Name: vegan green bean casserole recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Side Dish
Ingredients: For the Mushroom Sauce:; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat); 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; For the Green Beans:; 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half; 4 cups water; 1 tsp salt; For the Crispy Topping:; 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

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Every holiday season, I used to dread the traditional green bean casserole. It was loaded with heavy cream and tasted bland. But, I found a vegan green bean casserole recipe that changed everything.

This vegan version is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It shows you can make a delicious side dish without dairy. It’s perfect for anyone on a plant-based diet or just looking for something new.

The recipe includes fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s just as comforting as the traditional version but without any animal products. Get ready to make your holiday menu amazing!

Key Takeaways

Completely dairy-free and plant-based recipe
Creamy mushroom sauce without heavy cream
Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions
Nutritious alternative to traditional green bean casserole
Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients

Why This Vegan Green Bean Casserole Will Become Your Holiday Favorite

Discover a delightful twist on a classic holiday dish. This vegan green bean casserole is a hit for everyone. It’s a healthy dish that adds excitement to your festive table.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Your holiday gatherings need a show-stopping side dish. This vegan green bean casserole is perfect. It’s a versatile option that brings people together.

Suitable for multiple dietary preferences
Crowd-pleasing flavor profile
Easy to prepare in advance

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Ingredients

Choosing vegan means you’re making a nutritious choice. The plant-based ingredients offer health benefits that traditional recipes can’t match.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	204 kcal
Protein	5 g
Fiber	2 g
Vitamin A	761 IU

Budget-Friendly Option

Delicious vegan holiday recipes don’t have to be expensive. This healthy green bean casserole uses affordable ingredients. You’ll make a memorable dish without spending a lot.

Choosing plant-based ingredients saves money and is good for the environment. It reduces your carbon footprint while delivering great flavor.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dairy-Free Casserole

Making a tasty plant-based green bean casserole needs the right ingredients. These should add flavor and nutrition to your vegan Thanksgiving side dish. Choose fresh, high-quality components to make a dairy-free masterpiece.

Here are the key ingredients for your plant-based green bean casserole:

Fresh green beans (2 lb / 900 g)
Button mushrooms (16 oz / 453 g)
Raw cashews (1 cup / 140 g)
Vegetable broth (3 cups / 709 mL)
Olive oil (2 Tbsp / 30 mL)
Salt (½ tsp)
Crispy fried onions (6 oz / 170 g)

Choosing the right plant-based milk is key for a creamy sauce. Almond, oat, or cashew milk are great options. They add richness without using dairy.

Ingredient	Nutritional Value	Purpose in Casserole
Green Beans	Low calorie, high fiber	Primary vegetable base
Mushrooms	Rich in protein	Adds umami flavor
Cashews	Healthy fats, protein	Creates creamy sauce texture
Vegetable Broth	Low sodium option	Enhances overall flavor

When making your plant-based green bean casserole, use fresh ingredients. Blanch fresh green beans for 2-3 minutes for a crisp texture. The right mix of ingredients makes a delicious vegan Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will enjoy.

The Secret to the Creamiest Mushroom Sauce

Making the perfect vegan green bean casserole starts with a creamy mushroom sauce. This sauce will make your taste buds dance. It’s all about the right ingredients and techniques.

To make a luxurious, dairy-free sauce, you need to make smart choices. Pick the best plant-based milk and mushrooms. They add depth and richness to every bite.

Choosing the Right Plant-Based Milk

Not all plant milks are the same for a creamy sauce. Here are your top choices:

Cashew milk: It’s the smoothest and most luxurious
Oat milk: It’s sweet and thick
Full-fat coconut milk: It’s very rich

Mushroom Selection Tips

Mushrooms are key to your sauce’s flavor. For a great vegan casserole, try these:

Cremini: It has a deep, earthy taste
Shiitake: It’s intense and meaty
Button mushrooms: They’re mild and versatile

Seasoning Balance

The secret to a memorable vegan green bean casserole is balanced seasonings. Try herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. They make your mushroom sauce amazing.

Pro tip: Always sauté your mushrooms until they’re golden-brown. This makes their flavor richer and your sauce more sophisticated.

How to Prepare Fresh Green Beans

Choosing the right green beans is key for a tasty vegan Thanksgiving side dish. Start by picking fresh, crisp green beans from your local market or farmer’s market. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and without blemishes or soft spots.

Wash the green beans thoroughly under cool running water
Trim the ends of the beans using a sharp knife
Cut beans into 1-2 inch pieces for consistent cooking
Prepare for blanching to maintain color and texture

Blanching is a crucial step for your vegan Thanksgiving side dish. Here’s what to do:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
Add 1½ pounds of fresh green beans
Blanch for exactly 4 minutes
Immediately transfer beans to an ice bath to stop cooking

Proper preparation ensures your healthy green bean casserole will have perfect texture and vibrant color. Pro tip: Pat the beans dry completely after blanching to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.

Preparation Step	Time Required	Purpose
Washing	2-3 minutes	Remove dirt and debris
Trimming	3-4 minutes	Remove tough ends
Blanching	4 minutes	Preserve color and texture
Cooling	2-3 minutes	Stop cooking process

Pro Chef Tip: If you’re short on time, you can substitute fresh green beans with high-quality frozen green beans while maintaining the recipe’s integrity.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Looking for a tasty dairy-free green bean casserole to wow your guests? This vegan recipe is your go-to. It’s full of flavor and simple to make. It turns a classic dish into a vegan delight that everyone will enjoy.

Base Ingredients for Your Dairy-Free Casserole

To make the perfect vegan green bean casserole, you’ll need these key ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, cleaned and trimmed
Two 14.5 oz cans of green beans (alternative option)
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
3.5 oz shimeji mushrooms
4 cloves of garlic, minced

Creamy Mushroom Sauce Components

The sauce is the heart of this vegan green bean casserole. You’ll need:

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or 1/3 cup gluten-free flour)
1/2 cup coconut cream
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1-2 tablespoons white miso paste

Crispy Onion Topping

No dairy-free green bean casserole is complete without a crunchy topping. Gather:

1 1/2 cups French fried onions or fried shallots
Optional: homemade crispy shallots

This vegan green bean casserole is more than a side dish. It’s a celebration of plant-based cooking. It brings comfort and nutrition to your table. With prep time under 30 minutes and baking time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready for 6-8 people.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the perfect vegan holiday recipes needs precision and care. This easy vegan casserole recipe will turn your kitchen into a culinary paradise. It’s simple yet delicious.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole Cooking Process

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prep Green Beans:
- Wash 1.5 pounds of French string beans
- Trim ends carefully
- Blanch for 2-2.5 minutes in boiling water
- Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking
Create Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- Sauté minced garlic and shallots in 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add sliced mushrooms
- Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Gradually add 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
Combine and Bake:
- Mix green beans with mushroom sauce
- Transfer to prepared casserole dish
- Top with 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly

Your vegan green bean casserole is now ready to impress at any holiday gathering!

Cooking Stage	Time Required	Key Action
Preparation	10 minutes	Green bean prep and sauce making
Baking	20-25 minutes	Oven cooking at 350°F
Cooling	5 minutes	Rest before serving

Pro tip: For maximum flavor, ensure your mushroom sauce is thick and creamy before combining with green beans.

Crispy Onion Topping Techniques

The crowning glory of any vegan green bean casserole recipe is its irresistible crispy onion topping. Whether you’re preparing a vegan Thanksgiving side dish or a weeknight dinner, mastering the perfect onion crunch can elevate your casserole from good to extraordinary.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Options

You have two primary routes for creating the ultimate crispy onion topping:

Homemade Crispy Onions
- Slice onions paper-thin (1.5 pounds)
- Soak in 2 cups buttermilk for 10 minutes
- Dredge in 2 cups seasoned flour
- Fry at 375°F in peanut oil
Store-Bought Vegan Fried Onions
- Quick and convenient
- Look for certified vegan brands
- Check ingredient lists carefully

Achieving the Perfect Crunch

To guarantee maximum crispiness in your vegan green bean casserole, follow these expert tips:

Add 1 cup of crispy onion strings directly into the sauce
Reserve 1 cup for topping
Sprinkle topping during the final 5-8 minutes of baking
Watch carefully to prevent burning

Topping Method	Preparation Time	Difficulty Level
Homemade	30 minutes	Advanced
Store-Bought	5 minutes	Easy

Remember, the key to an outstanding vegan Thanksgiving side dish is patience and attention to detail when preparing your crispy onion topping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning ahead is key for holiday meals. Your vegan green bean casserole can be stress-free with the right make-ahead tips. You can make the whole casserole 1-2 days before baking. This gives you more time to enjoy with your family.

Storage options for your delicious vegan holiday recipes include:

Refrigeration: Store the assembled, unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days after cooking
Freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months for extended storage

Reheating your casserole needs special care to keep its texture and flavor. Cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For crispy toppings, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Pro tip for your vegan holiday recipes: Always let the casserole cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps it crispy. Your easy vegan casserole recipe will still taste amazing!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your vegan green bean casserole is a great side dish for Thanksgiving. It pairs well with other vegan dishes like roasted sweet potatoes and quinoa stuffing. The creamy texture and crispy onion topping make it a hit at any holiday meal.

When serving, keep the casserole warm at about 165°F. This ensures it stays flavorful and has the right texture. Don’t cover it for too long to keep the onion topping crispy. Add fresh thyme or parsley for a colorful and aromatic touch.

Holiday Menu Integration

Creating a balanced holiday spread is important. Your green bean casserole adds a creamy, savory element. Pair it with cranberry sauce, roasted root vegetables, and a plant-based protein for a complete meal. It serves six, perfect for a small gathering and impressing guests.

Complementary Side Dishes

Choose sides that contrast with the casserole’s richness. A crisp mixed green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts are great options. This casserole is not only tasty but also nutritious, with 7g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving.

FAQ

Is this vegan green bean casserole difficult to make?

No, it’s not hard at all! This recipe is simple and doesn’t need much cooking skill. You just follow easy steps to make a tasty, dairy-free green bean casserole that’s as creamy and flavorful as the original.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, making it gluten-free is easy. Just use gluten-free flour for the sauce. Also, make sure your crispy onion topping is gluten-free, using gluten-free breadcrumbs or other coatings.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover vegan green bean casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a bit of plant-based milk to keep it moist and prevent drying out.

What plant-based milk works best for the creamy sauce?

Unsweetened cashew milk or oat milk are great for a creamy sauce. They have a neutral taste and smooth texture, just like traditional dairy cream.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it and refrigerate. Add the crispy onion topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.

Are fresh or frozen green beans better for this recipe?

Fresh green beans are best for texture and taste. But if fresh aren’t available, high-quality frozen green beans work well too. Just thaw and drain them before using.

How can I make the crispy onion topping if I can’t find vegan fried onions?

Making your own crispy onion topping is easy. Slice onions thinly, coat them in flour and nutritional yeast, and then fry or bake until golden and crispy.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

While the recipe can be adapted, be careful with nut-based ingredients. Use soy milk or oat milk instead. And avoid any nut-based toppings to make it safe for nut allergies.