Homemade Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not just any recipe; it’s one of those family favorites that lights up the dinner table. With its creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch and topped with crispy shallots, this dish transforms simple green beans into something truly special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this casserole will steal the show!

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility—it’s perfect for all occasions! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to in my kitchen. Plus, everyone in the family can enjoy it together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious casserole ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, making mealtime a breeze!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and simply bake before serving. Perfect for busy days!
• Flavorful and Delicious: The homemade creamy sauce and crispy shallots create an irresistible flavor combination.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday, this casserole fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find everything you need to create this comforting Homemade Green Bean Casserole right here. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor that everyone will love.

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 (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 cheese (divided)

Variations

One of the best things about this Homemade Green Bean Casserole is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or turkey for extra heartiness.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in your favorite cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

Start by frying those shallots until they’re golden brown. Heating them slowly in vegetable oil will draw out their natural sweetness and give you that perfect crispy topping. It’s worth it!

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

While your shallots are frying away, bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch your green beans for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green but still crisp. This step keeps them vibrant and crunchy when baked!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté sliced mushrooms until they are tender. Then add garlic and flour, stirring continuously until combined. Gradually whisk in chicken broth while cooking until thickened—it’s the heart of our delicious casserole.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, salt, pepper, cream, and half of your parmesan cheese to the mushroom mixture. Stir well before adding the blanched green beans.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer everything into a baking dish and top with crispy fried shallots and remaining parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

And there you have it—a beautiful Homemade Green Bean Casserole that will surely become a cherished recipe in your home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating a delicious homemade green bean casserole is all about the details, and these pro tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures!

• Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans not only provide a vibrant color but also a delightful crunch. Avoid canned varieties for the best texture and taste.

• Make Your Own Fried Shallots: While store-bought fried shallots are convenient, making them from scratch adds a personal touch and enhances the flavor profile of your casserole.

• Balance Flavors: Don’t be shy with seasoning! A bit of Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt can elevate your dish, while the addition of lemon juice brightens up the creamy sauce.

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your casserole is hot before serving. It keeps the flavors vibrant and gives that satisfying bubbly look we all love!

• Let It Rest: After baking, allow your casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Presenting your homemade green bean casserole can make it even more appealing. Here are some ideas to showcase this delightful dish at your next gathering!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle some toasted almonds on top for an extra crunch that pairs well with the tender green beans.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic offer a comforting side that balances well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of honey-glazed carrots provides a lovely contrast to the savory green bean casserole.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh veggies adds a refreshing element to your meal, making it both nutritious and wholesome.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make for an eye-catching side that complements your casserole perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with a delightful homemade green bean casserole that they won’t forget! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or save it for special occasions. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure it’s tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your casserole, it’s best to do so before baking.
• Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• For reheating, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• If you prefer, microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! Frozen green beans can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the casserole.

How can I make my Homemade Green Bean Casserole vegan?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, replacing heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, and omitting the cheese or opting for a vegan cheese substitute.

What can I serve with Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or a hearty vegetarian main dish. It’s versatile enough to complement any holiday meal or family dinner!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this heartfelt Homemade Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that’s bound to bring joy to your table, especially during special gatherings. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love and creating memories—so gather your loved ones and dig into this delicious recipe together. Happy cooking!