Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Steam green beans until they are still just slightly crisp and set aside.

Grease a 13x9 inch casserole or other similar size dish with butter and set aside.

Make the béchamel: Melt 5 tablespoons butter until foaming in medium saucepan over medium heat; add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 1/2 minutes. Do not brown. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, whisk in bay leaves, nutmeg, salt, hot sauce and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. Discard bay leaf and whisk in 1 cup Parmesan. Add mushrooms and mix well.

In a mixing bowl combine béchamel mixture, green beans, tomatoes if using and 1 1/2 cups of the French fried onions. Mix well to combine. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.

Place the 6 Tbs. butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 3/4 cup French fried onions and toasted bread in a food processor and pulse until well combined and crumbly. Spread over the top of the green beans. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.