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    Home » Dinner

    Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole

    Nov 3, 2022 · 22 Comments

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    Lighten up this thanksgiving classic with a dairy-free green bean casserole recipe containing no canned soup, canned beans, or heavy dairy. Instead, this vegan green bean casserole is quick, flavorful, and contains just 8 ingredients!

    completed Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole in a skillet against a white background

    In the last decade, those of us who consume dairy-free and vegan diets are finally becoming spoiled for choice with the new products entering the market (finally!). The result has made practically no dish out of bounds - Thanksgiving side dishes included! So, along with candied yams (with vegan marshmallows) and vegan stuffing, now it’s the turn of this lighter, healthier dairy-free green bean casserole!

    What Is Green Bean Casserole?

    Green bean casserole first originated as the creation of Campbell’s soup way back in the 1950s and was a combination of their canned mushroom soup with canned green beans and fried onions. Unfortunately, using so many processed ingredients meant the dish also contained high levels of sodium, fat, and plenty of calories (yet not very nutrient-dense ones).

    In comparison, not only is this recipe for green bean casserole without dairy milk 100% vegan, but I’ve lightened it up further by ditching high-sodium soup for a lighter fresh mushroom and vegetable gravy. In place of canned beans (known for being mushy), I rely on fresh or frozen green beans for extra nutrients and texture.

    Why You’ll Love This Dairy-free Green Bean Casserole?

    While this healthy green bean casserole recipe prioritizes flavor over ease (aka processed, canned ingredients packed with sodium and preservatives), it’s still incredibly easy to pull together, with minimal effort, steps, and just 8 ingredients. More so, it’s still the same hearty, comforting, flavorful side dish you remember, just lighter (with no dairy milk or cream!).

    I personally love to still use packaged fried onions because, yum! However, I’ve also included an alternative homemade topping that’s healthier and preservative-free if that’s more your thing.

    I’ve included options below for several variations too. I.e., making a gluten-free, dairy-free green bean casserole, using fresh or frozen green beans, and more! Best of all, you can even partially prepare this non-dairy green bean casserole in advance, finishing it on the day by sprinkling it with onions and baking it to perfection. The results are a diet-friendly, crowd-pleasing side for the entire family to enjoy!

    The Ingredients

    ingredients for Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole measured out against a white surface
    • Green beans: You can use fresh or frozen green beans (I use the latter) for this homemade vegan green bean casserole. I like to use French green beans (haricots verts) when possible, though other green beans work, too.
    • Fried onions: Pre-made French fried onions are wonderfully crispy and moreish (make sure they’re dairy-free/ vegan). See recipe notes for lighter, homemade version.
    • Mushrooms: I like to use cremini mushrooms (baby bella) for their flavor and low cost. Avoid white mushrooms, which are the least flavorful option. Canned mushrooms may work too.
    • Aromatics: This dairy-free green bean casserole recipe relies on onion and garlic for depth of flavor.
    • Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works great here, though you can use cornstarch (method in FAQs) if you’re gluten-free.
    • Vegetable broth: Use your favorite veg broth (in liquid form or a powder/cube with water). Use reduced-sodium broth if preferred.
    • Dried oregano: Adjust the amount to taste.
    • Oil: Use neutral cooking oil, like vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, etc. Vegan butter should also work for a richer flavor.

    You may also need salt & pepper to season the dairy-free casserole filling to taste.

    Add-ins & Recipe Variations

    There are several ways you can add to this non-dairy green bean casserole recipe for more flavor and/or texture, including:

    • Nutritional yeast: To add to the gravy for more of an umami/ 'cheesy' flavor in place of parmesan.
    • Breadcrumbs: To use instead of fried onions or alongside homemade sautéed onion for crunch. Use gluten-free if necessary.
    • Nutmeg: Add a tiny pinch to the gravy for a subtle flavor.
    • More herbs: To add extra flavor to this healthy green bean casserole. I.e., thyme, basil, or even cayenne pepper/red pepper flakes to add heat.
    • Soy sauce: You can use soy sauce instead of salt to add saltiness and umami. Use tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
    • Coconut milk: For a creamier gravy, add a few spoonfuls of the cream from the top of a can of coconut milk. Other vegan cream or milk alternatives (unsweetened) should also work for a slightly creamier vegan green bean casserole.
    • Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the onion topping for extra crunch and a toasty flavor.
    • Mashed potato: While it isn’t a traditional addition, for an extra hearty, healthy green bean casserole, top the gravy layer with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes before topping it with the fried onions. For a lighter option, mashed cauliflower works.
    • Vegan bacon: Fry a few slices of vegan bacon, chop into strips, and stir into the vegan/vegetarian green bean casserole.

    How to Make Dairy-free Green Bean Casserole?

    This green bean casserole without milk requires just 8 ingredients and about 40 minutes to prepare (half of that hands-off).

    • 1) First, preheat the oven to 400F/205C, and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
    • 2) Meanwhile, peel and mince the garlic, finely slice the onion, and slice the mushrooms.

    Using a mandoline for the onion and mushrooms can speed up the prep time.

    • 3) Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
    sliced onions on cutting board
    process of adding mushrooms to onion in pan
    process shot of adding garlic to pan

    For more flavor, feel free to cook the onion for longer, until lightly caramelized, before adding the mushrooms and garlic.

    • 4) Add the flour, constantly mixing, to form a thick paste and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
    process shot of adding flour to pan
    • 5) Add the broth, stirring well, and bring the mixture to a simmer, adding the dried oregano and ground pepper. Stir well until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (12-15 minutes).
    process shot of adding veggie broth to pan
    process shot of adding oregano to pan
    • 6) Stir in the frozen green beans, then transfer the mixture to a large cast-iron skillet (or a casserole dish) and top it with the fried onions.
    process shot of adding green beans to pan
    • 7) Transfer the dairy-free green bean casserole to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once ready, remove from the heat and serve while still warm.
    process shot of green bean casserole mixture cooking in a pan

    This classic holiday side dish turned vegan pairs well with all your favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas sides and works great at any roast dinner.

    FAQs

    Is it possible to make green bean casserole without mushrooms?

    While it’s possible, the gravy will miss lots of flavor. However, if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, omit them.

    How to make gluten-free green bean casserole?

    Instead of a flour roux, use cornstarch to thicken the mushroom gravy. Add all the liquid to the pan first before adding the cornstarch slurry (use 2 tablespoon starch with 3 tablespoon water to begin and increase if needed) and whisking until thickened.

    How do you make green bean casserole not watery?

    If needed, add more flour or cornstarch slurry to the mixture to thicken it.

    What can you substitute for milk in green bean casserole?

    This recipe is 100% milk free, regular or dairy-free, so there’s no need to search for substitutes.

    Can I use canned green beans?

    Technically, yes, though, it will make the dairy-free green bean casserole mushier (however, I know some people even prefer that).

    Can I skip baking the casserole?

    As everything is cooked, baking is technically optional if the dish is already warm and the onions are crispy. I use it to heat the casserole and just bring everything together slightly.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Adjust the green bean texture: You can adjust the cooking time of the beans based on whether you’d like very tender results or tender-crisp green beans. This will also change based on whether you use frozen or fresh green beans.
    • For a healthier topping: Gently sauté some onions until slightly crisp (or cook them over low heat to caramelize them—though this can take 50-60 minutes). Optionally combine them with breadcrumbs and/or crushed nuts for extra crunch.
    • Avoid white mushrooms: They’re not overly flavorful, so this dairy-free green bean casserole is far better off with options that add more body to the dish (like Baby Bella mushrooms).
    • When using fresh green beans, trim the ends (chop them in half if preferred) and boil them for just 4-5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. Adjust the overall cooking time accordingly.
    • Save time: By using pre-sliced mushrooms and onion.
    completed Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole in a skillet with a portion plated on a white plate

    Storage Recommendations

    Make ahead: You can prepare the filling for the green bean casserole a day or two in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Then, remove it from the fridge 30-40 minutes before transferring it to the cast-iron pan, topping with fried onions, and baking.

    Store: Allow the vegan casserole to cool and store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for 4-5 days.

    Freeze: While you can freeze it for up to three months, the green beans become mushier upon thawing, so keep that in mind.

    Reheat: The leftovers will reheat well either in a microwave (1-2 mins based on portion size and microwave power, but the onions won’t be crispy) or in the oven (at 350F/175C) until warm and onions crisp up again.

    More Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
    • Easy Cranberry Pear Sauce
    • Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables
    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Instant Pot Apple Cider
    • Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie
    • Healthy Apple Pie Baked Apples

    If you try this easy dairy-free green bean casserole recipe, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole in a skillet with a portion plated on a white plate

    Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole

    Lighten up this thanksgiving classic with a dairy-free green bean casserole recipe containing no canned soup, canned beans, or heavy dairy. Instead, this vegan green bean casserole is quick, flavorful, and contains just 8 ingredients!
    5 from 72 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 55 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 213 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • knife set
    • small whisk
    • cast iron skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 ½ tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil
    • ½ cup of yellow onion diced
    • 1 ½ cups of cremini mushrooms diced
    • 3 cloves of garlic minced
    • 3 ½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups of vegetable broth
    • ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
    • 1 bag of frozen green beans
    • 1 (6-ounce) package of fried onions

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Saute until onions for about 3 to 4 minutes or until are translucent and tender.
    • Add the flour and mix to form a thick paste. Allow to cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
    • Add the broth, stir, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Season with dried oregano and ground pepper.
    • Use a whisk to gently mix the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 15 minutes).
    • Stir in 1 bag of frozen green beans.
    • Transfer to a large cast iron skillet and top with fried onions.
    • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and serve warm.

    Notes

    • Adjust the green bean texture: You can adjust the cooking time of the beans based on whether you’d like very tender results or tender-crisp green beans. This will also change based on whether you use frozen or fresh green beans.
    • For a healthier topping: Gently sauté some onions until slightly crisp (or cook them over low heat to caramelize them—though this can take 50-60 minutes). Optionally combine them with breadcrumbs and/or crushed nuts for extra crunch.
    • Avoid white mushrooms: They’re not overly flavorful, so this dairy-free green bean casserole is far better off with options that add more body to the dish (like Baby Bella mushrooms).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 414mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg
    Keyword casserole, dairy free, dairy free caserole, easy recipes, green bean, green bean casserole, holiday, make ahead, simple recipes, thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipes, vegan, vegan side dish, vegetarian
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tavo says

      November 03, 2022 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      The casserole was so easy to make and it was delicious as well, thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 06, 2022 at 2:29 am

        Gotta love the easy casserole dishes! So so good!

        Reply
    2. Nancy says

      November 03, 2022 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love this dairy free green bean dish. It was perfect with out milk or cheese

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 06, 2022 at 2:31 am

        Agreed! Such a yummy plant-based casserole that checks all the boxes!

        Reply
    3. Andrea says

      November 04, 2022 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      Forever a staple for thanksgiving! Love it!

      Reply
    4. Tina says

      November 05, 2022 at 3:18 am

      5 stars
      I am loving this green bean casserole recipe. Can't wait to make it again for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 06, 2022 at 2:38 am

        It's a goodie! Hope everyone enjoys it for Thanksgiving too!

        Reply
    5. Erin says

      November 07, 2022 at 1:57 am

      5 stars
      Perfect dish for the upcoming holidays!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:18 am

        Yessss - it'll definitely hit the spot!

        Reply
    6. Rachel says

      November 07, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      Love how quick and easy this green bean casserole is!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:20 am

        Right?! So simple and comes out delicious every time!

        Reply
    7. Gina H. says

      November 08, 2022 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      Green beans are my favorite green veggie. I love this holiday casserole recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:21 am

        Forever a delicious classic!

        Reply
    8. Beatriz says

      November 11, 2022 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Boring and lifeless steamed green beans just got a mayor upgrade 🙂 So good!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Definitely! Nothing like green beans in this casserole!

        Reply
    9. Sage Scott says

      November 15, 2022 at 4:52 am

      5 stars
      I love that you've taken a classic Thanksgiving side dish and made it save for those of us who cannot consume traditional dairy products. Yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:28 am

        It's a yummy one too! Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Holly says

      November 15, 2022 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy - my kind of recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:28 am

        Same! Gotta love the simple ones!

        Reply
    11. Kevin Foodie says

      November 15, 2022 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      Very interesting way to prepare green beans. Since the pandemic, i have been including mushrooms in my diet. I can totally see me enjoy this bean caserole.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:29 am

        Hope you enjoy it if you give it a go!

        Reply
    12. Janaye says

      November 30, 2022 at 4:25 am

      5 stars
      Perfect for the holidays, love how simple it is to make

      Reply

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