Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced/li>
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup French's Original Crispy Fried Onions (for topping)/li>
• Wood pellets (fruitwood pellets for a mild smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
   • Preheat your pellet smoker to 325°F (107°C) using fruitwood pellets for a mild smokiness.
2. Smoke the Green Beans:
   • Toss the trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Place them on a smoker-safe tray and smoke in the pellet smoker for about 30-45 minutes or until they have a light smoky flavor. Set aside.
3. Sauté Mushrooms and Onions:
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Make the Roux
   • Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour is lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
5. Add Cheese:
   • S tir in grated Parmesan and shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Combine with Smoked Green Beans:
   • Add the smoked green beans to the cheese sauce, stirring until the green beans are well coated.
7. Assemble and Bake:
   • Transfer the green bean mixture to a casserole dish. Bake in the preheated pellet smoker for about 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
8. Add Crispy Fried Onions:
   • Remove the casserole from the smoker and sprinkle French's Original Crispy Fried Onions evenly over the top.
9. Return to the Smoker:
   • Place the casserole back in the pellet smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the crispy fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve Hot:
    • Remove the smoked green bean casserole from the pellet smoker. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the smoky, cheesy goodness with the delightful crunch of French's Original Crispy Fried Onions.

This Smoked Green Bean Casserole combines the classic flavors of the traditional dish with a smoky twist. The addition of French's Original Crispy Fried Onions on top provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy green bean mixture. Perfect for holiday feasts or family gatherings, this smoked green bean casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.