Homemade Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, you’ve found it! This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Made with fresh ingredients and a creamy mushroom sauce that you whip up from scratch, there’s no need for canned soups here. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or any meal where you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of tender green beans, nutty parmesan, and crispy fried shallots on top. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Trust me when I say that once you try this Homemade Green Bean Casserole, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the crunchy topping and creamy filling—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and bake it right before serving.
• Flavorful Twist: The homemade mushroom sauce elevates this dish like never before.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for holidays, potlucks, or even as a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these goodies for a delightful dish that everyone will love!

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
• 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

The beauty of this Homemade Green Bean Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese along with the parmesan for a cheesy twist.
• Veggie Boost: Include other vegetables like broccoli or carrots to sneak in more nutrients.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to add freshness.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Fried Shallots

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step is key because those shallots will add an irresistible crunch and sweet flavor to your casserole.

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

In a large pot of boiling water, add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp. This blanching process helps preserve their vibrant color and ensures they keep some bite when baked in the casserole.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and garlic; sauté until softened. Sprinkle flour over them and stir well, cooking for another minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth while keeping the mixture smooth. This sauce is what brings everything together—it should be creamy and flavorful!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into your mushroom sauce. Then fold in blanched green beans followed by half of the grated parmesan cheese. Mixing these elements creates layers of flavor!

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour your green bean mixture into a baking dish and top it generously with remaining parmesan cheese and those crispy fried shallots. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Enjoy every bite of this comforting Homemade Green Bean Casserole! It’s sure to become a family favorite at every gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating the perfect homemade green bean casserole is easier than you think! Here are some tips to take your dish to the next level:

• Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans add a vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that canned beans simply can’t match. They also provide a better flavor profile that elevates your casserole.

• Make crispy shallots ahead of time: Preparing the fried shallots in advance allows them to cool and achieve maximum crispiness, ensuring they maintain their texture when served on top of the casserole.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Since everyone’s palate is different, taste your creamy mushroom sauce before adding it to the green beans. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your preference!

• Don’t skip the nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce that complements the flavors beautifully. Just be careful not to overdo it!

• Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve while keeping all those delicious layers intact.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Serving your homemade green bean casserole can be as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas for presenting this comforting dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Extra parmesan cheese: For cheese lovers, a light dusting of grated parmesan right before serving can enhance flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the casserole perfectly and adds an inviting warmth to your meal.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting duo with green bean casserole, making for an indulgent side combination.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with seasonal veggies provides a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce offers a delightful contrast that cuts through the creaminess and brings festive vibes to any table.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious homemade green bean casserole! Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious side dish without the last-minute rush. Here’s how you can store and reheat it:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool completely.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the casserole with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, then follow the above steps.

FAQs

Have some questions about this recipe? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries regarding Homemade Green Bean Casserole.

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time if baking from cold.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream in Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

You can use half-and-half or even coconut cream as a lighter alternative. Both options will still give your casserole that creamy texture we love!

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh for Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Yes! Frozen green beans work well too. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into your casserole.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Homemade Green Bean Casserole brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s such a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with comforting textures, making it a favorite at any gathering. Whether you serve it during the holidays or as a weeknight side, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with loved ones—this recipe is meant to be shared!