Forget everything you know about boring, bland green bean casseroles! This gourmet version is about to revolutionize your dinner table with a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, rich Gruyere cheese, and deeply caramelized onions that will have your guests begging for seconds. Imagine a classic comfort dish transformed into a culinary masterpiece that's both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious – this isn't just a side dish, it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 cup bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain again and pat dry.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add sliced onions. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the blanched green beans, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon pieces. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese generously over the entire casserole, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and take the time to truly caramelize your onions – low and slow is the secret!
- Make sure to blanch your green beans just until crisp-tender to maintain a perfect texture and vibrant green color.
- Use freshly shredded Gruyere cheese for the best melting quality and most authentic flavor.
- Don't skip the ice bath after blanching – it stops the cooking process and helps maintain the green beans' bright color and crisp texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For an extra crispy top, consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed French's fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
