As I placed the steaming Vegan Green Bean Casserole on the table, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of countless family gatherings. This dish captures the essence of the holidays, featuring crisp, fresh green beans mingling with a creamy homemade condensed mushroom soup that feels just as indulgent as the traditional version. It’s a crowd-pleaser that not only caters to vegan diets but also reassures gluten-sensitive folks with simple substitutions. The best part? You can prepare this delightful casserole in advance, which frees up time to enjoy the festivities with loved ones. Ready to impress your guests and make mealtime memorable? Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe! Why is this Vegan Green Bean Casserole irresistible? Creamy Goodness: This casserole offers a rich, velvety texture thanks to our homemade condensed mushroom soup that will have everyone asking for seconds. Tasty Comfort: The combination of fresh green beans and sautéed mushrooms creates a deliciously savory flavor profile that uplifts any holiday meal. Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with simple swaps, ensuring every guest can enjoy this delightful dish. Make-Ahead Perfection: Perfect for busy holidays, prep this dish a day in advance and pop it in the oven when it’s time to feast! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even non-vegans will be drawn to this dish, making it a guaranteed hit at your next gathering, alongside other favorites like Eggs Benedict Casserole or Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Vegan Green Bean Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole • Fresh Green Beans – Rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal tenderness. • Olive Oil – A flavorful cooking medium; avocado oil can be substituted for a different taste. • Onion – Aromatic base that deepens flavors; shallots offer a milder touch. • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch. • Baby Bella Mushrooms – Adds a lovely umami flavor and texture; substitute with cremini or button mushrooms if desired. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences. • Flour – Thickens the sauce; gluten-free flour can easily be used for dietary needs. • Vegetable Broth – Provides an essential base flavor; homemade broth works well too! • Unsweetened Nut Milk – Creates that creamy texture; almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are excellent choices. • Vegan Crispy Fried Onions – Adds delightful crunch; feel free to replace with homemade crispy onions for a fresher taste. For Gluten-Free Adaptation • Gluten-Free Flour – Essential for ensuring the sauce thickens, maintaining the integrity of your Vegan Green Bean Casserole. This delightful dish is not just a side; it’s a tradition in the making! With fresh ingredients and simple adaptations, you’ll keep everyone asking for your recipe. Let’s gather those ingredients and create a vegan masterpiece that embodies holiday cheer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Green Bean Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, bubbly finish on your Vegan Green Bean Casserole. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking dish for an easy transition once your casserole is ready to bake. Step 2: Cook the Green Beans In a large pot, bring enough water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your rinsed and cut fresh green beans and let them cook for about 7-10 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Once they are ready, drain the green beans, giving them a gentle shake to remove excess water, and set them aside to cool slightly. Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook this mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and everything becomes aromatic. Step 4: Create the Sauce Base Sprinkle the sautéed mixture with salt, pepper, and flour, stirring well to combine. Let this cook for about 2 minutes to ensure the flour is well incorporated and the mixture thickens slightly. This step is crucial for creating the creamy texture in your Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Step 5: Whisk in Liquids Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and unsweetened nut milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking until the sauce thickens, around 10 minutes. You should achieve a rich, creamy consistency that will envelop the green beans beautifully. Step 6: Combine Ingredients Once the sauce is thickened, gently fold in one cup of crispy fried onions and the previously cooked green beans. Stir until everything is well-coated in this luscious sauce, adjusting seasoning as necessary. This is where all the flavors come together in your delightful Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Step 7: Transfer and Top Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, evenly spreading the green bean mixture. Top it generously with the remaining crispy fried onions, which will give your casserole that perfect crunch when baked, enhancing both appearance and taste. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For mini casseroles, reduce the baking time to about 8-10 minutes. This final step brings everything together, leaving you with a stunning Vegan Green Bean Casserole. What to Serve with Vegan Green Bean Casserole A perfect meal brings together flavors and textures that delight every guest at your holiday table. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, velvety feel of mashed potatoes complements the crunchy topping of the casserole beautifully, adding a cozy warmth to your plate. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights filled with herbs and breadcrumbs offer a delightful umami kick, pairing perfectly with the casserole’s creamy flavor. Garlic Roasted Cauliflower: Crispy, caramelized edges bring depth while maintaining freshness, making it a lovely contrast to the rich casserole. Zesty Green Salad: A light salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing the meal with its refreshing crunch. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa studded with nuts and dried fruits adds heartiness and a wonderful texture that plays nicely with the casserole. Vegan Gravy: Serve this savory sauce alongside for drizzling over the casserole and roasted veggies, amplifying flavors for an irresistibly hearty meal. Herbal Lemonade: A refreshing drink like herbal lemonade provides a bright contrast to the creamy casserole and ties the whole meal together. Pumpkin Pie: End on a sweet note with a slice of vegan pumpkin pie, embracing the comforting flavors of the season and completing the holiday experience. Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Green Bean Casserole Plan Ahead: Prepare the homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup a week in advance to save time on the day of serving. Crispy Onions Note: If you’re making it ahead of time, skip adding the crispy fried onions until baking. This keeps them crunchy and fresh. Prevent Overcooking: Blanch the green beans just until tender; this preserves their bright color and crisp texture in the Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Whisking Technique: For a lump-free sauce, whisk constantly while adding the vegetable broth and nut milk to achieve that creamy consistency. Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a zesty salad or your favorite vegan roast to create a festive, balanced meal that everyone will enjoy! How to Store and Freeze Vegan Green Bean Casserole Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results. Freezer: You can freeze the assembled casserole by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Reheating: For straight-from-the-fridge casseroles, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through and the top is crispy again. Preparation Tips: If preparing ahead, leave off the crispy fried onions until you’re ready to bake the Vegan Green Bean Casserole to maintain their crunch. Make Ahead Options These Vegan Green Bean Casseroles are perfect for busy cooks looking to streamline their holiday meal prep! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance by assembling it without the crispy onions on top. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This method keeps the green beans fresh and tender, ensuring they remain just as delicious when served. Then, when it’s time to feast, simply pop the casserole in the oven and bake as directed, adding the crispy onions during the last few minutes of baking for that perfect crunch. Enjoy the time-saving benefits and gather around the table with peace of mind! Vegan Green Bean Casserole Variations Get ready to put your own spin on this delightful Vegan Green Bean Casserole and make it your own! Broccoli Twist: Substitute green beans with steamed broccoli for a vibrant twist and added nutrients. The bright green color makes it visually stunning and equally delicious! Cheesy Upgrade: Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to give your casserole a delightful cheesiness without any dairy. It enhances the flavor beautifully, making every bite even more comforting. Mushroom Medley: Mix in different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for an earthy flavor boost. This variation not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful texture. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. This twist will warm up the dish and add an unexpected zing that your guests will love! Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts mixed in add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor. They not only elevate the dish but also complement the creamy sauce perfectly. Savory Elevation: A splash of soy sauce or tamari during the sauce preparation can impart a deeper umami flavor. This simple addition makes the casserole even more savory and satisfying. Whole Grain Goodness: Swap regular flour for whole wheat or spelt flour for a nutty flavor and added fiber. This will give your casserole a wholesome touch that aligns beautifully with its hearty nature. For more delicious ideas, consider serving this alongside a comforting Buttermilk Pancake Casserole or a warm Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Each variation can make your holiday table feel even more special! Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of green beans should I use for the casserole? Absolutely! Fresh green beans are key to achieving the perfect texture. Look for vibrant, firm beans without dark spots or wrinkles. For convenience, you can also use frozen green beans, just ensure they’re thawed and drained before use. How long can I store leftovers of the Vegan Green Bean Casserole? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best result, making sure it’s warmed through. Can I freeze the Vegan Green Bean Casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze, tightly wrap the assembled casserole in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. What can I do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce turns out too thick, simply whisk in a bit more vegetable broth or nut milk, adding it gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure to warm the sauce slightly to help it blend smoothly! Is this Vegan Green Bean Casserole safe for those with allergies? While this casserole is vegan and gluten-free (with the use of gluten-free flour), always check the labels on your ingredients to avoid allergens. For nut allergies, you can opt for oat milk or another suitable milk alternative instead of nut milk, ensuring a delicious, worry-free dish for everyone. How can I make this casserole ahead of time? To prep ahead, you can assemble the casserole completely without baking it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the preheated oven. Remember to add the crispy fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy! Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole for Holiday Bliss This Vegan Green Bean Casserole combines fresh green beans with a creamy homemade condensed mushroom soup, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: VeganCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 pound Fresh Green Beans Rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil1 medium Onion Diced2 cloves Garlic Minced8 ounces Baby Bella Mushrooms Slicedto taste Saltto taste Pepper1/4 cup Flour Can use gluten-free flour2 cups Vegetable Broth1 cup Unsweetened Nut Milk Almond, soy, or oat milk work well1 cup Vegan Crispy Fried Onions Can replace with homemade crispy onionsFor Gluten-Free Adaptation1/4 cup Gluten-Free Flour Essential for thickening Equipment baking dishFrying panpotwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).In a large pot, bring enough water to a rolling boil. Add your rinsed and cut green beans and cook for about 7-10 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.Sprinkle the sautéed mixture with salt, pepper, and flour, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.Gradually pour in vegetable broth and nut milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.Gently fold in one cup of crispy fried onions and the cooked green beans. Stir until well-coated.Pour into a prepared baking dish, top with remaining crispy fried onions, and spread evenly.Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg NotesPrepare the homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup in advance to save time. If freezing, leave off the crispy onions until baking to maintain their crunch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
