Name: Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots and Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons; 1 cup vegetable oil; Creole Cajun Seasoning or seasoned salt, to taste; 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 sauce; 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 cheese, divided

Ingredients

4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise and sliced thinly into half moons

1 cup vegetable oil

Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt, to taste

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 sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half and half

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1: For the fried shallots, place the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots immediately without waiting for the oil to heat. Cook gently, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, reducing heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 2: Remove the crisp shallots with a fish spatula and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt to taste. Set aside. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve to remove debris and save for future use.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain well and set aside.

Step 5: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until mushrooms are tender and golden, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the flour until combined and the raw flour taste disappears. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits.

Step 7: Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Stir in the cream and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Place the blanched green beans in a 10×10-inch or 9×13-inch oven-safe casserole dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan evenly on top.

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove and gently toss the casserole. Sprinkle the fried shallots evenly over the top.

Step 11: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the shallots.

Step 12: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!

Tips & Variations

Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.

Substitute Creole Cajun seasoning with smoked paprika and garlic powder if you prefer milder flavors.

If you want extra crunch, add toasted breadcrumbs on top along with the fried shallots before the last bake.

Make the fried shallots ahead of time and store in an airtight container to save prep time on the cooking day.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor for this casserole. If using canned, rinse and drain them well, but note the dish may be softer and less vibrant.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

The recipe uses chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, which may contain anchovies. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and a vegetarian Worcestershire alternative or omit it.