A luscious, creamy baked green bean casserole infused with rustic Mediterranean touches—herbs, olive oil, and brightness—while still keeping all the comforting richness of cheese and crispy bacon you see in the photo. Perfect as a holiday side, a potluck centerpiece, or a cozy family dinner.

🌿 Ingredients

For the Green Beans

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Large bowl of ice water (for blanching)

For the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional Mediterranean add-ins:
    • ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
    • ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers

For the Cheesy Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

For the Bacon

  • 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey or fig syrup for a sweet Mediterranean glaze

🍲 Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the green beans and cook 4–5 minutes, just until they become bright green and slightly tender.
  3. Immediately drain and transfer beans to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop cooking and keep them crisp.
  4. Drain well and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and dry on paper towels.
  4. If you want a slight Mediterranean sweetness, drizzle the cooked bacon with a touch of honey or fig syrup.

3. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

  1. In the same pot where you’ll bake the dish (or a saucepan), melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.
  7. Add Parmesan, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is silky.
  9. If using sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers, fold them in now.

4. Assemble the Gratin

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  3. Spread green beans evenly in the dish.
  4. Pour the creamy sauce over the beans, coating them well.
  5. Scatter mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly on top.
  6. Add the crispy bacon over the cheesy layer.

5. Bake

  1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until:
    • Cheese is melted and bubbly
    • Bacon edges start to crisp further
    • Sauce is lightly browned around edges
  2. For a golden finish, broil the top for 1–2 minutes (optional but delicious).

6. Let It Rest

Allow the gratin to rest 10 minutes before serving so the creamy sauce thickens perfectly.

🍋 Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)

  • Serve with warm rustic bread, focaccia, or olive-oil brushed flatbread.
  • Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or lemon-herb fish.
  • Add a side salad of olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta for a full Mediterranean meal.

🌟 Optional Mediterranean Variations

➤ Lemon-Herb Twist

Add 1 tsp lemon zest + 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley to the sauce.

➤ Greek Fusion

Use feta and kasseri cheese instead of cheddar and mozzarella.

➤ Italian Style

Add fresh basil and use provolone and Parmesan.

➤ Smoky Spanish Touch

Use smoked paprika, Manchego cheese, and chorizo instead of bacon.