Homemade Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you! The creamy mushroom sauce is made from scratch, giving it an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist. With tender green beans, nutty parmesan, and crispy shallots on top, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.

What makes this casserole so special is its ability to elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or just as a cozy dinner option, it never fails to impress. And the best part? It’s simple enough for anyone to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade classic without the fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves green bean casserole! Its creamy texture and crispy topping make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for holiday meals or busy weeknights!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, fresh green beans, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a rich flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile Dish: This casserole pairs beautifully with many main dishes, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Homemade Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gathering these will not only enhance the flavors but also create a delightful dish that everyone can enjoy!

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

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with some of these ideas to suit your taste.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for an extra crunch and color.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Spice It Up: Add more heat with diced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes if you love spicy food!
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in some cheddar cheese for an even cheesier casserole experience!

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

Start by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots. Cook them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds incredible flavor and texture—those crispy shallots are like little bursts of joy on top of your casserole!

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

While the shallots are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them until they’re bright green but still crisp—about 4-5 minutes. This keeps them tender yet crunchy! Drain them and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until they release their juices and become tender—around 5 minutes. Then stir in the garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over everything and stir well to combine; this will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while continuing to stir. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer until slightly thickened—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream along with half of your grated parmesan cheese. Now fold in those bright green beans until well coated. Pour everything into a baking dish.

Step 6: Bake

Top your casserole with remaining parmesan cheese along with those crispy shallots you prepared earlier. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it—a delightful Homemade Green Bean Casserole that’s sure to warm hearts around your table! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Making a delicious Homemade Green Bean Casserole is all about the details, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Choose fresh green beans: Using fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned will enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole, giving it that crisp bite and vibrant color.
• Make your fried shallots crispy: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying shallots. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture, which adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Season your layers: Don’t forget to season each component as you go! Adding Creole seasoning to the green beans and mushrooms individually helps build layers of flavor throughout the casserole.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking will help it set up nicely, making it easier to serve while still keeping everything warm and delicious.
• Experiment with cheeses: While parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for an extra depth of flavor that complements the mushroom sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Presenting your Homemade Green Bean Casserole is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish at your next gathering or family dinner.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving can enhance the overall taste and add an appealing visual element.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic make for a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the casserole.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots provide a lovely balance to the richness of the casserole, adding both sweetness and color to your plate.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and veggies creates a refreshing counterpart that complements the hearty casserole perfectly.
• Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins are a classic pairing for green bean casserole, providing a fluffy texture that soaks up any leftover sauce beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this Homemade Green Bean Casserole alongside these tasty options for an unforgettable meal experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste amazing, but you can also prepare it in advance to save time on busy days or during festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool entirely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can cover it with foil if it begins to brown too much.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to bake it just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream in Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free version.

How do I make my Homemade Green Bean Casserole gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. This will ensure it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add other vegetables to my Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like carrots or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure they’re cooked appropriately before adding them to the casserole.

What’s the best way to serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

This casserole is perfect as a side dish during holiday meals but is also great paired with any weeknight dinner. Serve it warm, topped with crispy shallots for a delightful crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!

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