Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups, approximately 300g)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4g)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry (30ml)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (3g), or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g), or to taste
  • 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (about 680g) or 2 (14.5 ounce) cans green beans, drained
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 100g)
  • 1 (6-ounce) can crispy fried onions (French’s or similar brand), divided (170g)

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Visual Cue: Onions should be a rich, dark brown color and very soft.
  2. Melt butter in the same skillet (wiped clean) over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in sherry, salt, and pepper. Visual Cue: Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. If using fresh green beans, steam or blanch them until crisp-tender. Drain well. Doneness Test: Beans should be bright green and easily pierced with a fork, but still have a slight bite.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions, sauce, green beans (fresh or canned, drained), and half of the Gruyère cheese.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese and half of the crispy fried onions over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until onions are golden brown. Visual Cue: Onions should be nicely browned, but not burnt.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.