If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and brings everyone together, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Green Bean Casserole! This recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years. It’s creamy, flavorful, and made from scratch—no canned ingredients here! The rich mushroom sauce paired with tender green beans and crispy shallots makes it a standout side dish, perfect for family gatherings or even busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will quickly become a favorite in your home too!

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not just a holiday dish; it’s great all year round. Whether you’re serving it alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or enjoying it on a casual Tuesday night, it’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Goodness: Say goodbye to canned soups! This recipe features a creamy mushroom sauce made from fresh ingredients that elevate the classic dish.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the flavors and textures. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy their veggies!
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up quickly. It’s perfect for those busy days.
Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole in advance! Just assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Endless Flavor: The combination of nutty parmesan and savory shallots adds depth to each bite. It’s comfort food at its best!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious casserole. Each component plays an important role in delivering that mouthwatering flavor.

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
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

One of the best things about this Homemade Green Bean Casserole is how flexible it is! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Add Some Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra satisfying dish.
Get Cheesy: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for additional creaminess and flavor.
Boost the Veggies: Add other seasonal vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and color.
Go Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Shallots

Start by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots. Fry them until golden brown and crispy—this step brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely crunch to your casserole!

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

While the shallots are frying, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp. This quick cooking helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In another pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until soft. Sprinkle flour over them while stirring—this creates a roux that thickens your sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Stir in fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, red pepper flakes if using, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently till thickened; this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched green beans with your creamy mushroom sauce. Gently fold in half of the crispy shallots along with half of the grated parmesan cheese for added richness.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Transfer everything into a baking dish. Top with remaining parmesan cheese and more crispy shallots for that delightful crunch! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Enjoy sharing this Homemade Green Bean Casserole with family and friends; I promise they will love every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Making a delicious homemade green bean casserole is all about the details, and with these tips, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress!

Choose Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans retain their crispness and vibrant color better than canned ones. They add a delightful texture that elevates the entire casserole.
Make Your Own Fried Shallots: While store-bought shallots are convenient, homemade fried shallots are fresher and add an unbeatable crunch. Plus, you can control the seasoning!
Season the Mushroom Sauce Well: The creamy mushroom sauce is the heart of this dish. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; they bring depth and flavor that make your casserole truly stand out.
Bake Until Golden Brown: For the best texture, make sure to bake your casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. This adds a beautiful finish and enhances the overall flavor.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing your casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely. This makes serving easier and keeps everything together beautifully.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Serving your homemade green bean casserole can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the casserole.
Toasted Almonds: Adding toasted almonds not only enhances texture but also gives a subtle nutty flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.

Side Dishes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and caramelized edges provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, garlic mashed potatoes make for a classic pairing that everyone loves during holiday gatherings.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce brings brightness to your plate, cutting through the richness of the green bean casserole with its tangy flavor.
Herb-Roasted Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots roasted with herbs add vibrant color and additional nutrients to your meal while enhancing overall presentation.

With these serving ideas, your homemade green bean casserole will be an unforgettable highlight at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not only a delightful dish to serve fresh, but it also shines as a fantastic option for meal prep! With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this casserole throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

To freeze, ensure the casserole is fully cooled.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some answers that might help!

Can I make this Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

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

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk alternative like coconut or almond milk for a lighter version.

How do I keep my green beans crisp in the Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

To maintain crispness, avoid overcooking your green beans before baking. Blanch them briefly to retain their vibrant color and texture.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to your casserole mixture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s more than just a side dish; it’s packed with love and flavor that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or simply a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is bound to warm hearts and bellies alike. Dive into this deliciousness and share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking/Frying
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re in search of a comforting dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This delightful recipe features tender green beans enveloped in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy shallots for that perfect crunch. Made from scratch using fresh ingredients, this casserole is ideal for any occasion—be it family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its layers of flavor and inviting aroma, this dish has the remarkable ability to turn any meal into a celebration. Once you serve this homemade delight, it will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

24 ounces fresh green beans
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
4 medium shallots
1 tablespoon garlic (minced or paste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add sliced shallots and fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
In boiling salted water, blanch the trimmed green beans for about 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp; drain.
In another pan, melt butter over medium heat, add mushrooms and garlic; cook until soft. Stir in flour to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth; then mix in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Combine blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce; fold in half of the crispy shallots and parmesan cheese.
Transfer to a baking dish; top with remaining parmesan and crispy shallots. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.