Elevated Green Bean Casserole: No More Soggy Sorrow!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself stuck on what to bring to thanksgiving? this bean casserole recipe will change your life. honestly, this ain't your gran's soggy bake.

It’s got a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy shallots.

Brief Overview

The classic Green bean bake is an American staple. Think comfort food casserole , but upgraded. This veggie easy meals takes about an hour. It feeds 6-8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

It is a great easy meal vegetarian , plus, it sneaks in some veggie most meals !. this thanksgiving side dish always impresses.

What makes this recipe special? it's homemade mushroom sauce casserole ! perfect for family vegetarian dinners or other holiday casserole recipes .

Gathering Your Goodies

Right, let’s get started! you'll need shallots, flour, and oil for those crispy bits. fresh green beans, of course. plus, butter, mushrooms, milk, sherry, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg for that amazing sauce.

Trust me, the sherry makes all the difference. you know? it's like adding a secret ingredient that everyone loves but can’t quite place.

Let's Fry Some Shallots!

Now, the shallots are key to this recipe. no soggy shallots here, alright?. you want them golden brown and crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. fry them in batches and drain on paper towels. the recipe might sound intimidating at first.

Honestly, it's more straightforward than it seems. each step builds on the last. before you know it, you'll have a dish that looks like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant.

Now Let's Get Baking

You can't forget that this is the perfect meat free dinner ideas ! once you've baked the casserole, let it cool for a bit.

Serve it alongside your roast or whatever you are cooking up. enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need for this showstopper bean casserole recipe . Honestly, nothing too fancy, promise! This ain’t your Aunt Mildred's canned soup concoction. This is comfort food casserole elevated!

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you'll be tossing in, measurements and all.

• Crispy Shallots:
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Veg oil for frying (about 2 cups )
• Green Beans:
  • 2 pounds (900g) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Mushroom Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry (optional, but so good!)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of nutmeg

For the green beans, fresh is best! Trust me.

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk flavour! It is not only Easy Meal Vegetarian , it is tasty.

• Must Have Combo: Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are your core trio. Don't skimp.
• Flavour Boosters: Sherry in the mushroom sauce? A game changer. I'm telling ya. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Sub Swaps: No sherry? Dry white wine or chicken broth will do in a pinch, but it won't have the same depth. Veggie broth works wonders too, for our veggie easy meals crowd.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For sauce and frying.
• Large bowl: For tossing.
• Baking dish (9x13 inch/ 23x33 cm) : Obvs.
• Slotted spoon: For fishing out those crispy shallots.
• Thermometer: Handy for the oil but not crucial.

Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? A large pot will do!

This thanksgiving side dish is a total winner and is meat free dinner ideas , but even if you don't get turkey you will have a smile on your face for this green bean bake .

This is definitely one of my go-to family vegetarian dinners ; it’s just so darn satisfying. i love making this homemade mushroom sauce casserole , i honestly make enough for seconds.

.. and thirds! enjoy the holiday casserole recipes !

Cooking Method: Baking This Epic Bean Casserole Recipe

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good casserole? especially when the temperatures drop. we're talking pure comfort food casserole vibes. forget boring, canned soup versions.

Let's learn the cooking method for the ultimate elevated green bean bake . this recipe elevates the classic bean casserole with fresh green beans, crispy shallots made from scratch, and a creamy, homemade mushroom sauce .

Prep Steps: Let’s Get Organized

Essential mise en place is key. slice those shallots thinly . trim your fresh green beans . get your butter and milk ready.

I can't stress this enough, it will save you a lot of time.

Time saving organization tips : measure everything out beforehand. this is one of those easy meal vegetarian where having everything ready to go makes a massive difference.

It lets you have veggie easy meals

Safety Reminders : Hot oil and boiling liquids are no joke. Be careful when frying the shallots and making the mushroom sauce. It's okay to feel extra cautions as well.

step-by-step: Baking Like a Boss

1. Fry the Shallots : Toss shallots with flour, salt, and pepper. Fry at 350F (175C) until golden.
2. Cook the Beans : Toss beans with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast or Steam for 8- 10 minutes until crisp tender.
3. Mushroom Magic : Melt butter, saute mushrooms until soft. Stir in flour, then milk and sherry. Simmer until thick.
4. Combine Ingredients: Mix beans and sauce in a baking dish. Simple.
5. Top and Bake : Top with shallots. Bake at 350F (175C) until bubbly, roughly 20 minutes .
6. Cool & Serve : Let cool a bit before serving.

Pro Tips: Casserole Perfection

Crispy Shallot Secret : Don't overcrowd! Fry in batches. This is a must for perfect, crispy shallots every time.

Mistake to Avoid : Soggy green beans. slightly undercook them before adding to the sauce.

Looking for some meat free dinner ideas ? this also makes one of those great family vegetarian dinners . it also makes a perfect addition to your thanksgiving side dish or holiday casserole recipes .

You can even experiment with a homemade mushroom sauce casserole version by tweaking a few ingredients. enjoy this easy veggie most meals recipe!

Recipe Notes for a Top-Notch Bean Casserole Recipe

Alright, so you're ready to ace this bean casserole recipe ! ace i tell ya! honestly, even the simplest recipes can be elevated with a few smart moves.

Here's a bit of my wisdom.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, yeah? i’ve had folk say they eat with their eyes first. i’d say so too. for plating, scoop a generous portion of the casserole onto a plate.

Top with extra crispy shallots for that awesome crunch. a sprig of fresh thyme? looks fancy and tastes great.

Pair this amazing thanksgiving side dish with roasted turkey or a lovely glazed ham. and don't forget the classic cranberry sauce.

It's a true game changer. it's one of those family vegetarian dinners that can wow everyone.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover bean casserole recipe ? It happens to the best of us! Pop it in an airtight container. It's good in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing is an option, but the texture might change a bit. for reheating, 350° f ( 175° c) in the oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Microwave works too, but watch it doesn’t go soggy.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want some tweaks? Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mushroom sauce for a cheesy twist.

For a veggie easy meals adaptation, use vegan butter and almond milk. you can easily whip up a meat free dinner ideas ! a little bit of red pepper flakes would make this a spicy dish.

You know? if you want to try veggie most meals , this dish is a start. also can be a homemade mushroom sauce casserole .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

This elevated bean casserole recipe offers a decent dose of fiber. The green beans bring vitamin C and vitamin K. All while the mushrooms add some B vitamins.

Each serving comes in at around 320 calories, 8g protein, 20g fat, 28g carbs, 6g fiber, 6g sugar, and 600mg sodium.

This is just an estimate though, the actual values depend on the ingredients you’re using. remember, a balanced diet is key! consider the comfort food casserole .

So there you have it. It's an amazing bean casserole recipe . It's a Green bean bake ! It's a total winner and a staple among Holiday casserole recipes ! Go on, give it a go, and don't be afraid to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bean casserole recipe ahead of time? I'm pulling a Nigella and trying to be super organised!

Absolutely! You can assemble the bean casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Hold off on topping it with the crispy shallots until just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy. When you're ready to bake, add the shallots and pop it in the oven easy peasy!

Help! My crispy shallots went soggy. What did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded soggy shallots! This usually happens if the oil wasn't hot enough when frying them, or if you overcrowded the pan. Aim for an oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) and fry the shallots in small batches to ensure they get nice and crispy.

Also, make sure to drain them well on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

I'm not a fan of mushrooms. Is there anything else I can use in the sauce for this green bean casserole recipe?

No worries, not everyone loves mushrooms! You could try using a different type of vegetable, like caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers, to create a flavourful base for the sauce. You could also try using some different types of mushroom!

Or simply omit the vegetables altogether and focus on creating a creamy sauce with butter, flour, milk, and some herbs like thyme or rosemary.

How long will leftover bean casserole keep, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover bean casserole will generally keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

If reheating in the oven, you might want to add a few extra crispy shallots on top to freshen it up!

Can I freeze this bean casserole recipe?

Freezing this bean casserole is possible, but the texture might change a bit upon thawing due to the dairy content in the sauce. For best results, assemble the casserole without the crispy shallots, freeze it, and then add freshly fried shallots when you're ready to bake. Thaw completely in the fridge before baking.

Is there a lighter version of this bean casserole recipe? I'm trying to channel my inner Gwyneth Paltrow.

Of course! To lighten things up, you could use skimmed milk instead of whole milk in the mushroom sauce, and reduce the amount of butter. You could also roast the green beans instead of frying the shallots, or use a smaller amount of oil.

Consider swapping the cream for fat-free greek yogurt to lighten the calorie count!