Amazing Dairy Free Green Bean Recipe in just 2 steps

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Dairy Free Green Bean casserole has always been a holiday staple in my family, but after discovering my dairy sensitivity, I thought those creamy, comforting days were over. I remember feeling so left out at Thanksgiving, watching everyone enjoy their favorite side dish. That’s when I decided to create my own version, a truly delicious and easy ground turkey dinner that offers all the nostalgia without any of the dairy. The aroma of roasted green beans and savory herbs now fills my kitchen, bringing back those warm, festive feelings. This recipe for a dairy-free green bean dish is so rich and satisfying, you won’t even miss the cream. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

I promise, this dairy free green bean casserole will quickly become a new favorite in your home. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

• It offers all the rich, savory flavor of a traditional casserole, but without any dairy.
• This creamy dairy-free green bean casserole is surprisingly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
• It’s packed with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy side dish option for any occasion.
• My recipe for this creamy dairy-free green bean casserole is naturally gluten-free, catering to more dietary needs.
• You’ll find the ingredients are budget-friendly and readily available at any grocery store.
• It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, plant-based dish that everyone at the table will appreciate.

Ingredients for Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dairy free green bean casserole. I’ve carefully chosen each one to ensure the best flavor and texture without any dairy.

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans – trimmed and halved for easy eating. Fresh beans make all the difference!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or dairy free butter – essential for sautéing and adding richness to our non-dairy green bean preparation.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped – about ½ cup, provides a sweet and savory base.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional) – I love adding cremini mushrooms for an extra layer of umami.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic brings so much aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons gluten free flour (rice or almond flour) – this is key for thickening our creamy sauce without dairy.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy free milk of choice) – choose unsweetened to control the flavor in this non-dairy green bean preparation.
• ½ cup vegetable broth – adds depth to our savory sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – season generously to bring out all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, adds cheesy flavor) – a fantastic trick for a cheesy taste in a dairy free green bean dish.
• 1 ½ cups gluten free crispy fried onions or crushed GF crackers – for that irresistible crunchy topping!

How to Make Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

Making this incredibly delicious dairy free green bean casserole is simpler than you might think. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps so you can create a comforting dish that everyone will adore. This is how to make dairy-free green beans that are truly exceptional!

1. Step 1: First, you’ll want to preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Next, blanch your fresh green beans. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the trimmed and halved green beans. Let them cook for just 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process; this keeps their vibrant color and perfect texture. Drain them well and set aside. I find this step is crucial for how to make dairy-free green beans that aren’t mushy.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or dairy-free butter over medium heat. Add your finely chopped yellow onion and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen will be lovely!
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Step 5: Now, for the creamy sauce! Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to coat everything. This will help thicken our sauce. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and ½ cup of vegetable broth. Continue to whisk as it simmers for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a luscious, creamy consistency. This is key for a rich dairy free green bean casserole.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. I like to add a good pinch of both to really bring out the flavors.
7. Step 7: In your prepared casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the beans are coated evenly. This is how to make dairy-free green beans that are packed with flavor in every bite.
8. Step 8: Finally, top the green bean mixture with the 1 ½ cups of gluten-free crispy fried onions or crushed gluten-free crackers. This adds that essential crunch!
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The smell of this baking is absolutely divine. Serve your warm and comforting dairy free green bean casserole immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Dairy Free Green Bean

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee your dairy free green bean casserole turns out perfectly every time. These pro tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing!

• Always use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor; frozen can become watery.
• Don’t skip the blanching step! It ensures your green beans are tender-crisp, not soggy.
• For an extra rich sauce, try blending a small amount of soaked cashews into your almond milk before thickening.
• Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast to your preference before baking.
• Ensure your crispy topping is evenly distributed for a satisfying crunch in every bite.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole?

The real secret to a perfect creamy dairy-free green bean casserole lies in creating a rich, velvety sauce. I always make sure to simmer the almond milk and broth until it’s properly thickened with the gluten-free flour. This makes all the difference for a luscious green bean side dish without dairy that truly satisfies.

Can I make Dairy Free Green Bean ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often assemble my dairy free green bean casserole (without the crispy topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and allow an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Dairy Free Green Bean?

To avoid common mistakes with your dairy free green bean, first, don’t overcook your green beans during blanching; they should still have a slight bite. Second, ensure your sauce is thick before combining it with the beans to prevent a watery casserole. Lastly, don’t forget to season generously; blandness is easily avoided with enough salt and pepper.

Best Ways to Serve Dairy Free Green Bean

I find that this versatile dairy free green bean casserole pairs beautifully with so many main courses. It’s not just for holidays; it makes a fantastic side dish any night of the week!

• Serve it alongside a roasted chicken or turkey for a comforting family meal. The creamy texture of the dairy free green bean casserole is a lovely contrast to savory meats.
• For a completely plant-based feast, pair this with a lentil loaf or a hearty mushroom Wellington. It’s one of my favorite easy dairy-free green bean sides for a vegan spread.
• Don’t limit yourself to dinner! I sometimes enjoy leftovers for lunch with a simple green salad.
• Consider it a staple for your holiday table. This dairy free green bean dish is always a crowd-pleleaser, especially when you need easy dairy-free green bean sides that accommodate various dietary needs.

Nutrition Facts for Dairy Free Green Bean

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional value of this delicious dairy free green bean casserole. Here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving, based on the recipe making 6-8 servings:

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose for your dairy free green bean dish.

How to Store and Reheat Dairy Free Green Bean

I’ve often found myself with delicious leftovers of this dairy free green bean casserole, and I’m happy to report it stores and reheats beautifully! Proper non-dairy green bean preparation for storage ensures you can enjoy it again later.

First, allow any leftover dairy free green bean casserole to cool completely at room temperature, which usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Once cool, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze your dairy free green bean casserole! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, I prefer using the oven. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. This non-dairy green bean preparation makes for wonderful meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy Free Green Bean

Can I use frozen green beans for this Dairy Free Green Bean recipe?

While I highly recommend fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before blanching. This prevents a watery casserole and ensures your dairy free green bean dish maintains its rich consistency.

What is a Dairy-Free Green Bean Dish exactly?

A dairy-free green bean dish is simply any green bean preparation that avoids all dairy products like milk, butter, and cheese. In the case of this casserole, we achieve creaminess using unsweetened almond milk and gluten-free flour for the sauce, along with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, making it a delicious and inclusive option for those with dairy allergies or preferences. This ensures everyone can enjoy a classic side.

Can I make this Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! This specific recipe for dairy free green bean casserole is already designed to be gluten-free. I use gluten-free flour for the sauce and recommend gluten-free crispy fried onions or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. This makes it a perfect plant-based green bean casserole for those with gluten sensitivities.

What are some other flavor variations for Dairy Free Green Bean?

I love experimenting with flavors! For your dairy free green bean, you could add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a deeper, smoky note. Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can also be stirred in for extra color and tang. Or, for a Mediterranean twist, try adding some fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Variations of Dairy Free Green Bean You Can Try

I love how adaptable this dairy free green bean casserole recipe is! Once you have the basic technique down, you can easily play with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations I’ve enjoyed:

• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You could also mix in some finely diced jalapeños with the onions and mushrooms for an extra zing in your dairy free green bean dish.
• Mushroom Lover’s Dream: If you’re a big fan of mushrooms, don’t stop at just 8 ounces! Double the amount or use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for an even richer, earthier flavor. This really enhances the umami in your plant-based green bean casserole.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can easily make this a nut-free dairy free green bean casserole. Simply swap the almond milk for a different plant-based milk like oat milk or soy milk, ensuring it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
• Herb Garden Fresh: Incorporate more fresh herbs for a brighter flavor profile. Stir in chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage along with the garlic. These herbs complement the green beans beautifully and elevate your plant-based green bean casserole.

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