This dairy free green bean casserole recipe comes together with 9 simple ingredients, from start to finish in about 30 minutes. The ultimate vegan version of a classic holiday side dish!
What was your favorite Thanksgiving side dish growing up? Mine was definitely the stuffing! If you asked me today what my favorite holiday sides are, it would be a tie between classic stuffing and this green bean casserole.
I had no idea how delicious, flavorful, and EASY green bean casserole is to make! Since I'm lactose intolerant and food allergies + intolerances are abundant in my family, I typically take over holiday appetizer and side dish duty.
This green bean casserole without cream of mushroom soup is savory, crunchy, and creamy! What more could you want from a seasonal side dish? Let's get cookin!
Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole Ingredient Notes
This year I'm sharing how to make my go-to dairy free green bean casserole from scratch! No dairy, no problem. Here's what you'll need:
- Green beans: Fresh or frozen
- Mushrooms: Sliced or chopped
- Plant-based butter: Unsalted
- Garlic: Optional but encouraged
- All-purpose flour: This will help thicken our DIY cream of mushroom sauce
- Vegetable broth: We only need a bit, so this is perfect for using the last of the carton
- Dairy-free milk: I'll talk more about the different types of non-dairy milk below
- Store-bought or homemade fried onions
Which Dairy Free Milk to Use?
I always say to use what you already have on hand! Just make sure it's plain in flavor and unsweetened. Here are a few favorites for my allergy free friends:
- Almond milk: Accessible and versatile
- Canned coconut milk: Creamy and velvety smooth
- Oat milk: Thick and creamy
Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
I typically make this dish in a casserole dish in the oven, but I've also made it using a cast iron skillet, as well as popping it into my air fryer. I'll walk you through each method below!
Green Bean Casserole Baked in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat the oven and cook the green beans.
Step 2: In a skillet, cook the mushrooms and garlic.
Step 3: Make mushroom sauce by creating a basic roux using flour, veggie broth, and dairy-free milk.
Step 4: Stir in cooked string beans and assemble casserole.
Step 5: Bake green bean casserole in the oven for about 15 minutes then serve warm.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole in the Air Fryer
Follow the same instructions above but instead air fry green bean casserole at 375F for about 10 minutes.
Quick & Easy Skillet Green Bean Casserole
To make in a skillet, use an oven-safe skillet and place that directly into the oven rather than transferring the mixture to a casserole dish.
Recipe Variations & FAQ
This simple side dish is easy to adapt! Here are some recipe tips to help you in the kitchen.
This is such a great dish to prep early! You have two options, uncooked or cooked.
Assemble ahead of time: Follow the recipe instructions up until the onion topping and baking. Instead transfer mixture to baking dish and cover tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. On day of, remove from the fridge, top with crispy onions, and bake as directed.
Bake ahead of time: Assemble and bake casserole, leaving off the onion topping. Once cooked, let cool completely, then cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. On day of, remove from the fridge, add onion topping, and reheat at 350F for about 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for 3-5 days.
You can absolutely use frozen green beans or canned green beans instead of fresh. It's up to you!
Personally, I like the flavor and added texture but if you don't, simply leave it out.
They both add to the final taste and crispy texture topping but if you're allergic or have an aversion, leave them out.
To make gluten free green bean casserole, use gluten free flour and omit the fried onions.
More Dairy Free Holiday Recipes
Tis the season and try some more of my favorite holiday meals!
- Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Simple Stuffing Muffins
- Vegan Sausage Stuffing
I hope you love this veggie loaded green bean casserole as much as we do! It's ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday celebration! If you give it a try, be sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram.
Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans rinsed and trimmed
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms chopped
- 2 tablespoon plant-based butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup dairy-free milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (6-ounce) canister fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add whole or cut in half green beans and let cook for 5 minutes. Place in an ice bath to stop cooking, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook mushrooms in melted butter. Season with salt and pepper and let cook for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and let cook until fragrant, about a minute or so.
- To make the creamy sauce, stir in the flour and fully coat the mushrooms. Stream in the broth and bring to a simmer, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in dairy-free milk, and cook for about 5 minutes, until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper, if needed. Add cooked, tender green beans to the mushroom sauce and stir to combine.
- To assemble green bean casserole, transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish (or similar size) and top with desired amount of crispy onions. Bake for 15 minutes, until top is golden, serve warm.
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Ali
Nice recipe, thanks! Tip: If you use coconut milk and don't want to taste the coconut, add something acidic to it, such as a tsp of lemon juice or ACV per cup of coconut milk. Let it sit for about five minutes so the acid has the chance to do its work. Voila- no more coconut taste in your savory recipes, including this one.
Jenna Urben
Great tip, Ali!
Kat
Aldi sometimes sells gluten free fried onions. 🙂
Jenna Urben
Thanks for the tip, Kat!