Homemade Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, look no further than this Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This recipe is special not just because it’s packed with flavor but also because it’s made from scratch, ensuring every bite is filled with love. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole pairs beautifully with holiday mains or simply stands out as the star of your dinner table.

What truly sets this Homemade Green Bean Casserole apart is its creamy mushroom sauce, rich with nutty parmesan and topped with crispy fried shallots. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this casserole comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy texture and savory taste make it a hit with both kids and adults!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the casserole in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making meal prep a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The scratch-made sauce elevates this dish far beyond anything you could get from a can—it’s pure comfort food!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes cooking feel like an adventure! Here’s what you’ll need for your Homemade Green Bean Casserole:

For the Crispy Shallots

• 4 medium shallots (halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought, to taste)

For the Casserole

• 24 ounces fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced or paste)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (divided)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked shredded chicken or turkey for extra heartiness.
• Swap the Veggies: Try adding sliced carrots or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a unique twist!

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in those thinly sliced shallots. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step is vital because these shallots will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to your casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

In another pot of boiling salted water, blanch the fresh green beans for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green but still crisp. This ensures they maintain their vibrant color and crunchy texture when baked.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with minced garlic. Sauté until they’re tender and fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that make your casserole truly irresistible!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour over the sautéed mushrooms, stirring well to combine. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened—this creamy mixture is what makes your casserole so comforting.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the blanched green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Bake Your Casserole

Transfer your mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Top with Crispy Shallots

Once baked, remove from the oven and top generously with those crispy fried shallots you prepared earlier. They add that final touch of crunch that’s simply irresistible!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Homemade Green Bean Casserole! Serve it warm alongside your favorite dishes—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating the perfect homemade green bean casserole is all about those little details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish shines!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and sautéed mushrooms will bring a vibrant flavor and texture to your casserole, elevating it far beyond canned alternatives.
• Don’t Skip the Shallots: Frying shallots adds a wonderful crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Their crispy texture on top will be a delightful contrast to the tender beans.
• Season Generously: Be sure to taste your sauce before baking. A sprinkle of Creole seasoning or fresh herbs can enhance flavors and give your casserole that extra oomph!
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious!
• Experiment with Cheeses: While parmesan is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like gruyère or sharp cheddar for an added depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the mushrooms.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this classic dish! Here are a few ideas on how to serve it up beautifully alongside your favorite mains.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley adds freshness and color, making the dish visually appealing.
• Toasted Almonds: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, scatter some toasted almonds over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic provide a hearty complement to the crispness of the green beans.
• Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory glazed carrots offer a lovely contrast in flavor while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce balances out the richness of the casserole, making every bite harmonious.
• Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing: A light quinoa salad with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to this creamy dish.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions according to your preferences. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Green Bean Casserole creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not only a delightful dish to serve fresh but also perfect for meal prep! Preparing it in advance means you can enjoy more time with your loved ones during the holidays or family gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish!

Can I use canned green beans in my Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

While fresh green beans offer the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the casserole.

What makes this Homemade Green Bean Casserole different from others?

This recipe stands out because of its scratch-made creamy mushroom sauce and homemade crispy fried shallots. It ensures maximum flavor without relying on canned ingredients!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, or use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if needed.

How long does it take to make Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Homemade Green Bean Casserole becomes a beloved addition to your table! Its rich flavors and comforting textures are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you, and don’t hesitate to put your spin on it. Happy cooking!