Classic Green Beans Au Gratin

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Generously grease a casserole dish with 1 tablespoon butter.

2. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.

3. Remove stems from beans by trimming with a knife or snapping them off with your fingers. Cut beans in half.

4. Add beans to the boiling water, stir, and cook until just barely tender, 5 to 6 minutes, testing often to make sure you don't overcook them.

5. Remove beans with a strainer and immediately place in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. Once beans have cooled to the touch, use your hands to drain and transfer them into the prepared casserole. It's okay if they're still a bit wet.

7. Season beans with pepper, salt, and Dijon mustard; mix until beans are well coated. Pour in cream, scatter Comté cheese over top, and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

8. Combine melted butter and bread crumbs in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon and sprinkle bread crumbs over the casserole, then dust with cayenne.

9. Bake in the center of the preheated oven until browned and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

10. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes:

Using salted water to cook the beans is key.

You can use crème fraîche in place of heavy cream, and Gruyere or sharp white Cheddar in place of Comté cheese.

Make sure you use real Parmigiano-Reggiano, which has the name stamped on the rind.