Homemade Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that steals the show at any gathering, you’ve come to the right place! This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not just another holiday staple; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings everyone together. With a creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch and topped with crispy shallots, this casserole is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings, ensuring that your dinner table shines with deliciousness!

What makes this recipe even more special is that it avoids canned products and instead focuses on fresh ingredients. So whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family BBQ, or just a cozy dinner at home, this Homemade Green Bean Casserole will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a breeze for any home cook.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy, creamy casserole! It’s sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh green beans and homemade sauce elevates the flavor far beyond store-bought options.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays or just as an everyday side with your favorite protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Homemade Green Bean Casserole lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients. You won’t find any fancy items here—just good food that tastes amazing! Gather these ingredients before we dive into the cooking process:

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 cheese (divided)

Variations

One of the best things about this casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or turkey for added heartiness.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Change Up the Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy seasoned salt.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

First things first—let’s get those crispy shallots ready! In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your thinly sliced shallots. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step is key because those crunchy shallots will add delightful texture to your casserole!

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

While the shallots are frying, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add in your trimmed green beans and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re bright green but still crisp. This blanching helps keep them vibrant and tender without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in sliced baby bella mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, which enhances their natural umami flavor. Sprinkle flour over them and stir well; this helps thicken our sauce later.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly whisk in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Finally, pour in heavy cream and half of your parmesan cheese. Mix everything until it’s creamy and smooth—this is where all the magic happens!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish, combine your blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce. Give it a gentle stir to coat all those beautiful beans in goodness! Top with remaining parmesan cheese and your crispy shallots.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already done so. Bake your casserole for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!

And there you have it—a delightful Homemade Green Bean Casserole that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite with loved ones around you!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating the perfect Homemade Green Bean Casserole is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a dish everyone will rave about!

• Choose Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans maintain their crunch and flavor far better than canned options, enhancing the overall texture of your casserole.

• Make Your Own Fried Shallots: While store-bought fried shallots are convenient, homemade ones have a fresher taste and can be seasoned exactly to your liking, adding a personal touch.

• Balance the Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning! Taste your creamy mushroom sauce as you go, ensuring it has the perfect blend of savory and tangy notes.

• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan not only melts better but also adds a richer flavor compared to pre-grated versions, making your casserole more delicious.

• Prep Ahead of Time: To save time on busy days, prepare the mushroom sauce and green beans ahead of time. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Serving your Homemade Green Bean Casserole beautifully can make all the difference at the dinner table. Here are some ideas to make this dish shine during your next meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Lemon Zest: A dash of lemon zest right before serving gives an unexpected pop of citrus that enhances the dish’s depth.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet tubers pair wonderfully with the savory elements of your casserole. Simply toss them in olive oil and roast until tender.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting duo with your green bean casserole, making for a hearty meal.

• Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, making each bite more enjoyable.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh veggies can add a healthy crunch and brighten up your plate, balancing out the creaminess of the casserole.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with this delightful side dish! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, making your holiday cooking a breeze. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, make the casserole but do not bake it.
• Cover with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
• For best results, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Homemade Green Bean Casserole that you might find helpful!

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version while still enjoying that creamy texture.

How can I enhance my Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

You can add additional flavors by incorporating ingredients like roasted garlic or even swapping out regular mushrooms for shiitake or portobello for more depth!

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen green beans work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole.

How long does Homemade Green Bean Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Homemade Green Bean Casserole will last about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings together delicious flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion—especially during the holidays. Dive into this recipe and savor every bite; you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!