Ingredients
Fried Shallots
- 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Creole Cajun Seasoning or seasoned salt, to taste
Green Bean Casserole
- 24 ounces fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, smooth or whole grain
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Fried Shallots: Place vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots immediately, no need to preheat the oil. Cook gently, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Lower heat if shallots brown too quickly.
- Drain and Season Shallots: Use a spatula to remove crispy shallots, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Season with Creole Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt to taste. Set aside. Strain oil through a fine-mesh sieve and save for later use.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and garlic; sauté until mushrooms are tender and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and garlic, stirring until well combined and flour is incorporated. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and scrape browned bits from skillet.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in lemon juice, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, optional red pepper flakes, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream (or half and half) and half of the parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole: Place blanched green beans in a 10×10-inch or 9×13-inch oven-safe casserole dish. Pour creamy mushroom sauce over and toss to coat. Sprinkle remaining parmesan evenly over top.
- Bake First Stage: Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and warmed through.
- Add Shallots and Finish Baking: Remove casserole from oven, toss gently, and evenly sprinkle fried shallots over the top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until shallots are heated but not burnt.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy your elevated green bean casserole!
Notes
- Blanching green beans in ice water stops cooking and retains their bright color and crunch.
- Adjust seasoning with Creole Cajun spice or seasoned salt to add a unique flavor to the shallots.
- Use fresh parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
- Save infused oil from frying shallots for future use in dressings or sautés.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Substitute half and half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
- Ensure not to burn fried shallots during final baking step as they are delicate and can quickly turn bitter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American