Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Why Homemade Green Bean Casserole Rocks

Who doesn’t love a good green bean casserole? It’s that warm, comforting dish that seems to make everything better, especially during the holidays (or a Tuesday night when you’re feeling fancy). By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and skip the mystery components in the canned versions. Plus, it’s a fun way to show off your cooking skills (even if they’re slightly above boiling water).

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you whip up a homemade version? First off, it’s super easy! You get to use fresh green beans, which means you’re serving a dish that’s not only tasty but also healthy. You’ve got creamy goodness, a crunchy topping, and everyone will be begging for seconds. It’s basically the Michelin-star version of “canned” casserole. Plus, you can impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat. 🙌

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of concocting this deliciousness. You only need a handful of ingredients (mostly stuff you might already have). Here’s the scoop:

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fried shallots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, sautéing until they’re nicely translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture. (You know, until they look like they’ve been through a sauna).
5. Stir in the heavy cream and vegetable broth and bring it all to a simmer.
6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Mmm, cheese!
7. Combine the blanched green beans with the sauce, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top it with crispy fried shallots.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s all bubbly and golden on top. Talk about a showstopper!
10. Serve warm as a side dish and bask in the glory of your culinary masterpiece. 🎉

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

This casserole makes a perfect sidekick for any main dish—think roasted turkey, juicy steak, or even a veggie burger if you’re feeling it. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, and you’ve got a feast fit for a king (or queen). If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some extra cheese on top right before serving for that ‘wow’ factor.

How to Store Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer (and who wouldn’t?), you can freeze it—just make sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to eat again, reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-the-oven taste!

Tips to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. They make all the difference.
• Don’t skip the frying of the shallots—those crispy layers are heaven!
• Experiment with different cheeses. Gouda or cheddar can give you a fun twist.
• For a spicy kick, throw in some red pepper flakes. 🌶️
• If you want it even creamier, add a bit more heavy cream. Living on the edge!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You might try adding some crushed garlic to the topping or even mixing in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers. Heck, you could even add some bacon bits if you want to make it extra indulgent. Who said veggies can’t be fun? 😉

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned green beans for this recipe?
Sure, but why would you? Fresh beans give the best texture and flavor. If you must, choose the ones without added ingredients.

Q2: How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free and opt for gluten-free fried onions (they’re out there, promise!).

Q3: Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Just make sure you don’t add the fried shallots until right before baking for that crispy finish.

And there you have it—your go-to guide for making a delicious homemade green bean casserole! Get ready to be the star of your next potluck or family dinner! 🌟

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

A creamy and crunchy dish made with fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and topped with crispy fried shallots, perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fried shallots For topping
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, sautéing until they’re nicely translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.

Assembly and Baking

1. Combine the blanched green beans with the sauce, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top it with crispy fried shallots.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serving

1. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Don’t skip the frying of the shallots for added crunch! Experiment with different cheeses or add red pepper flakes for a twist.