Vegan Green Bean Casserole for a Vegan Thanksgiving

Add this vegan green bean casserole to your list of vegan Thanksgiving recipes and there will be no arguments about food this year!

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are starting to plan their holiday menus. For vegans, this can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to traditional dishes like green bean casserole. But fear not, because I have the perfect solution for a delicious and cruelty-free Thanksgiving side dish: a vegan green bean casserole! This recipe uses all plant-based ingredients, including a homemade condensed vegan cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering twist on a classic for vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

The Challenge of Cooking Plant Based and Vegan for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and of course, food. But for those of us who follow a plant-based or vegan lifestyle, the thought of navigating traditional holiday dishes can be daunting. From turkey dinners to creamy casseroles, it can feel like there’s no place for us at the table.

But fear not, because there is always a way to veganize classic holiday recipes, and it all starts with a little creativity and a willingness to try new things. When it comes to Thanksgiving, one dish that often poses a challenge is the beloved green bean casserole. Traditionally made with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, it may seem impossible to recreate without the use of animal products.

However, with a few simple swaps and substitutions, you can create a vegan green bean casserole that is just as delicious and satisfying as the original. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of veganizing this classic Thanksgiving side dish. We’ll show you how to make your own condensed vegan cream of mushroom soup, blanch fresh green beans, and even make your own crispy fried onions using plant-based ingredients.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Veganize a Green Bean Casserole

The holiday season can be a challenging time for vegans, especially when it comes to traditional dishes like green bean casserole. But fear not, because with a little creativity and a few simple substitutions, you can easily turn vegan casserole recipes into a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

As a vegan chef, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect way to veganize a green bean casserole. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.

The first step in veganizing a green bean casserole is making a condensed vegan cream of mushroom soup. This creamy base adds richness and flavor to the casserole, and it’s surprisingly easy to make with plant-based ingredients.

Next, I explored the difference between using fresh green beans versus canned. While canned green beans are convenient, blanching fresh green beans adds a vibrant and crisp texture to the dish. I’ll guide you through the blanching process and show you how to achieve that perfect tender-crisp bite.

Lastly, no green bean casserole is complete without those iconic crispy fried onions on top. But fear not, because there are plenty of vegan options available that will give you that irresistible crunch without any animal products.

Making Your Own Condensed Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup

One of the key components of a delicious vegan green bean casserole is a creamy and flavorful mushroom soup. While many traditional recipes call for condensed cream of mushroom soup, we’re going to take it up a notch and make our own vegan version. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

To start, gather the following ingredients: diced mushrooms, vegetable broth or Marmite, Silk Plant Based Half & Half or plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These simple and accessible ingredients will give your soup that rich and savory taste without any animal products.

To make the soup, begin by sautéing the mushrooms in a little oil until they’re tender and slightly browned. This will bring out their earthy flavor and add depth to the soup. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir until the mushrooms are coated. This will help thicken the soup.

Slowly add the vegetable broth and plant-based half and half to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Finally, add in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will give the soup a creamy and savory taste without any dairy or animal products.

Once your homemade condensed vegan cream of mushroom soup is ready, you can use it as a base for not only the green bean casserole but also other delicious vegan Thanksgiving recipes. Its rich and creamy texture will make any vegan casserole recipe taste like a decadent indulgence.

Blanching Fresh Green Beans vs Using Canned

When it comes to making a vegan green bean casserole, the decision of whether to use fresh green beans or canned ones can make a big difference in the final result. Both options have their pros and cons, so let’s explore them to help you make an informed choice for your vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Using canned green beans can be a time-saving option, as they are already cooked and ready to use. They also have a softer texture, which some people prefer in their casseroles. However, canned green beans can lack the vibrant color and crispness that fresh green beans bring to the dish. They may also have a slightly mushier texture, which may not be ideal if you enjoy a bit of bite in your vegetables.

On the other hand, blanching fresh green beans before adding them to your casserole can give you that beautiful bright green color and a tender-crisp texture. Blanching involves briefly boiling the beans and then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This method helps to retain the natural sweetness and crunch of the beans, making them a delightful addition to your vegan Thanksgiving spread.

Topping It Off: Using Vegan Fried Onions For An Irresistible Crunch

If there’s one thing that can take a dish from good to amazing, it’s the addition of crispy fried onions. And lucky for us, there are plenty of vegan options available that will give you that irresistible crunch without any animal products. When it comes to topping off your vegan green bean casserole, vegan fried onions are a game-changer.

You can easily make your own vegan fried onions by thinly slicing an onion of your choice and tossing the slices in a mixture of flour and plant-based milk. Then, simply fry them up until golden brown and crispy. These homemade vegan fried onions will not only add texture and flavor to your green bean casserole, but they can also be used as a delicious topping for other vegan casserole recipes.

If you’re short on time or prefer a store-bought option, there are also plenty of pre-made vegan fried onions available on the market. Just make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure they are free from any animal products.

So don’t forget the final touch of crispy fried onions for your vegan green bean casserole. They will take your dish to a whole new level and leave your guests coming back for seconds.

More fall holiday recipes you’ll love:

• Condensed Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Elevated Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cranberry Compote
• Amazing Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
• Vegan Stuffing Recipe with Big Umami Flavor
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts

Ingredients for the Vegan Green Bean Casserole

• Condensed Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
• green beans
• Silk Plant Based Half & Half
• seasoning
• crispy fried onions
• corn starch

Are you ready to whip up a mouthwatering vegan green bean casserole that will impress even the toughest food critics? Well, get your shopping list ready because I’m about to reveal the delicious plant-based ingredients you’ll need for this Thanksgiving masterpiece.

First and foremost, you’ll need fresh green beans. Look for vibrant and crisp green beans at your local grocery store or farmers market. Make sure to grab enough to feed your hungry guests!

Next, you’ll need a batch of homemade condensed vegan cream of mushroom soup. Don’t worry, it’s easier to make than you might think. To create this creamy base, you’ll need diced mushrooms, vegetable broth, Silk plant-based half & half, flour, corn starch, and some seasonings. These ingredients will come together to create a rich and savory mushroom soup that will make your taste buds sing.

And of course, what’s a green bean casserole without those iconic crispy fried onions on top? You can make your own vegan fried onions by thinly slicing an onion of your choice and tossing the slices in a mixture of flour and plant-based milk. Fry them up until golden brown and crispy, and you’ll have the perfect finishing touch for your casserole. Store bought options are usually vegan too, just watch out as some might contain milk powder.

Instructions for Making the Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this vegan green bean casserole to life! Follow these simple instructions to create a dish that will wow your taste buds and impress your guests.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Start by blanching your fresh green beans. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. 

3. While the water is boiling, prepare a large bowl filled with ice water. This will be used to stop the cooking process and keep the beans crisp and vibrant.

4. Add the fresh green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. For green beans that are softer and milder like canned, cook for a full ten minutes or until desired texture is achieved.

5. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked green beans to the ice water bath and let them sit for a few minutes to cool down completely. This will help retain their beautiful color and texture.

6. Once the green beans are cooled, drain them and set them aside.

7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans and the homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup and the seasonings. Gently mix until the green beans are well coated with the creamy soup.

8. Transfer the green bean mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

10. Top the casserole with a generous amount of the homemade vegan fried onions. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that irresistible crunch. Bake an additional ten minutes with the crispy onions added.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your vegan green bean casserole is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish! Here are some serving and storage tips to ensure that your casserole stays fresh and tasty.

When it comes to serving, be sure to scoop out generous portions for everyone at the table. The creamy mushroom soup, tender-crisp green beans, and crispy fried onions will make this casserole a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to garnish it with some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the fried onions from burning.

More Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love

Check out these other holiday favorites made for a vegan Thanksgiving.