Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sautéed mushrooms and crispy shallots is enough to bring anyone into the kitchen, isn’t it? My Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a celebration of this nostalgic favorite, but with a delightful twist—no canned ingredients here! Instead, I craft a luscious creamy mushroom sauce from scratch that hugs tender, vibrant green beans, creating a dish that’s equal parts comforting and elevated. This vegetarian-friendly side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you want to impress. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and guarantees smiles all around the table. Curious about how to make this delicious classic your own? Let’s dive in! Why Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole? Elevate your holiday meals with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and homemade goodness. No Cans here—this recipe features fresh ingredients transformed into a creamy sauce that captures the essence of comfort food. Quick Preparation means you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy nights or holiday feasts. Versatile enough to swap in seasonal veggies like asparagus, it caters to various tastes. Impressive Crowd-Pleaser, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at dinners, setting you apart with its rich, homemade taste. For more fantastic side dishes, check out our ultimate holiday recipes. Green Bean Casserole Ingredients • Everything you need for a homemade delight! For the Casserole Fresh Green Beans – Opt for vibrant, crunchy beans to ensure a delightful texture. Mushrooms – Any variety works, but button mushrooms are a classic choice for that rich umami flavor. Butter – Essential for sautéing and adding richness; olive oil works well for a dairy-free option. All-Purpose Flour – This thickens the creamy sauce; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Vegetable Broth – Adds depth to the sauce; chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian twist. Milk or Cream – For a luscious, creamy consistency; try any dairy-free milk for a vegan version. Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty flavor; nutritional yeast serves as a great vegan substitute. For the Crispy Topping Shallots – Thinly sliced for that irresistible crunch; onions can be used if necessary. Flour – Coats the shallots for frying to achieve that golden crispness. Seasonings Salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste. Pepper – Freshly ground for optimal flavor. Garlic Powder – Adds a savory kick; perfect for elevating the overall taste. Onion Powder – Complements the shallots for a flavor boost; adjust as desired. Now you’re all set to create a delicious Green Bean Casserole that keeps the spirit of home cooking alive! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Green Bean Casserole Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the fresh green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Quickly transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. Drain and set aside while you prepare the creamy mushroom sauce. Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots, sautéing until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Introduce the chopped mushrooms, cooking until softened and their moisture evaporates, around 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux before gradually adding 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of milk, whisking until the sauce thickens. Step 3: Combine Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce. Add in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Mix everything well until the green beans are fully coated in the luscious sauce. This beautiful mixture makes up the heart of your Homemade Green Bean Casserole. Step 4: Prepare Fried Shallots Using a sharp knife, thinly slice 1 cup of shallots. Toss them in a small bowl with a couple of tablespoons of flour until evenly coated. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering, then carefully add the floured shallots, frying them in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Grease a baking dish with a little butter or spray. Pour the green bean and mushroom sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the crispy fried shallots on top, along with any remaining Parmesan for that extra flavor kick. The layers in your Homemade Green Bean Casserole are now beautifully assembled and ready for baking! Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up. Bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect flavors of your Homemade Green Bean Casserole. What to Serve with Homemade Green Bean Casserole? Elevate your family meal with delightful accompaniments that create a feast for the senses. Roast Turkey: A classic pairing, the savory flavors of roast turkey complement the creamy green bean casserole beautifully. It’s a holiday staple that never disappoints. Honey Glazed Ham: The sweetness of honey glazed ham contrasts perfectly with the earthy mushroom sauce, providing a delicious balance on your plate. Fluffy Rice Pilaf: Light and aromatic, rice pilaf absorbs the comforting flavors of the casserole, giving you a delightful texture combination. Don’t forget the herbs for an extra pop! Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are an excellent side, helping to soak up any of the delicious sauce from the casserole. This duo invites nostalgic memories of family dinners. Cranberry Sauce: The tangy pop of cranberry sauce brightens the rich flavors of the casserole and is a must-have during festive meals. Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole, making it a comforting addition to your table. Pair it with a dollop of honey butter for extra indulgence. Sautéed Greens: Bright and slightly bitter sautéed greens like kale or spinach add beautiful color and a fresh crunch beside the casserole, enhancing the meal’s overall health profile. Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with classic pumpkin pie. The warm spices provide a wonderful balance to the savory dishes and keep the holiday spirit alive. Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay adds a fruity breeze to your table, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the Green Bean Casserole. Its acidity balances the creaminess beautifully. Green Bean Casserole Variations & Substitutions Feel free to personalize your casserole with these delicious twists that will ignite your culinary creativity! Asparagus Alternative: Swap green beans for fresh asparagus for a delightful seasonal touch. The asparagus adds a tender crunch that’s simply irresistible. Creamy Spinach Twist: Mix in a handful of fresh spinach to your creamy mushroom sauce for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful green hue. It’s a fantastic way to boost nutrients! Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. This way, everyone can savor the casserole without worry. Cheesy Delight: Enhance the richness by adding a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar to the creamy mushroom sauce. You’ll create a gooey, cheesy adaptation that’s hard to resist. Add Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into your sauce. Just a pinch can transform the flavor profile entirely! Nutty Topping: Instead of fried shallots, try topping the casserole with toasted almond slivers or chopped pecans for a nutty crunch. It adds another texture dimension that elevates every bite. Coconut Milk Substitute: Replace regular milk with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist. It’ll lend a unique flavor while also catering to vegan diets. Herb Infusion: Boost flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon to the mushroom sauce. Their fragrant touch will infuse warmth into every mouthful. For other delectable side dishes to complement your holiday meals, check out our ultimate holiday recipes for more inspiration! How to Store and Freeze Green Bean Casserole Fridge: Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; this maintains its creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Reheat baked leftovers at 350°F for 20-30 minutes to achieve a delightful crispiness. Assembly Tip: If preparing in advance, assemble the casserole but skip baking until you’re ready to serve. This keeps flavors fresh and vibrant! Expert Tips for Green Bean Casserole Blanching Is Key: Always blanch the green beans before baking to ensure they remain bright and crisp. Don’t forget the ice water bath! Watch the Shallots: When frying shallots, stay close to the pan; they can burn quickly if left unattended. Aim for a golden brown color. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking and store it covered in the fridge. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or a dollop of Dijon mustard to the creamy mushroom sauce for an extra punch of flavor in your Green Bean Casserole. Casserole Variety: Feel free to experiment! Substitute green beans with asparagus or broccoli for a delightful twist on this classic dish. Make Ahead Options Making your Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time, especially during busy holidays. You can prepare the casserole components—blanched green beans and creamy mushroom sauce—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the green beans in an airtight container in the fridge after blanching, and refrigerate the sauce separately to maintain its creamy texture. For the crispy shallots, fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the casserole, top with shallots, and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade dish with minimal fuss! Green Bean Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best green beans for my casserole? When selecting green beans, look for fresh, vibrant pods that have a bright green color and are firm to the touch. Avoid beans with dark spots or signs of wilting, as these indicate that they might be past their prime. If you’re opting for frozen green beans, ensure they’re not icy or clumped together, which can affect their texture. How should I store leftover green bean casserole? You can keep leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through, around 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce and the crispness of the shallots. Can I freeze green bean casserole? Absolutely! To freeze your casserole, it’s best to assemble it without baking. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed in the recipe to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. What if my casserole sauce doesn’t thicken properly? If your cream sauce isn’t thickening as expected, you can remedy this by making a quick roux. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and whisk in an additional tablespoon of flour. Cook for about a minute, then gradually stir in a bit of the original sauce to help combine. Return it to your casserole mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? Yes! This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily modify it for other dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with olive oil and any dairy-free milk, and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Just ensure that all broth and flour used are gluten-free if needed. Enjoy this comforting dish without compromise! Creamy Green Bean Casserole Made from Scratch Delight This Homemade Green Bean Casserole features fresh ingredients, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy shallots, making it a delightful side dish for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 pound Fresh Green Beans Opt for vibrant, crunchy beans.8 ounces Mushrooms Button mushrooms are a classic choice.3 tablespoons Butter Essential for sautéing.¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce.2 cups Vegetable Broth Adds depth to the sauce.1 cup Milk or Cream For a creamy consistency.½ cup Parmesan Cheese Adds nutty flavor.For the Crispy Topping1 cup Shallots Thinly sliced.2 tablespoons Flour Coats the shallots for frying.Seasonings1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors.½ teaspoon Pepper Freshly ground.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adds savory kick.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Complements shallots. Equipment Large PotSkilletMixing bowlBaking dishKnifeSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Green Beans: Blanch the fresh green beans in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to ice water, drain and set aside.Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, sauté shallots until translucent, add mushrooms, then mix in flour. Gradually add broth and milk, whisk to thicken.Combine Ingredients: Mix blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce and Parmesan. Add seasonings to taste.Prepare Fried Shallots: Toss shallots in flour, fry in heated oil until golden brown and crispy.Assemble the Casserole: Grease baking dish, pour in green bean mixture, and top with fried shallots and remaining Parmesan.Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F, cover casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until golden.Let cool slightly before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesBlanching ensures the green beans stay bright and crisp. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!