Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots and Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe elevates the classic side dish with crispy fried shallots, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a blend of zesty seasonings. Featuring fresh green beans blanched to perfection and baked in a flavorful sauce topped with Parmesan cheese, this casserole is a comforting and delicious addition to any meal, perfect for holiday tables or family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Fried Shallots

  • 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • Creole Cajun Seasoning or seasoned salt, to taste

Green Bean Casserole

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Fry the Shallots: Place the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots directly into the oil without waiting for it to warm. Cook gently, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes until the shallots turn a golden-brown color. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat to avoid burning.
  2. Drain and Season Shallots: Using a fish spatula, remove the crispy shallots and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Season the shallots with Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt to taste. Set aside until the casserole assembly. Save the shallot-infused oil by straining through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl for future use.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  4. Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain once cooled and set aside.
  5. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until mushrooms are tender and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Make the Sauce Base: Stir in the flour with the mushrooms and garlic until combined and the flour is mostly absorbed. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine fully, scraping any browned bits from the skillet bottom with a wooden utensil.
  7. Add Seasonings: Mix in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors.
  8. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream or half and half along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Place the blanched green beans into an oven-safe casserole dish (10×10-inch or 9×13-inch). Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  10. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbling and hot.
  11. Add Fried Shallots and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and gently toss the beans again. Sprinkle the crispy fried shallots evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake an additional 7-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  12. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the green bean casserole immediately, enjoying the perfect crispy and creamy combination.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
  • Adjust the Creole Cajun seasoning to your spice preference or use seasoned salt for a milder flavor.
  • To save time, shallots can be fried ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Make sure to blanch the green beans thoroughly to retain their bright color and crisp texture.
  • The shallot-infused oil can be saved and used as a flavorful cooking oil for other dishes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, casserole with mushrooms, fried shallots, holiday side dish, creamy green beans, classic green bean casserole