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