A classic Thanksgiving side gets a makeover with this modern spin on green bean casserole. Gone are the condensed soup and canned fried onions. Instead, rich, smoky bacon joins sweet, caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese to highlight the flavor of green beans.

Green beans can become a new favorite veggie in your household with the introduction of this dish. In this recipe, fresh green beans are roasted in bacon fat to bring out their natural nutty sweetness and deep green color. Combined with caramelized onions and broiled just long enough to melt the cheddar cheese, the resulting recipe will have everyone eating their greens.

½ pound bacon
1 onion, frenched
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound green beans, strung and cut into thirds
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Bake the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet until cooked through, about 20 minutes.

3. Set the bacon aside on paper towels. Strain the fat and reserve.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon fat with the butter in a pan over low heat. Add the onion. Stir regularly, until caramelized, about 20 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, toss the green beans with 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.

6. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and toss the bacon, onions, and green beans together. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange in an 8-inch square baking dish and top with the cheese. Broil for about 5 minutes, until bubbly and brown.

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