Green bean and bacon casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 cup pork rind crumbs (or almond flour for a less crunchy topping)

**Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Green Beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Green Beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain them and set aside.
3. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same

3. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched green beans and half of the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat the green beans evenly with the sauce.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Add Topping: If using pork rind crumbs or almond flour, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your keto-friendly green bean and bacon casserole!