There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a warm, creamy vegan green bean casserole, especially during the holidays. With its comforting blend of flavors, this dish is perfect for gatherings and family dinners. I remember the first time I made it; I wanted something that everyone could enjoy—vegan or not—and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. It’s creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy French fried onions, making it a delightful addition to any table.
This vegan green bean casserole features an incredible combination of textures—from the tender yet crisp green beans to the rich, velvety sauce made creamy with a milk alternative. This dish not only satisfies but also brings warmth and a sense of togetherness, making it a great comfort food option for vegans and omnivores alike.
Why you’ll love vegan green bean casserole
- It’s a perfect holiday side dish that everyone can enjoy.
- The rich, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with other holiday favorites.
- It can be made ahead of time and is freezer-friendly.
- A hearty, satisfying dish that’s both creamy and crunchy.
- It uses simple, wholesome ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
“A delicious twist on a classic—everyone loved it!”
Step-by-step overview
Making this delicious vegan green bean casserole involves three main steps: preparing the flavorful sauce using sautéed mushrooms and spices, blanching the green beans to keep them vibrant, and then assembling and baking everything together in one dish. By the end, you’ll have a beautifully creamy casserole with a crispy topping.
What ingredients do I need for vegan green bean casserole?
- 24 oz. baby bella mushrooms (finely diced)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. garlic (minced)
- 3 cup plain, unsweetened milk alternative (soymilk or almond milk)
- 2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 36 oz frozen green beans
- 12 oz gluten-free French fried onions
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Baby bella mushrooms: These provide an earthy, umami flavor. You may substitute with cremini or white button mushrooms.
- Milk alternative: Choose your favorite unsweetened type. Soy or almond milk works well, but coconut milk can add extra creaminess.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a thickener for the sauce; you could also use arrowroot powder if desired.
- French fried onions: Ensure they’re gluten-free if necessary, or try crispy baked onions for a healthier option.
How do I make vegan green bean casserole step-by-step?
Making the casserole is easier than you might think. Start by whipping up a flavorful mushroom soup base, blanched green beans for freshness, and finish by baking everything together.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced mushrooms and garlic, cooking until mushrooms are brown and tender.
- Sprinkle in black pepper and onion powder, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the milk alternative and bring to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry; add this to the skillet while stirring until the mixture thickens.
- In the meantime, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the frozen green beans for 3-4 minutes before draining.
- Combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce, stirring to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with French fried onions, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tip: For an extra garlicky boost, sprinkle some garlic powder over the French fried onions before baking.
Visual cues for doneness include a bubbling sauce and a golden brown topping that smells heavenly.
Helpful cooking tips
- When sautéing mushrooms, let them cook without stirring too much. This allows them to release their moisture and develop a nice browning.
- If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk alternative until desired consistency is reached.
- Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to prevent the topping from burning; you can cover it with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let it set.
- Use a high-quality, gluten-free brand for the French fried onions for the best taste and texture.
How should I serve it?
Vegan green bean casserole makes a fantastic side dish beside roasted vegetables or vegan stuffing. You can garnish it with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to elevate the presentation. Scooping it onto a plate with mashed potatoes creates a comforting and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in the winter.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely! This casserole can be made a day in advance. Simply assemble it and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. For leftovers, store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within a few days for the best flavor. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to a month; just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How do I fix common issues?
- If your casserole is too dry, consider adding a splash more of the milk alternative to the sauce before baking.
- A bland flavor can be improved by adding more seasonings or spices like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- If the casserole is too soggy, reduce the amount of milk alternative next time or make sure to drain the green beans well after blanching.
- Overcooked beans can be avoided by blanching them only until bright green and tender-crisp, rather than fully soft.
- If the dish doesn’t appear bubbly, it may need longer in the oven; check it regularly until it reaches that perfect golden hue.
What variations can I try?
For a twist on this classic dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or chopped nuts like walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, such as adding smoked paprika or using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you’d like to incorporate a bit of fresh zest, squeeze some lemon juice over the finished casserole before serving to brighten the flavors.
Optional Add-in
You could top it with sautéed chestnuts or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh green beans for frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans instead of frozen. Just trim them and blanch until tender before adding them to the casserole.
Is vegan green bean casserole gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free French fried onions. Always check the labels to confirm.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge, or up to a month in the freezer.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms are delicious, you can use any variety of mushrooms that you prefer, like shiitake or cremini.
Should I cover the casserole while baking?
You can cover it with foil for part of the baking time to prevent the onions from burning, then remove the cover to allow them to crisp up at the end.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced mushrooms and garlic, cooking until mushrooms are brown and tender.
- Sprinkle in black pepper and onion powder, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the milk alternative and bring to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry; add this to the skillet while stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the frozen green beans for 3-4 minutes before draining.
- Combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce, stirring to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with French fried onions, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.