French Onion Beans

French Onion Beans

This cozy mash-up tastes just like the classic.

Ingredients

  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • yellow onions

    halved and thinly sliced, 2 large or 4 medium

    2 lb
  • slices crusty white bread

    such as french bread or sourdough, optional

    2
  • dry white wine
    ¼ c
  • beef or vegetable broth
    ¼ c
  • cans butter beans

    drained and rinsed, about 15-ounce

    2
  • kosher salt

    plus more as needed

    1 ½ tsp
  • sherry vinegar
    1 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper

    plus more as needed

    ½ tsp
  • gruyère cheese

    shredded, about 1 cup

    3 oz
  • finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or broiler-safe, deep-sided skillet over medium heat. Add 2 pounds thinly sliced yellow onions and stir to coat in the butter. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon and reducing the heat as needed if the onions start to brown too quickly, until the onions are reduced by half, very soft, and caramelized, 25 to 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, toast 2 (1-inch) slices rustic white bread if using, then tear into rough 1-inch pieces. Arrange a rack about 6 inches below the broiling element, and set the oven to broil.

  3. 3

    Pour 1/4 cup dry white wine over the caramelized onions, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup beef broth and cook for 1 minute more.

  4. 4

    Remove the pan from the heat. Gently stir in 2 (about 15-ounce) cans drained and rinsed butter beans, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and season with more kosher salt and pepper as needed.

  5. 5

    Top the bean mixture with the bread pieces. Sprinkle with 3 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese. Transfer the pot to the oven and broil until the cheese is browned in spots, 2 to 5 minutes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.

Recipe notes

  1. 1

    Make ahead: The recipe can be made through Step 3 up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container. Rewarm over medium heat before proceeding with Step 4.Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days; the bread will soften.

French Onion Beans

French Onion Beans

60 min361 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: French Onion Beans

Prepare to fall in love with a truly unique and incredibly comforting dish: French Onion Beans. This brilliant mash-up takes all the beloved, savory flavors of classic French onion soup – deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted Gruyère – and combines them with creamy butter beans for a hearty, satisfying dinner main-dish or an unforgettable side-dish. It’s a vegetarian delight that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to make right on your stovetop.

What makes these French Onion Beans so special is the incredible depth of flavor. The journey begins with patiently caramelizing yellow onions until they transform into a sweet, amber perfection. This slow process is key to unlocking that signature French onion taste. Deglazed with a touch of dry white wine and savory broth, the flavors meld beautifully before the star butter beans are introduced. These beans soak up all that incredible goodness, creating a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. A hint of sherry vinegar brightens the whole dish, and then it's crowned with a generous layer of bubbly, golden Gruyère cheese.

This recipe is more than just a dish; it's an experience. Serve your warm French Onion Beans with a slice of crusty bread (perfect for soaking up every last bit!) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s an ideal recipe for cozy evenings, offering warmth and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to add this incredible vegetarian bean recipe to your rotation!

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