French Onion Green Bean Casserole

The green bean casserole is an American classic comfort food that is a staple during Thanksgiving dinners. This is the perfect side dish for the classic roasted turkey and has been served in American homes for centuries. This recipe gives a French twist to this American classic. It combines delicious green beans with a white creamy sauce and topped off with Japanese breadcrumbs.

This recipe takes about 45 to 50 minutes to make. Serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients:

Onions:

• 2 tbsp of butter
• 2 to 3 yellow onions
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 tbsp of sherry vinegar

White Sauce:

• 2 tbsp of butter
• 2.5 tbsp of flour
• 2.5 cups of milk
• Nutmeg
• Cayenne
• 1/4 tsp of dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Topping:

• 2/3 cup of panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 2 tbsp of melted butter

Beans:

• 2 lbs of green beans
• Salt
• Pepper
• 4 oz grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375F.
Cut your onions following the grain.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add your onions.
Cook until the onions have caramelized and turned brown.
Set aside.
To make the white sauce, place a saucepan over medium heat.
Melt butter and add flour.
Whisk until flour is cooked.
Gradually add your milk and keep stirring.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, cayenne, nutmeg, and thyme.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce has thickened.
Turn off the heat and set aside.
To prepare your green beans, cut off both ends with a knife and then cut them in half.
Boil the green beans in hot water for 3 to 4 minutes.
Salt the boiling water.
Drain the beans and set aside.
In a 9×14 casserole dish, cover the bottom with caramelized onions. Use half of the onions only.
Add your green beans and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the white sauce.
Sprinkle Gruyere cheese.
Add the rest of the caramelized onions.
Mix melted butter with panko, and add on top of the onions.
Finally, top off the breadcrumbs with the rest of the Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ideas And Tips:

• You can use whatever type of breadcrumbs you have on hand. This recipe uses panko which is Japanese-style breadcrumbs. Panko is used in Japanese dishes like tempura.

images – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRLaPXLjK4w