The quintessential American side dish for family gatherings, holidays, church socials, potlucks…the recipe clipping that virtually ever American woman has had lying somewhere at some point throughout the past gazillion decades.  Only this one is different.

This one by daringgourmet.com is the best one ever and it’s made from scratch.

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain)
• 1 can French fried onions