Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Rings

Tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom and Gruyère sauce, finished with crispy golden onion rings.

Total Time:

Yield:

12 servings

Peanut or canola oil, for frying

½ large sweet onion, sliced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ cup plain panko bread crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups sliced baby bella mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup salted butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 tablespoon dry sherry, optional

Salt and black pepper, to taste

In a deep fryer or large heavy saucepan suitable for deep frying, heat peanut or canola oil to 365°F. (For a deep fryer, follow manufacturer’s instructions for recommended amount of oil. For a heavy saucepan, use at least 2 inches of oil.) Separate sliced onion into rings.
Place egg in a medium bowl. In a second medium bowl, combine bread crumbs and ½ teaspoon salt. Dip onion rings into egg, then into bread crumb mixture.
Fry coated onion rings, in small batches, for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer onion rings to paper towels to drain.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, cook green beans in lightly salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beans to a bowl filled with ice water. Cool for 1 minute; drain.
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove mushroom mixture from pan; set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Add milk all at once. Cook and whisk until thickened and bubbly. Add cheese. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Add mushroom mixture; cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; add sherry, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Arrange green beans on an oven-safe serving platter. Top with mushroom sauce. Arrange onion rings on top. Bake about 10 minutes or until heated through.

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