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Dairy free green bean casserole

4.8/5
Dairy free green bean casserole
⏱️
60min Time
👥
8 servings Servings
🟡
Medium Difficulty
💰
Moderate Cost
🔥
245 kcal Calories

Green beans for people whose stomachs have trust issues with dairy products

Video Tutorial

ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

8
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for consistent cooking
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) full-fat coconut milk, shaken well before opening to combine cream and liquid
  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thinly for optimal texture
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced for the cream sauce base
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh for maximum flavor impact
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour to create the perfect sauce thickness
  • 2 cups gluten-free fried onions, divided for topping and mixing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, carefully removed from stems
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt for proper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for depth of flavor

Instructions

1

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle for even heat distribution

2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and prepare an ice bath in a separate large bowl

3

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp

4

Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color

5

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes

6

Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 8 minutes

7

Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic

8

Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste

9

Gradually pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming

10

Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes

11

Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, adjusting to taste

12

Combine the drained green beans with the mushroom sauce and half of the fried onions in a large mixing bowl

13

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly

14

Top with remaining fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top

Kitchen Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish for even cooking distribution
  • Large pot for blanching green beans efficiently
  • Heavy-bottom skillet for making the mushroom sauce
  • Colander for draining blanched green beans
  • Whisk for creating smooth, lump-free sauce

Chef's Tips

Ensure coconut milk is full-fat for the creamiest possible dairy-free sauce consistency

Pat mushrooms dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve better browning and flavor development

Choose fresh green beans over frozen for the best texture and appearance in the final dish

Make your own fried onions from scratch using gluten-free flour for a completely homemade touch

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

If sauce is too thick, thin with additional coconut milk or vegetable broth
If sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry
If topping browns too quickly, cover with foil for remaining bake time
If green beans are too firm, extend initial blanching time by 1-2 minutes

🔄 Recipe Variations

Add roasted garlic instead of fresh for a mellower, sweeter flavor profile
Include water chestnuts for extra crunch and texture variation
Use different mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster for unique flavor combinations
Add nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor while maintaining dairy-free status

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Use light coconut milk to reduce overall calorie and fat content while maintaining creaminess
Replace fried onions with toasted almond slices for a healthier crunch factor
Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for increased nutritional value
Use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber and nutrients

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Nutrition Facts

245
Calories
6g
Protein
28g
Carbs
14g
Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

Dairy-free and suitable for lactose intolerant individuals
Can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free flour and onions
Vegan when using plant-based ingredients exclusively
Whole food plant-based when using homemade fried onions

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for color and aroma
Add extra crispy fried onions just before serving
Garnish with toasted sliced almonds for elegant presentation
Finish with cracked black pepper for visual appeal

📦 Storage & Conservation

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum freshness
Keep fried onion topping separate until serving to maintain its crunch
Allow casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Repurpose leftovers into a creamy green bean soup by blending with vegetable broth
Create a unique sandwich filling by chopping and mixing with vegan mayo
Add to grain bowls for a complete meal option
Mix into pasta for a quick weeknight dinner solution

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the green beans during blanching, resulting in mushy vegetables
Using light coconut milk instead of full-fat, which can make the sauce too thin
Not allowing mushrooms to properly brown, missing out on deep umami flavors
Adding all the coconut milk at once, which can lead to lumpy sauce formation

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance but add crispy onions just before baking

Will other plant-based milks work instead of coconut milk?

Coconut milk provides the best creamy texture, but cashew cream is a good alternative

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Ensure green beans are thoroughly dried after blanching and mushrooms are well-browned

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh is preferred, but frozen can work if thawed and dried completely

How do I store leftover casserole?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reviews

Jessica M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 30, 2026
Finally found a dairy-free version that tastes just like the original! Absolutely incredible.
Tom R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Feb 4, 2026
Tasty twist on the classic. I wasn’t sure about the coconut milk, but it totally works.
Katie S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 17, 2026
My guests had no idea this was dairy-free. Total win!
Ethan H.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Jan 28, 2026
It was okay, but I missed the richness of real cheese.
Megan F.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 17, 2026
This recipe saved my dinner party! So creamy and comforting.
Chris D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 14, 2026
Loved the texture. I added some smoked paprika and it turned out great.
Laura J.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 29, 2026
Perfect for our vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone loved it!
Ryan B.
⭐⭐☆☆☆
Jan 27, 2026
Not for me. The coconut flavor was a bit too strong.
Brittany K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 25, 2026
Honestly one of the best casseroles I’ve ever made—dairy or not.
Nathan C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 21, 2026
Really satisfying. Could use a touch more seasoning, but still very good.
Samantha L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 19, 2026
Can’t believe this is dairy-free. I’m keeping this recipe forever.
Josh W.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Jan 28, 2026
Good idea, but I think I overcooked it. Will try again.
Ashley T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 28, 2026
This recipe is a game-changer for those of us who can't have dairy.
Zachary E.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 19, 2026
Great option for guests with allergies. Easy to make and well received.
Madison V.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 31, 2026
Creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly light.
Brian N.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 31, 2026
Very good, but I swapped the coconut milk for oat cream and preferred that.
Haley G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 14, 2026
My picky kids actually ate vegetables. That alone earns five stars.
Tyler P.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Jan 30, 2026
The texture was fine, but I expected a stronger flavor.
Amanda R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 14, 2026
It reminded me of my mom’s cooking—without the tummy ache.
Dylan M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 24, 2026
Pretty solid. I’d make it again with a bit more spice.
Nicole H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 20, 2026
I brought this to a potluck and it was the first thing gone.
Justin F.
⭐⭐☆☆☆
Feb 4, 2026
Not my thing. I guess I just like cheese too much.
Brooke Y.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 17, 2026
Delicious and comforting. Perfect for cozy nights in.
Logan K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 17, 2026
Simple, hearty, and allergy-friendly. Just what I needed.
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