Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! Recipe

If you have ever thought green bean casserole was only good from a can, get ready to have your mind blown with this Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! This fresh take transforms the classic holiday favorite into a luxurious, creamy, and crisp dish that bursts with homemade flavor. Imagine tender green beans bathed in a silky mushroom cream sauce, topped with crispy golden shallots and melted Gruyere cheese for that perfect balance of textures. It’s more than a side; it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and elevated, proving you don’t need shortcuts to make something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! shines because of its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the earthy mushrooms enriching the sauce, the crisp green beans adding a fresh bite, or the Gruyere offering a luxurious cheesy finish.

• 3 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced: These transform into crunchy golden rings that bring amazing texture and a mild sweetness.
• 1/4 cup flour: Essential for crisping the shallots and thickening the sauce.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Keeps the shallots perfectly crisp without flavor interference.
• 1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed: The bright, crunchy core of your casserole.
• 2 cups half and half or cream: Creates a rich, velvety mushroom sauce.
• 1/2 ounce dried mushrooms (Shitake recommended): Adds deep, umami flavors and complexity to the sauce.
• 3 Tbsp butter: For a smooth roux and luscious sauce base.
• 3 Tbsp flour: Thickens the sherry-mushroom sauce beautifully.
• 1/3 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry): Infuses the sauce with a subtle, sophisticated warmth.
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided: Give the casserole a nutty, melty richness – go for a heaping cup for best results.
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Tailors the savory notes perfectly.
• Dash of fresh grated nutmeg: A finishing touch that adds warmth and depth.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Step 1: Prep and Fry the Shallots

The crispy shallots are a star, so take your time here. Toss thinly sliced shallots in flour and salt to guarantee a golden, crunchy finish. Then fry them carefully in hot oil just under 325°F until golden, about two minutes per batch. Remember to keep the oil clean by removing browned bits in between batches to avoid bitterness. Set them aside on paper towels – these will topper your casserole with spectacular crunch.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Mushrooms

Warm up the cream or half and half near a simmer, then soak the dried mushrooms in it for 30 minutes. This step unlocks the mushroom’s deep, earthy flavor, turning your sauce into something far more vibrant and homemade than any canned substitute.

Step 3: Blanche and Chill the Green Beans

Trim your green beans but keep them whole for a beautiful presentation. Blanche them in boiling water for about three minutes – just enough to soften the edges while keeping that satisfying crunch. Immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking and lock in their bright green color, then dry them thoroughly for the casserole.

Step 4: Puree the Mushroom Cream

Blend the mushroom-soaked cream until smooth but still with a little texture for character. This sauce will be the luscious heart of your Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!, so aim for creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Make the Roux and Sauce

Melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for about two minutes to form a roux without browning it. Add the sherry, whisking constantly, then slowly stir in your mushroom cream. Let it thicken over a gentle simmer, then remove from heat to stir in half the Gruyere cheese, seasoning carefully with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. This sauce is magical, bringing layers of richness and warmth.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half your green beans in your casserole dish, then drizzle half the mushroom sauce over them, ensuring every bean is coated in that creamy goodness. Repeat the layering with the remaining beans and sauce. This helps the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 7: Bake and Finish with Cheese and Shallots

Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyere evenly over the top and bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden. If the cheese browns too fast, tent the casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking. When out of the oven, generously crown the dish with your crispy fried shallots for that iconic crunch and savor every warm bite. Now you truly have the ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Garnishes

Beyond the fried shallots, feel free to add freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving elevates the savory depth. These small details keep the presentation inviting and the flavors perfectly balanced.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with hearty roasted meats like turkey or chicken, especially during the holidays. Complement it with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance richness with freshness. Its creamy texture and cheesy crust are a perfect foil for simpler sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also make it in a shallow baking dish and portion it like a gratin, allowing everyone to enjoy the layers of green beans and sauce. If you want an elegant twist, garnish with toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making those leftovers just as delightful as when freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the instructions. Note that fried shallots are best added fresh after reheating to maintain their crispness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the casserole’s texture intact. Add freshly fried shallots just before serving to recapture that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?

Fresh mushrooms won’t provide quite the same concentrated umami flavor, but you can sauté and finely chop them before adding to the cream. Using dried mushrooms is preferable for the depth of taste in this Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch!

Is Gruyere cheese necessary, or can I substitute?

Gruyere adds a wonderfully nutty and melty quality, but fontina or Swiss cheese can work as substitutes. Avoid overly sharp cheeses, as they can overpower the subtle mushroom cream sauce.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Make sure to use vegetable-based broth if you decide to add any stock, and confirm your sherry contains no animal products. The rich mushroom sauce and crispy shallots make it delicious without meat.

How do I know when the shallots are perfectly fried?

They should turn a light golden brown within two minutes. Watch carefully as overcooking leads to bitterness. Drain on paper towels promptly to keep them crisp and ready to top your casserole.

What if I don’t have dry sherry?

Dry sherry adds a nutty warmth that’s hard to replicate, but a dry white wine or apple cider vinegar diluted with water can be a quick substitute. Skip it entirely only if needed, but it truly makes this Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! stand out.

Final Thoughts

Making this Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch! might just change how you think about this classic dish forever. It’s a rewarding, surprisingly simple project that elevates humble ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re sharing it at the holidays or a weekend dinner, your family and guests will be asking for seconds and the recipe. Try making it yourself and experience the joy of fresh, homemade satisfaction—this casserole is truly worth every delicious minute.

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