A Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe that you will absolutely love! This dish features a scratch-made, extra flavorful creamy mushroom sauce that takes this classic to the next level. With tender yet crisp green beans, nutty parmesan, and homemade crispy fried shallots topping it all off, this casserole is loaded with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Sauce: The creamy mushroom sauce is made from scratch, ensuring a rich taste without any canned ingredients.
Crispy Topping: Homemade fried shallots provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly pairs with various mains, making it suitable for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh green beans and mushrooms, it’s a healthy addition to your meal plan.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing shallots and mushrooms evenly without overcrowding.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like the creamy sauce before adding them to the casserole.
Baking dish: Essential for holding the casserole while it bakes to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

For the Fried Shallots

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

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

Start by frying the shallots:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced shallots and fry until golden brown, stirring frequently. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Once done, remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with Creole Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

In another pot:
1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5–7 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

For the sauce:
1. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté sliced baby bella mushrooms until they are browned, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add flour:
1. Sprinkle in flour over mushrooms; stir well to coat.
2. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously until thickened.
3. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

To finish:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine cooked green beans with creamy mushroom sauce; mix well.
3. Top with remaining parmesan cheese followed by crispy fried shallots.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Enjoy your delicious homemade creation!

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Serving Homemade Green Bean Casserole can elevate any meal. This dish not only brings a burst of flavors but also adds a beautiful presentation to your table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

For Holiday Dinners

Pair with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday feast.
Complement with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting spread.

As a Weeknight Side

Serve alongside grilled or baked chicken for an easy weeknight meal.
Great with beef meatloaf or turkey burgers to enhance casual dinner vibes.

At Potlucks

Offer it as a side at potlucks; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Consider adding crispy onions on top right before serving for extra flair.

With a Salad

Accompany with a fresh garden salad for added crunch and nutrition.
A Caesar salad pairs well, balancing the creaminess of the casserole.

How to Perfect Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating the perfect Homemade Green Bean Casserole requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

Choose fresh green beans: Fresh beans have better flavor and texture than canned options.
Make your own crispy shallots: Homemade fried shallots add freshness and crunch compared to store-bought.
Balance flavors: Adjust seasoning by tasting throughout the cooking process, ensuring the perfect harmony of flavors.
Use high-quality broth: A rich chicken broth enhances the overall taste—homemade is best!
Don’t skip the nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth that complements the other ingredients.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
Stuffing: A savory stuffing complements the creamy casserole beautifully, especially during holidays.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances out the savory notes of the casserole, making it irresistible.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers freshness and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory green bean dish, creating depth in flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding overcooking the green beans. Cook them just until tender to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
Not using fresh ingredients. Fresh green beans and quality mushrooms significantly enhance the flavor compared to canned options.
Ignoring seasoning levels. Adjust seasoning to your taste; start with a little and add more as needed for the best flavor profile.
Skipping the homemade sauce. Using store-bought sauces can lead to less flavor, so take the time to make the creamy mushroom sauce from scratch.
Overloading on cheese or cream. While cheese adds richness, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly with plastic wrap before sealing in a container.

Reheating Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish on medium power for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a comforting side dish made with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy shallots for added texture.

Can I use frozen green beans instead?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans; however, they may require slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.

How can I customize my Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Feel free to add different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor. You can also experiment with various herbs or cheeses.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of Homemade Green Bean Casserole, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement any meal throughout the year. Its creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy shallots create a delightful combination that will surely impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting flavors to suit your taste!

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Aylani
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the comfort of Homemade Green Bean Casserole, a delightful side dish that elevates any meal with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy shallots. This recipe features fresh green beans, perfectly cooked to retain their crispness, and a rich sauce made from scratch to ensure a burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with homemade crispy fried shallots, this casserole is not only visually appealing but also a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various mains.

Ingredients

Scale

24 ounces fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
4 medium shallots (halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons)
1 cup vegetable oil
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 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)

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Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and fry until golden brown, stirring frequently. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with Creole Cajun seasoning.
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5–7 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté sliced baby bella mushrooms until they are browned, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour over mushrooms; stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously until thickened. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, combine cooked green beans with creamy mushroom sauce; mix well. Top with remaining parmesan cheese followed by crispy fried shallots. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.