Make Ahead

Green Bean and Leek Casserole

Prep Time: 25 Minutes Start to Finish: 1 Hour 12 servings

• 2 bags (12 oz each) steam-in-the-bag fresh green beans
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 large leek (1 lb), cut lengthwise in half, thinly sliced (about 2½ cups)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups shredded fontina cheese (6 oz)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ¾ cup Italian-style panko crispy bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Microwave bags of beans on High 3 minutes 30 seconds. Remove beans from bags to large bowl; set aside.

2 Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Cook leeks in butter 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

3 Sprinkle flour, salt and pepper over leeks; cook and stir until well blended. Gradually stir in milk and broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil 1 minute. Stir in cheeses; cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until melted. Pour over green beans in bowl; stir to combine. Stir in bell pepper.

4 Spoon into ungreased 2-quart casserole. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.

5 Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.

1 Serving (½ Cup): Calories 210; Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 430mg; Total Carbohydrate 17g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 7g Exchanges: ½ Other Carbohydrate, 1½ Vegetable, ½ High-Fat Meat, 1½ Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1

Make-Ahead Magic You can prep this casserole through Step 4 up to 4 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate. Uncover and continue as directed—except increase bake time to 45 to 50 minutes.

Kitchen Secrets Leeks are grown in sandy soil and require thorough rinsing to remove any soil that could be trapped in the layers. After cutting the leek lengthwise in half, rinse under water or swish in a shallow bowl of water. Slice as directed, using the white and light green portions.