🎉 Introduction
Few dishes evoke the cozy comfort of home quite like a Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This classic recipe, featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy homemade sauce, is topped with crispy shallots for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Unlike store-bought versions that rely on canned soups, this from-scratch casserole uses fresh ingredients — vibrant green beans, baby bella mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream. The result? A dish that’s richer, fresher, and far more flavorful than anything from a can.
This casserole isn’t just for Thanksgiving — it’s a comfort food hero year-round. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, it always earns a spot on the table. The creole seasoning and red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, while Parmesan cheese melts perfectly into the creamy sauce, creating a truly unforgettable dish.
Get ready to bring warmth, texture, and deep, savory flavor to your kitchen with this Homemade Green Bean Casserole that’s 100% made from scratch.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To make this recipe smooth and easy, gather these kitchen essentials first:
- 1 large skillet or sauté pan
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 large pot (for blanching green beans)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 strainer or colander
- 1 baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- 1 tongs or slotted spoon
- 1 paper towel-lined plate (for fried shallots)
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for your creamy, homemade casserole:
Fresh Produce
- 24 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or garlic paste)
Condiments and Liquids
- 1½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Frying Shallots
- 1 cup vegetable oil
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender.
Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.
This step ensures perfectly crisp-tender beans in the final casserole.
Step 2: Fry the Shallots
In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced shallots in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm.
These shallots will be your crunchy topping — far more flavorful than store-bought fried onions!
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and have released most of their moisture.
Add minced garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
The mushrooms form the flavorful base of your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute, allowing it to absorb the butter and form a light roux.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
Taste and adjust seasoning with Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Gently toss until all beans are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle evenly with the crispy fried shallots.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the shallots are golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the casserole (without the shallot topping) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, then add fresh shallots before serving.
Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Assemble the casserole (without the shallots) up to 1 day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
🥄 Variations
You can easily customize this Homemade Green Bean Casserole to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Crunch Upgrade: Combine fried shallots with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra texture.
- Mushroom Mix: Try a blend of shiitake and cremini mushrooms for an umami explosion.
- Healthier Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans with the shallots for extra crunch.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen beans give the best texture, but canned beans work in a pinch—just rinse them well and reduce baking time by 10 minutes.
2. Can I skip the mushrooms?
Yes, though they add great flavor. You can replace them with caramelized onions or sautéed zucchini.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or oat cream instead of heavy cream.
5. What can I use instead of shallots?
Thinly sliced onions work great as a substitute for shallots.
6. How do I prevent soggy shallots?
Make sure to fry them in small batches and drain them well on paper towels.
7. Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely — sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella before baking for a golden crust.
8. What does the lemon juice do?
It brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the sauce.
9. How can I make it more flavorful?
Add a dash of smoked paprika or roasted garlic for extra depth.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Increase baking time by about 10 minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is proof that comfort food can also be fresh and flavorful. With tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a luscious homemade sauce, it transforms a humble side dish into the highlight of your table.
Every layer brings something to love — from the creamy sauce and subtle spice to the crispy shallots that add the perfect finishing crunch. Whether served for a family gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or a weeknight treat, this casserole delivers that classic, heartwarming taste we all crave.
So, next time you want to impress with something nostalgic yet elevated, skip the cans and make it from scratch. You’ll never go back once you’ve tasted how incredible homemade truly can be.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole — Creamy, Crunchy, and Comforting
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Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.
- This step ensures perfectly crisp-tender beans in the final casserole.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced shallots in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm.
- These shallots will be your crunchy topping — far more flavorful than store-bought fried onions!
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and have released most of their moisture.
- Add minced garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- The mushrooms form the flavorful base of your creamy sauce.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute, allowing it to absorb the butter and form a light roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Gently toss until all beans are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle evenly with the crispy fried shallots.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the shallots are golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing:
You can freeze the casserole (without the shallot topping) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, then add fresh shallots before serving. Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Make-Ahead Tip:
Assemble the casserole (without the shallots) up to 1 day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready. 🥄 Variations You can easily customize this Homemade Green Bean Casserole to suit your taste or dietary preferences: Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a richer flavor. Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for heat lovers. Crunch Upgrade: Combine fried shallots with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra texture. Mushroom Mix: Try a blend of shiitake and cremini mushrooms for an umami explosion. Healthier Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Nutty Topping: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans with the shallots for extra crunch. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen beans give the best texture, but canned beans work in a pinch—just rinse them well and reduce baking time by 10 minutes. 2. Can I skip the mushrooms?
Yes, though they add great flavor. You can replace them with caramelized onions or sautéed zucchini. 3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. 4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or oat cream instead of heavy cream. 5. What can I use instead of shallots?
Thinly sliced onions work great as a substitute for shallots. 6. How do I prevent soggy shallots?
Make sure to fry them in small batches and drain them well on paper towels. 7. Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely — sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella before baking for a golden crust. 8. What does the lemon juice do?
It brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the sauce. 9. How can I make it more flavorful?
Add a dash of smoked paprika or roasted garlic for extra depth. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Increase baking time by about 10 minutes. 🏁 Conclusion This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is proof that comfort food can also be fresh and flavorful. With tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a luscious homemade sauce, it transforms a humble side dish into the highlight of your table. Every layer brings something to love — from the creamy sauce and subtle spice to the crispy shallots that add the perfect finishing crunch. Whether served for a family gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or a weeknight treat, this casserole delivers that classic, heartwarming taste we all crave. So, next time you want to impress with something nostalgic yet elevated, skip the cans and make it from scratch. You’ll never go back once you’ve tasted how incredible homemade truly can be.
