Homemade Green Bean Casserole

A Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe that you will absolutely love! This dish features a scratch-made, extra flavorful creamy mushroom sauce as its heart (not a can in sight!). With tender yet crisp green beans, lots of nutty parmesan, and homemade crispy fried shallots topping this beauty, it’s loaded with flavor and textures. It’s the perfect side dish to pair alongside holiday mains and beyond!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the rich flavors of a creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch, ensuring no canned ingredients.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and nutty parmesan creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Side Dish: This casserole is perfect for holidays or any family meal, fitting seamlessly into various occasions.
• Crispy Shallots: Homemade crispy fried shallots add a unique crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to create this delicious casserole.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and creating the creamy sauce without overcrowding.
• Baking dish: Perfect for baking the casserole evenly while allowing for easy serving.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the skillet or baking dish.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing sauces smoothly without lumps.

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

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced shallots to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove shallots from oil and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3. Drain the beans and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for frying shallots, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and garlic; sauté until mushrooms are browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour until well combined; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer until thickened; remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked green beans with the mushroom sauce; mix well.
2. Transfer mixture to a baking dish; top with heavy whipping cream and half of the grated parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake casserole in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly.
3. Remove from oven; sprinkle remaining parmesan on top along with crispy fried shallots before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Homemade Green Bean Casserole!

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this comforting classic.

Pair with Roasted Turkey

• This casserole complements the flavors of roasted turkey perfectly, making it an ideal choice for holiday feasts.

Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken

• The creamy texture of the casserole balances well with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, creating a satisfying plate.

Accompany with Beef Tenderloin

• For a more upscale dinner, serve homemade green bean casserole next to beef tenderloin to impress your guests.

Present with Mashed Potatoes

• The rich, creamy sauce and crunchy topping of the casserole pair beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty combination.

Combine with Quinoa Salad

• For a lighter option, offer quinoa salad on the side. Its freshness contrasts nicely with the richness of the casserole.

How to Perfect Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Achieving perfection in your Homemade Green Bean Casserole is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide a crisp texture and vibrant flavor that outshines canned options.
• Make Your Own Fried Shallots: Homemade fried shallots add a delicious crunch and elevate the dish’s overall taste compared to store-bought versions.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning; adjust salt, pepper, and Creole Cajun seasoning to suit your palate for maximum flavor.
• Incorporate Different Mushrooms: Experiment with different mushroom varieties for added depth in flavor. Shiitake or portobello can bring unique notes.
• Adjust Creaminess: Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or half-and-half for a lighter version while maintaining creaminess.
• Bake Until Golden: Ensure you bake until the top is golden brown and crispy for that perfect contrast in texture.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer a comforting companion that enhances every bite.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These slightly charred sprouts provide an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet and tender carrots drizzled with honey add a pop of color and sweetness to your meal.
4. Creamy Polenta
   This smooth corn dish serves as a fantastic base, soaking up the flavors from both the casserole and accompanying proteins.
5. Cornbread Muffins
   Fluffy cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast in texture while adding a subtle sweetness to balance savory dishes.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf
   Light and fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a simple yet flavorful addition that rounds out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Homemade Green Bean Casserole can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using canned ingredients – Many recipes rely on canned soup, which can lead to a lack of flavor. Instead, create your own creamy mushroom sauce for a fresher taste.
• Overcooking the green beans – Overcooked beans can be mushy and unappealing. Blanch them briefly to retain their crispness before adding them to the casserole.
• Neglecting seasoning – A bland casserole is disappointing. Don’t skimp on spices and seasoning; they enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Skipping the crispy topping – A great Homemade Green Bean Casserole needs a crunchy topping. Fry shallots until golden brown for that perfect texture contrast.
• Not letting it rest before serving – Serving immediately can result in a runny casserole. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to set up nicely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious Homemade Green Bean Casserole.

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients and refrigerating it overnight before baking.

What variations can I try with this Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

You can add various vegetables like mushrooms or even swap out green beans for Brussels sprouts for a unique take.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well and retains its flavor and texture when reheated properly.

How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Simply omit any meat-based broth and use vegetable broth instead, ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not only rich in flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. It’s perfect as a side dish during holidays or casual family dinners. Feel free to customize it with different veggies or cheeses according to your preference, making each batch uniquely yours!