The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in comforting, nostalgic foods – and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a Vegan Green Bean Casserole. This creamy, savory side dish brings a classic favorite to the table in a plant-based form. Whether you’re hosting a vegan holiday meal or looking to impress your non-vegan guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is everything you love about the classic version—creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy fried onions—but made entirely plant-based. Here’s why it should be your go-to holiday side dish:
- Simple and Quick: With only 10 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
- Healthy and Vegan: Packed with fresh green beans, mushrooms, and a creamy, dairy-free sauce, this casserole is the perfect addition to any vegan or gluten-free spread.
- Holiday-Ready: Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving, this casserole fits right in as the star side dish.
- Customizable: Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options are available. Use oat milk instead of almond milk and substitute with gluten-free flour to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut in half (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms (button, baby bella, or cremini), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF option)
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or oat milk)
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided (ensure vegan-friendly)
How to Make Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Blanch the Green Beans:
Boil a large pot of salted water, add green beans, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice water bath. Drain again and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
Heat vegan butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add vegetable broth, then almond milk, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Assemble the Casserole:
Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in 1/3 of the fried onions and cooked green beans. Toss to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe skillet and top with remaining fried onions.
Bake:
Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Vegan Green Bean Casserole Variations and Tips
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the fried onions are gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Use oat milk instead of almond milk for those with nut allergies.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables, like peas or carrots, for more flavor and texture.
Serving Tips for Your Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This Vegan Green Bean Casserole pairs perfectly with other holiday favorites like Vegan Mashed Potatoes and Holiday Stuffing. Serve with a side of Vegan Gravy for an extra savory touch, and finish your meal with a delicious Vegan Pumpkin Pie.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of baking, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. Just be sure to add the fried onions right before baking to keep them crispy.
Frozen green beans work fine in this recipe. Just thaw and pat dry before using.
You can make your own crispy onions at home or substitute with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Related recipes
For a delicious breakfast to complement your meal, check out Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes.
If you’re looking for a side dish, try these Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Crispy.
Want another fun breakfast idea? Explore this Breakfast Pizza Recipe – Easy & Cheesy.
These links can naturally fit within your article to suggest additional recipes that align with the holiday or meal themes!
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Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Vegan Green Bean Casserole brings a classic holiday favorite to the table in a plant-based form. Creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s the perfect side dish for any vegan or non-vegan gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut in half (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms (button, baby bella, or cremini), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF option)
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or oat milk)
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided (ensure vegan-friendly)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Blanch the Green Beans: Boil a large pot of salted water, add green beans, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice water bath. Drain again and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat vegan butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add vegetable broth, then almond milk, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in 1/3 of the fried onions and cooked green beans. Toss to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe skillet and top with remaining fried onions.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a nut-free version, use oat milk instead of almond milk. You can also add extra veggies like peas or carrots for more flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Final thoughts
This Vegan Green Bean Casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday spread, bringing comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia—all without any dairy or meat. Easy to make, customizable to suit different dietary needs, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s sure to become a staple in your holiday meal rotation. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just looking for a new family favorite, this casserole has everything you need to impress your guests. Enjoy!
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