Description

This Favorite Green Bean Casserole from Scratch recipe features tender green beans coated in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made with half and half and non-alcoholic sherry, topped with crispy fried shallots and melted Gruyere cheese. It’s a comforting and elegant side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Crispy Shallots

3 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for frying

Green Beans and Sauce

1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed
2 cups half and half
1/2 oz dried mushrooms (Shitake)
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1/3 cup non-alcoholic sherry
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Dash of fresh grated nutmeg, or more to taste
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided

Instructions

Prepare Crispy Shallots: Peel and thinly slice the shallots. Toss them with 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 tsp salt to coat evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the coated shallots until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Blanch Green Beans: Bring salted water to a boil and blanch the trimmed green beans for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the green beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. Drain well.
Make Mushroom Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dried shiitake mushrooms and cook until they soften. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half and half and then add the non-alcoholic sherry. Season the sauce with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and a dash of fresh grated nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Assemble: Toss the blanched green beans with the prepared mushroom sauce to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the green beans, then top with the crispy fried shallots.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Notes

Dry mushrooms can be soaked in warm water before cooking to rehydrate and intensify flavor if preferred.
Use non-alcoholic sherry to retain flavor without alcohol content.
Frying shallots instead of using fried onions adds a fresher, homemade crunch.
Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, creamy texture, but can be substituted with Swiss or mozzarella if needed.
The casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, mushroom sauce, crispy shallots, Gruyere cheese, holiday side dish