Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Creamy, Crispy & Plant-Based Delight

If you’re anything like me, a good green bean casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s a comforting holiday classic that brings everyone back to the table. But finding a version that’s indulgent, creamy, and entirely plant-based? That’s where my Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe steals the show. This recipe transforms humble green beans and mushrooms into a luscious, crispy-topped casserole that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your casserole comes out just right (and trust me, it will be fan-freaking-tastic).

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, dreamy sauce: Using a blend of vegan creamer and non-dairy milk creates a silky, smooth texture that mimics the classic creaminess without any dairy.
Deep mushroom flavor: Sautéing mushrooms with garlic until tender builds a rich base that makes this casserole feel hearty and satisfying.
Perfect crispy topping: The French fried onions add irresistible crunch, giving that golden finish that everyone loves on green bean casserole.
Simple, accessible ingredients: No fancy substitutions needed—just common pantry staples and fresh or frozen green beans you can find anywhere.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole, plant-based holiday casserole, vegan green bean dish, dairy-free green bean casserole, healthy vegan green bean recipe - This image shows a close-up of a baked green bean casserole in a cast iron pan placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of bright green beans mixed with sliced black olives visible within a creamy, white sauce. On top of this, there is a thick, even layer of crispy, golden-brown fried onion strips spread across the entire pan, giving the dish texture and a crunchy appearance. Some onion strips have darker, almost burnt edges which add color contrast. The round pan's black handle is partly visible, framing the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients because the magic of this Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe comes down to a perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the fresh snap of green beans to the umami-packed mushrooms, every component plays a crucial role. Plus, I’ll share a few shopping tips to help you pick the best ingredients for your casserole.

Fresh or frozen green beans: Fresh beans give a vibrant snap after blanching, but frozen works just as well and can save prep time.
Olive oil: Keeps things light and adds a subtle fruitiness while sautéing mushrooms and garlic.
Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms both work beautifully to add that savory depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses everything with a burst of aromatic flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and richness to help form the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce just right—feel free to swap gluten-free flour if needed.
Unsweetened vegan creamer: Using unsweetened and unflavored creamers like coconut/almond blends keeps the flavor neutral and creamy without extra sweetness.
Unsweetened, unflavored plant milk: Soy, almond, or cashew milk all work well here, just double-check for no added sugars or vanilla.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you go.
French fried onions: The crowning jewel—crispy, golden, and addictive, these onions add the signature crunch on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge. Sometimes, I add a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth, or swap out the green beans for fresh asparagus during spring. Feel free to customize this casserole—it’s a fantastic base that welcomes your variations!

Mushroom Medley: Once, I tried a combo of shiitake and cremini mushrooms and the umami kick was next level—highly recommend if you want a richer taste.
Nut-Free Version: I replaced the creamer with oat milk to keep it allergy-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans) under the fried onion topping for another texture layer.
Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne or chili flakes can add a surprising but delicious heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans Until Perfectly Tender-Crisp

Start by trimming the ends off your fresh green beans — if you’re using frozen, you can skip this step. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (a pinch of salt brightens the beans), then add your beans and cook for exactly 5 minutes. This short blanch cooks them until just tender yet still crisp—a crucial balance. Drain immediately and set aside so they don’t overcook or turn mushy later.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic for That Flavor Boost

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and begin to release their juices. This step builds a deeply flavorful base that’s simply mouthwatering.

Step 3: Whip Up a Creamy, Velvety Sauce

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the mushrooms. Stir well to coat everything, then slowly pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth while stirring. The mixture will start to thicken. Next, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened vegan creamer and 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened plant milk (soy, almond, or cashew). Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce is rich, creamy, and smooth. Finish this step by seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon of salt—taste and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Combine Beans, Sauce, and Crispy Onions for the Casserole

Fold in your green beans and one-third of your French fried onions into the creamy mushroom sauce right in the skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, switch everything to a greased casserole dish now. This mix is where the magic happens—make sure your beans are coated in that luscious sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake ‘Til Golden and Crispy Heaven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the remaining two-thirds of the fried onions over the top of your casserole. Pop your skillet or dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, just until those onions turn beautifully golden and crunchy—not burnt! Serve it right out of the oven for the best texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Blanch, don’t boil: Keep your green beans crisp and vibrant by boiling just 5 minutes—overcooked beans turn mushy fast.
Watch the onions: Place fried onions on top just before baking so they crisp up without burning.
Stir slowly: When adding broth and milk to flour, stir slowly to avoid lumps and get silky smooth sauce.
Use unsweetened dairy alternatives: Sweetened or flavored milk/creamers will throw off the savory balance—read labels carefully!

How to Serve Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness—it brightens the creamy richness beautifully. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of truffle oil when serving special dinners, which just elevates those mushroom flavors in a subtle, dreamy way.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fluffy vegan mashed potato or roasted garlic sweet potatoes for a comforting feast. I also love serving it alongside cranberry sauce and fresh dinner rolls for a classic holiday spread. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own yet plays nicely with traditional festive sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes bake the casserole in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions—it looks adorable and everyone gets their own crispy top. Another fun idea is layering it in a large clear glass casserole dish so guests can admire those creamy mushrooms, green beans, and crispy onions before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I find that spooning some extra non-dairy milk over the top before warming helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe a couple of times with great results. Make the casserole fully, then cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe dish. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual until heated through and topped onions crisp back up nicely.

Reheating

For leftovers, I prefer reheating in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, then uncovering to crisp up the topping for 5 minutes. Microwaving works, but I notice the onions lose their crunch quickly, so the oven method is my go-to!

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free French fried onions. The casserole will taste just as delicious and keep that essential crispy topping.
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?

You could, but canned green beans tend to be softer and more watery, which may make the casserole less crisp and flavorful. If you do use canned, drain and pat them dry, and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent mushiness.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing the crispiness of the onions?

Reheating in the oven uncovered for the last few minutes helps bring back that crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the onions crispy, as the microwave tends to make them soggy.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the green beans, mushroom sauce, and a third of the fried onions in a casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake for longer (around 30 minutes) until heated through, then add the remaining onions on top and bake 5 minutes more to crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfectly balances creamy, savory, and crispy textures in every bite. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just love a good casserole, this recipe delivers that nostalgic holiday feeling without compromise. Give it a try—I can’t wait to hear your stories about how it brought smiles to your table!