Cheddar-Pecan Green Bean Casserole

(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Cooking Light)

Buttermilk White Sauce (see recipe below)
1 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Simple Blanched Green Beans (see recipe below)
1 cup French fried onions, crushed
1/2 cup panko
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine Buttermilk White Sauce, peppers, and 1/2 cup cheese in a large bowl; add green beans, tossing gently to combine. Place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch or 3-qt. baking dish.
Combine French fried onions, Japanese breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, and remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and sprinkle over green bean mixture.
Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.
(Simple Pecan-Green Bean Casserole: Omit shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Preheat oven to 350°. Place French fried onions, Japanese breadcrumbs, and chopped pecans in an even layer in a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring after 5 minutes. Prepare Buttermilk White Sauce and Simple Blanched Green Beans as directed. (Do not plunge beans into ice water.) Gently toss together green beans and roasted red bell peppers, and spoon onto a serving platter. Top with Buttermilk White Sauce, and sprinkle with toasted pecan mixture. Makes 6 to 8 servings; Prep: 10 min., Bake: 10 min.)

BUTTERMILK WHITE SAUCE
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Cooking Light)

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Ranch dressing mix
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Melt butter in a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat, and whisk in buttermilk and remaining ingredients.
Note: Sauce can be made up to two days ahead. Prepare recipe as directed; cover and chill in an airtight container. Whisk in 2 Tbsp. milk, and microwave at HIGH 1 minute, stirring at 30-second intervals.

SIMPLE BLANCHED GREEN BEANS
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Cooking Light)

1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed

Cook fresh green beans, trimmed, in boiling salted water to cover 4 to 6 minutes or to desired degree of doneness; drain. Use immediately, or plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain and pat dry. Store in a zip-top plastic bag in refrigerator up to 2 days.