Name: French Onion Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced lengthwise; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups milk; 1 pinch ground nutmeg; 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste; ¼ teaspoon ground thyme; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs; 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed; 4 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese, divided; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Indulge in the rich and flavorful French Onion Green Bean Casserole that is not only delicious but also easy to make. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The combination of caramelized onions and creamy white sauce creates a burst of flavors.
It requires minimal prep time, making it a convenient dish for busy days.
This casserole is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredient Notes:

For the onions:

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Yellow onions: When caramelized, they provide a sweet and savory taste.
Sherry vinegar: Enhances the depth of flavor in the onions.

For the white sauce:

Butter: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the dish.
Nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and thyme: Seasonings that bring out the flavors.

For the topping:

Melted butter: Adds a crispy texture to the topping.
Panko bread crumbs: Provides a crunchy topping.
Green beans: The star ingredient of the dish.
Gruyere and Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy goodness to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a skillet, melt butter and caramelize the onions with salt, pepper, and sherry vinegar.
Prepare the white sauce by melting butter, adding flour, then milk, and seasonings.
Mix green beans, white sauce, half of the cheeses, and caramelized onions in a baking dish.
Combine melted butter, panko bread crumbs, and the remaining cheese for the topping.
Sprinkle the topping over the casserole and bake until golden brown.

Helpful Tips:

For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or fried shallots to the topping.
Use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use Gruyere cheese for its nutty flavor that complements the onions.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this casserole with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispiness of the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Can I use other types of cheese? Cheddar or Swiss cheese can be substituted for Gruyere.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy? Ensure the casserole is cooked uncovered to maintain the crispiness.
Can I freeze this dish? It is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.

Conclusion:

Treat yourself to the delectable French Onion Green Bean Casserole and impress your guests with this flavorful and comforting dish. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your feedback with us!

French Onion Green Bean Casserole

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This French Onion Green Bean Casserole is a flavorful twist on the classic green bean casserole, featuring caramelized onions and a creamy white sauce topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Side-dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until caramelized. Stir in sherry vinegar and set aside.
Make the white sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Season with nutmeg, cayenne, and thyme. Cook until thickened.
Assemble the casserole: Mix green beans with white sauce, half of the Gruyere, and half of the Parmesan. Transfer to a baking dish, top with caramelized onions, remaining cheeses, and breadcrumb mixture.
Bake: Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

You can prepare the caramelized onions and white sauce ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Feel free to add crispy bacon or mushrooms for extra flavor.