Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Indulging in Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade green bean casserole. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia, often gracing tables during festive gatherings or cozy family dinners. My first encounter with this recipe was at a Thanksgiving feast where the aromas filled the room, promising a delightful experience. This version doesn’t rely on canned ingredients — instead, it features fresh green beans, crispy shallots, and a creamy sauce that elevates it to something extraordinary. Perfect for celebrations or a weeknight treat, this casserole is bound to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to comfort food, this green bean casserole is a standout. What sets it apart? First, it’s made entirely from scratch, showcasing fresh ingredients that burst with flavor. You can adjust it to your liking, making it kid-approved and suitable for any palate. Plus, it’s an affordable dish that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

"I never knew homemade green bean casserole could taste so good! The crispy shallots added the perfect crunch, and the creamy sauce was divine!"

Preparing Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Ready to dive into this cooking adventure? This casserole takes a bit of time to prepare, but the results are well worth it. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Start with frying the shallots for that golden crunch, then move on to preparing the green beans and creamy sauce. This is a process you’ll enjoy as the delightful aromas fill your kitchen!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To create this flavorful green bean casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 large shallots, peeled and very thinly sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed
• 2 cups half and half, or cream
• 1/2 ounce dried mushrooms (I used shiitake)
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/3 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Dash of fresh grated nutmeg (or more to taste)

You can easily substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter version, but the creaminess truly shines with the original ingredients.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to craft your green bean casserole from scratch:

1. Fry the Shallots: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced shallots with 1/4 cup flour and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, then fry the shallots until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

2. Cook the Green Beans: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Blanch the trimmed green beans for about 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and whisk for about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the half and half, whisking continuously until thickened.

4. Flavor the Sauce: Add the dried mushrooms, sherry, half of the Gruyere cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts.

5. Combine Everything: Fold the green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are coated well. Pour this mixture into a casserole dish and top with the remaining Gruyere cheese and fried shallots.

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.

Tips for Serving

The classic pairing of green bean casserole is with roasted turkey or baked ham, especially during holiday meals. You might also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or buttery mashed potatoes to complete your plate. For a twist, consider adding cranberry sauce on the side for a burst of sweetness that balances the dish!

Best Way to Store Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Storing your green bean casserole is quite simple. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure it’s warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for best safety practices.

Pro Chef Tips

To elevate your green bean casserole even further, use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the creamy sauce. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh brightness. If you want extra crunch on top, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs alongside the fried shallots before baking.

Creative Twists

Looking to shake things up? Try incorporating sautéed garlic or bacon into your casserole for an extra punch of flavor. For a vegetarian take, swap out the half and half for a plant-based alternative. You can also experiment with different cheese types, like cheddar or Fontina, to find your perfect flavor combination.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

The preparation time for this casserole is around 20-30 minutes, while the total cooking time will be about 30-40 minutes.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking.

What if I don’t have dried mushrooms?

If you can’t find dried mushrooms, you can omit them entirely, or use fresh mushrooms sautéed in butter for a similar flavor profile.

How do I ensure it stays crispy when reheating?

To keep the shallots crispy, consider adding them fresh on top after reheating. Just a quick fry can revitalize their crunch!

With this guide, your homemade green bean casserole will not only be a delicious addition to any meal but will also become a cherished recipe that might just find its way into your regular rotation. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting homemade green bean casserole made with fresh ingredients, crispy shallots, and a creamy sauce, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large shallots, peeled and very thinly sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed
• 2 cups half and half, or cream
• 1/2 ounce dried mushrooms (shiitake recommended)
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/3 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Dash of fresh grated nutmeg (or more to taste)

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Instructions

1. Fry the Shallots: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced shallots with 1/4 cup flour and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, then fry the shallots until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
2. Cook the Green Beans: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Blanch the trimmed green beans for about 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and whisk for about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the half and half, whisking continuously until thickened.
4. Flavor the Sauce: Add the dried mushrooms, sherry, half of the Gruyere cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts.
5. Combine Everything: Fold the green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are coated well. Pour this mixture into a casserole dish and top with the remaining Gruyere cheese and fried shallots.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs with the fried shallots before baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, homemade, comfort food, holiday dish, vegetarian