Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this classic vegan green bean casserole! It’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort food to me. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was shocked to learn it was vegan! The rich flavors of the creamy mushroom sauce paired with the crisp green beans are simply divine. You really can’t go wrong here! The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion—be it Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner, or just because you want something delicious. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that savory goodness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s not only tasty but also plant-based! It’s a win-win all around!
Ingredients for Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed: Choose vibrant green beans for that perfect crunch! Make sure to snap off the ends for a clean look.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Look for a vegan version to keep it plant-based and creamy. It’s the star of our sauce!
- 1 cup almond milk: This adds a lovely creaminess. Unsweetened is best, but you can swap it with any non-dairy milk you love!
- 1 cup fried onions: These crispy little gems add a fantastic crunch and flavor. You can find them in most grocery stores in the salad topping aisle.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aromatic base to the sauce. You can adjust this to your taste if you adore garlic!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to add a bit of warmth, but feel free to spice it up if you like!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors! Adjust as needed based on your dietary preferences.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This adds depth and umami to the dish. Tamari works great for a gluten-free option!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and giving that sauce a beautiful richness.
Now that you’ve got everything set, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the magical process of making this vegan green bean casserole! Trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and the result is oh-so-satisfying.
Preheat and Blanch
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our casserole to bake evenly and beautifully. While that’s heating up, grab your fresh green beans and give them a good trim. Once they’re ready, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Blanch those green beans for about 3 minutes; this quick cooking will keep them tender yet crisp in the final dish. After that, drain them and immediately plunge them into an ice bath—this stops the cooking process and helps retain that vibrant green color. Wow, look at those beans!
Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the creamy mushroom sauce! In a skillet, heat that lovely tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, and toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it until it’s fragrant—just a minute or two should do the trick. Then, add in your can of cream of mushroom soup, almond milk, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! If you like it extra smooth, you can even blend it for a few seconds in a blender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Combine and Bake
Now it’s time to combine everything! In a baking dish, mix the blanched green beans with the creamy sauce, adding in half of those crispy fried onions for extra flavor. Give it a gentle stir to coat everything nicely. Bake your casserole for about 25 minutes, letting that deliciousness meld together. After that, take it out, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. This will make sure those onions are nice and crispy. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a stunning vegan green bean casserole ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your vegan green bean casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First off, using fresh green beans is key—they provide the best texture and vibrant color. If you can, look for organic options; they taste so much better! Don’t skimp on the sautéing time for the garlic; letting it get fragrant really elevates the flavor. And remember, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste! If you love a bit more zing, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Also, if you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, I suggest baking it for about 20 minutes, then letting it cool before covering it and placing it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving, adding a few extra minutes in the oven to get those onions crispy again. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your casserole from good to unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious vegan green bean casserole! Each serving is packed with flavor while still being mindful of nutrition. Here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: this casserole is a wholesome addition to your meal! Enjoy all that creamy, savory goodness without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This vegan green bean casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until the baking step, let it cool, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the oven. I suggest giving it an extra 10 minutes to make sure everything is heated through and those crispy onions are back to their crunchy glory. Easy peasy!
What can I substitute for almond milk?
If almond milk isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of great alternatives you can use. Soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are all wonderful options that will still keep your casserole creamy and delicious. Just make sure to choose unsweetened varieties so the flavors remain balanced. Whatever you have on hand will work great!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Once your casserole has cooled down, transfer any uneaten portion to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just reheat it in the oven until warmed through. If you want to save it for a longer time, you can freeze it! Just be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container, and it should keep well for about 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan green bean casserole is truly a gem, and I can’t wait to share why it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll be head over heels for this dish:
Easy to Prepare
You won’t believe how simple this recipe is! With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a comforting casserole ready to wow your guests. Blanching the green beans and making the creamy sauce is a breeze, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which means less stress on the big day!
Delicious and Creamy
The rich, creamy flavor of this casserole is absolutely to die for! The combination of fresh green beans and the savory mushroom sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. And let’s not forget those crispy fried onions on top—they add an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion that everyone will love!
Perfect for Any Occasion
This casserole isn’t just for Thanksgiving! It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again, and your friends and family will always be asking for seconds!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this vegan green bean casserole! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Veggie Boost: Add in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some baby spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. You can sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious twist!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. Just toss in a teaspoon or two while making the sauce for a fragrant touch.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things a bit spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. It gives the dish a fun zing that’s sure to impress!
- Nutty Flavor: Top your casserole with chopped walnuts or pecans along with the fried onions. They’ll add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the green beans.
- Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some vegan cheese on top before the final baking stage. It melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of creaminess!
Feel free to mix and match these variations based on your taste preferences. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so let your creativity shine!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this mouthwatering vegan green bean casserole, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is super versatile and can complement a variety of meals, making it an excellent addition to your dining table.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are a perfect match! The fluffy interior pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing can balance out the richness of the casserole. It adds a refreshing crunch!
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful gems filled with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty and visually appealing meal alongside your casserole.
- Vegan Meatloaf: A savory vegan meatloaf can bring a hearty element to your meal, creating a comforting combination with the green bean casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Who can resist warm, crusty garlic bread? It’s perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and adds that extra touch of indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these sides will elevate your meal and leave everyone raving about the deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!
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Vegan Green Bean Casserole That Will Steal Your Heart
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A classic vegan green bean casserole made with fresh green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup fried onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes.
- Drain and transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, almond milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine the green beans with the sauce and half of the fried onions in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Top with remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan green bean casserole, vegan side dish, plant-based casserole