Homemade Green Bean Casserole — Creamy, Crispy & Made from Scratch

Adam

Homemade Green Bean Casserole — Creamy, Crispy & Made from Scratch

No holiday table is complete without a creamy, crispy-topped green bean casserole — and this Homemade Green Bean Casserole takes the classic to a whole new level. Made entirely from scratch with fresh green beans, earthy baby bella mushrooms, and caramelized shallots, this dish captures everything you love about the traditional recipe — only fresher, richer, and more flavorful. The sauce is made with butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety base that perfectly coats every bite of green bean. A sprinkle of crispy shallots adds crunch and a gourmet finish that your guests will rave about. It’s simple enough for weeknight comfort yet elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

🥬 Vegetables

24 oz fresh green beans trimmed
8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced
4 medium shallots thinly sliced
1 tbsp garlic minced or paste
1 tsp dried thyme

🍶 Sauce Base

4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard smooth or whole grain
1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

🧂 Seasoning

1 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

🍳 For Crispy Shallot Topping

1 cup vegetable oil for frying
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Equipment

Large saucepan or pot
Skillet or sauté pan
Strainer or colander
Mixing bowl
Baking dish (9x13-inch or similar)
Whisk and wooden spoon
Paper towels (for draining shallots)

Method

Step 1 – Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2 – Make the Crispy Shallots

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the sliced shallots with a light dusting of flour and a pinch of salt. Fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3 – Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Add garlic and thyme; cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4 – Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring until thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Combine Everything

Add the blanched green beans into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6 – Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the crispy shallots.

Step 7 – Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden around the edges.

Step 8 – Add Final Topping

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy shallots on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the top is crisp and fragrant.
Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

💡 Tip: Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to keep it creamy.

🥄 Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella for a gooier casserole.

Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for extra depth.

Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped almonds or pecans for added texture.

Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen beans work best — canned beans can become too soft.

2. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream.

3. What mushrooms work best?
Baby bella or cremini mushrooms give a rich flavor, but white button mushrooms also work.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free flour for both the sauce and shallots.

5. Why blanch green beans?
Blanching helps preserve their bright color and crisp-tender texture.

6. Can I skip frying shallots?
If you prefer easier prep, top with store-bought crispy onions, but homemade shallots taste fresher.

7. What does Dijon mustard add?
It enhances the savory flavor and adds subtle tang that balances the creaminess.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

9. Can I freeze before baking?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without topping), wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15 minutes to cooking time.

10. What pairs well with this dish?
It’s perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, or buttery dinner rolls.

🏁 Conclusion

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a blend of creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy golden shallots. 🥰

It brings everything you love about the classic version but with fresher, richer flavors and a homemade touch that makes it feel truly special.

Serve it alongside your favorite mains, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (and maybe thirds). This is one of those recipes that turns into a family tradition.