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Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried shallots seasoned with Creole Cajun spices. With a homemade mushroom sauce enhanced by garlic, thyme, and a hint of nutmeg, this casserole is baked to perfection, delivering a crunchy, cheesy finish that makes it a perfect side for holiday meals or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Fried Shallots

  • 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise and sliced thinly into half moons
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • Creole Cajun Seasoning or seasoned salt, to taste

Green Bean 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 and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Fry Shallots: Place the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots directly to the oil without waiting for it to warm up. Cook gently, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes until the shallots turn a golden-brown color. If they brown too quickly, reduce heat to prevent burning.
  2. Drain and Season Shallots: Use a fish spatula to remove the crisp fried shallots and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to blot excess oil. Season with Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt to taste. Set aside. Strain the shallot-infused oil through a fine-meshed sieve for future use.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  4. Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  5. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until mushrooms are tender and lightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  6. Create Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir until combined and flour is mostly incorporated. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring no flour pockets remain. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits.
  7. Add Seasonings: Stir in fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the blanched green beans into an oven-safe casserole dish (approximately 10×10-inch or 9×13-inch). Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the green beans and toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
  10. Bake First Phase: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and heated through.
  11. Add Shallots and Bake Again: Remove the casserole from the oven, toss the mixture once more, and evenly sprinkle the crispy fried shallots over the top. Return it to the oven and bake an additional 7-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the shallots.
  12. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the green bean casserole immediately while warm and creamy. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh green beans for best texture and flavor; frozen green beans can be a substitute but adjust blanching time.
  • The Creole Cajun seasoning adds a spicy, smoky element but can be substituted with seasoned salt if preferred milder.
  • Save the shallot-infused oil to enhance future dishes like salad dressings or sautés.
  • To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead up to assembly and refrigerated; bake right before serving for best results.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or a dairy alternative, and use less Parmesan cheese.

Keywords: green bean casserole, fried shallots, creamy mushroom sauce, holiday side dish, homemade green bean casserole, comfort food, vegetable casserole

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/homemade-green-bean-casserole-recipe/