Print

Cozy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots

green bean casserole with crispy shallots - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, savory green bean casserole topped with crispy shallots, inspired by a beloved diner recipe. This homemade version uses fresh ingredients and a velvety cream sauce for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large shallots, thinly sliced into rings
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil)
  • 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are just tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then drain well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
  2. Make the Crispy Shallots: While the beans are cooling, slice your shallots into thin rings. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss the shallot rings in the flour mixture until they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Fry the Shallots: In a small saucepan, heat the ½ cup of neutral oil over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a single shallot ring in—it should sizzle immediately. Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the shallots for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Season immediately with a pinch of salt. They will crisp up as they cool. Set aside about ¼ cup for the topping.
  4. Sauté the Mushrooms: In your large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  5. Build the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, milk, and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; it will start to thicken after about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and the ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the blanched green beans and the reserved ¼ cup of crispy shallots (not the topping ones) to the skillet with the cream sauce. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
  8. Bake: Pour the entire mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and hot all the way through.
  9. Finish with the Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining crispy shallots over the top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier.

Notes

Don’t add the crispy shallots before baking; they will soften. Add them at the very end for maximum crunch. For make-ahead, assemble the casserole (without shallot topping) a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to bake time if starting from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, crispy shallots, Thanksgiving side dish, comfort food, homemade casserole, creamy green beans

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-shallots/