cooks often use smoked cheddar or add a hint of paprika for warmth. In the Midwest, the recipe might include a heavier topping of fried onions or even crushed potato chips for extra crunch. Some coastal regions experiment with adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, reflecting local tastes and produce availability. Regardless of the region, the key feature remains the combination of tender green beans and creamy macaroni, baked until golden and bubbly.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional macaroni and cheese, which relies solely on pasta and cheese, Green Bean Mac and Cheese incorporates vegetables, adding texture and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. Compared to green bean casserole, it is more pasta-centric and often richer due to the use of multiple cheeses and a bchamel-style sauce. This dualityvegetable plus pastasets it apart as a hybrid comfort food, appealing to both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts.

Serving Occasions

Green Bean Mac and Cheese is often served as a side dish during holiday meals such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it also works as a hearty main dish for weeknight dinners. It pairs well with roasted meats, baked chicken, or a simple green salad. Its baked topping of French-fried onions adds a decorative and flavorful crunch that makes it visually appealing for gatherings and potlucks.

Interesting Facts

The use of green beans adds not only flavor but also a nutritional boost, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The dish is a modern reflection of the American love for comfort foods and experimental fusions.
French-fried onions, the classic topping, were popularized in mid-20th century recipes and have become a hallmark of green bean casseroles and this hybrid dish.
It has gained popularity on social media platforms where home cooks showcase creative variations with smoked cheeses, breadcrumbs, or even bacon.
Despite being a relatively new creation, it reflects centuries of culinary evolution, combining European pasta techniques with American ingredients and flavors.

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FAQ about Green Bean Mac and Cheese Recipe

Store leftover Green Bean Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave, though the oven will help maintain the texture of the crispy topping.

Yes, you can freeze Green Bean Mac and Cheese. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated through.

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar could work well, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly. For a stronger flavor, you can also add a bit of Parmesan.

Yes, fresh green beans work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to trim and cook them until they are just tender, not too soft, to maintain their texture in the dish.

If you prefer a healthier alternative or don't have French fried onions, you can use crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried shallots for a similar crunch. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free fried onions or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. After assembling it, cover the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If storing for longer, freeze the dish before baking and bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time if necessary.

To make this recipe healthier, you can reduce the amount of cheese and use lower-fat versions or plant-based cheese. You could also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and reduce the amount of butter in the cheese sauce. Additionally, replacing French fried onions with a lighter topping like toasted breadcrumbs or nuts can cut down on fat and calories.

Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the dish. Just ensure that the vegetables are cooked or sautéed beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the final dish. Adding a variety of vegetables can make the dish more nutritious and colorful.

If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out. Stir the mixture over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to add the liquid gradually to avoid making it too runny.

Comments

Lacyanne

06/17/2025 04:35:38 PM

This was a tasty mac and cheese but I don't think I really enjoy the addition of green beans. I really enjoyed the green bean casserole topping. Thanks, Chef John!

Jacob Hall

12/26/2024 12:25:39 PM

Quick, simple, and seriously good.

MintTuna4283

12/12/2024 12:39:33 AM

Great recipe! I halved everything and baked it in a 9x9. I used Colby Jack and cheddar, and it turned out very nice! Thanks Chef John!