Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Easy Holiday Meals

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort dish often seen at holiday tables, but traditional recipes usually contain dairy and canned soup loaded with preservatives. If you’re looking to enjoy this beloved side dish without animal products, you’ve come to the right place.

This vegan green bean casserole recipe offers all the creamy, savory goodness you crave using wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone wanting a healthier twist on a nostalgic favorite.

With fresh green beans, a rich mushroom-based sauce, and crispy fried onions on top, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also captures the essence of traditional green bean casserole while being entirely free of dairy, eggs, and artificial additives. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday mains and other plant-based dishes. Ready to bring a fresh, delicious spin to your holiday table?

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan green bean casserole is a fantastic alternative to the traditional version, offering several benefits that make it a winner in any kitchen. First, it uses fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned, which gives the dish a vibrant color and crisp texture that holds up through baking.

The creamy mushroom sauce is made from scratch using wholesome ingredients like cashews and mushrooms, avoiding the processed cream soups typically found in classic recipes. This means you get a rich, flavorful sauce without any hidden preservatives or additives.

Finally, the crispy fried onions on top add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy base beautifully, making every bite a satisfying experience. This recipe is not only perfect for vegans and vegetarians but also appeals to anyone looking to reduce dairy or eat cleaner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought vegan or homemade)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling green beans
• Medium saucepan
• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (9×9 inch or similar)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prep the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
2. Make the creamy mushroom sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about 7 minutes.
3. Create a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the plant milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Blend the cashews: Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashews and add them to a food processor with 1/4 cup of the mushroom sauce mixture. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return this cashew cream to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Season the sauce: Add soy sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to taste. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine green beans and sauce: Transfer the blanched green beans to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the beans and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the green bean mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions generously over the top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Tips & Variations

“For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce while it simmers.”

If you want to make your own crispy fried onions, slice a large onion thinly, toss with a bit of flour and salt, and fry in hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle over the casserole.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap cashews for soaked almonds or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.

Try adding sautéed shallots or caramelized onions into the sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor. A handful of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with the fried onions on top adds an extra crunchy texture that’s delightful.

Want to make it more festive? Add roasted chestnuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan green bean casserole is a versatile side that complements many dishes. It pairs wonderfully with plant-based roasts, mashed potatoes, or grain bowls.

For a festive holiday meal, serve alongside dishes like a Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to add vibrant greens and hearty flavors to your table.

For casual dinners, it’s perfect next to roasted tofu or tempeh and a side of quinoa or rice. Leftovers make a delicious topping for baked potatoes or even a filling in vegan sandwiches or wraps.

Conclusion

This vegan green bean casserole recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional comfort food with a modern, plant-based twist. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

By using fresh green beans and a homemade mushroom cashew sauce, you avoid the preservatives and excess sodium commonly found in canned soups. The crispy fried onions on top provide the perfect crunch to balance the creamy sauce, making it a dish that everyone, vegan or not, will love.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Be sure to check out other delicious vegan recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out your meal with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Happy cooking!

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