Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the classic green bean casserole. It’s a dish that often graces our tables during holiday gatherings, but why limit it to special occasions? This homemade version is not just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening. With fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy shallots, this recipe captures hearty flavors and is surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the details of making this soul-soothing casserole.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This homemade green bean casserole stands out for a handful of reasons. First off, it uses fresh ingredients, elevating the dish beyond the typical canned variations. The combination of fresh green beans and sautéed mushrooms, alongside a creamy sauce infused with garlic and onion, creates a rich flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s exceptionally versatile — perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even holiday feasts.

"This casserole has become a staple in my home! It’s quick, delicious, and everyone loves it. Even my picky eater enjoys it!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this casserole is a memorable experience, and the steps are straightforward enough for any cook to master. You’ll begin by blanching the green beans to keep them vibrant and crisp. After that, you’ll create a savory mushroom sauce, combine all components, and bake until golden and bubbling. It’s that simple!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft this delightful casserole:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup crispy fried shallots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitution Notes: You can swap out heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative or use a blend of different cheeses for unique flavors.

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanched for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent.
4. Cook mushrooms: Throw in the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft.
5. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half of the grated parmesan. Stir well to coat the green beans.
7. Transfer and top: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining parmesan and crispy fried shallots on top.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.

Perfect Pairings for Homemade Green Bean Casserole

When it comes to serving your casserole, think of classic pairings that complement its rich flavors. Consider pairing it with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a nice herb-crusted chicken. For lighter options, it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or quinoa dish. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to help soak up all that creamy goodness!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your homemade green bean casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, aiming for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you have more leftovers than you can consume, this casserole freezes well; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2-3 months.

Expert Advice

• Don’t overcook the green beans: The blanching step is crucial. You want them just tender to retain their bright color and crunch.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the mushroom sauce and green beans a day in advance. Simply combine and bake when ready to serve.
• Explore toppings: Instead of just fried shallots, consider adding crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Spinach Twist: Add fresh spinach to the mix for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, into the mushroom sauce for added depth.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

Typically, preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes an additional 25-30 minutes. So, about 45 minutes total!

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! If using frozen, you can skip the blanching step. Just thaw and drain them before combining.

How can I reheat the casserole safely?

Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Embrace these simple steps and transform your gatherings with this delicious homemade green bean casserole — it’s sure to warm hearts and evoke fond memories! Enjoy every dish.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

---

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A nostalgic, homemade green bean casserole featuring fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy shallots.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup crispy fried shallots
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent.
4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until soft.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir. Gradually add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half of the grated parmesan.
7. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining parmesan and crispy fried shallots.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and consider adding crispy bacon or fresh herbs for unique flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, comfort food, holiday recipe, vegetarian side dish