Vegan Smoked Gouda Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic dish that often graces holiday tables and potluck gatherings. It combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions to create a comforting and nostalgic flavor profile. Some variations incorporate ingredients like vegan cheese, garlic, or herbs to add depth to the dish. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, green bean casserole is a versatile and beloved addition to any plant-based spread.
This iconic casserole has deep roots, with its origins dating back to the 1950s. Created by the Campbell Soup Company, the green bean casserole was intended to be a simple and affordable recipe that could be made using pantry staples. Over the years, this dish has become a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and potlucks across the country, gaining popularity for its nostalgic appeal and comforting flavors. Today, variations of the traditional green bean casserole can be found, incorporating fresh ingredients and innovative twists while still paying homage to this beloved classic.
I really like my recipe for green bean casserole because I prefer fresh beans to canned beans and I really like the addition of the smoked gouda variety of vegan cheese. It takes this dish to a more sophisticated experience even though it is just a casserole.
Even the omnivores in my family look forward to the inclusion of this dish to the holiday spread, and of the leftovers, it’s always the first thing to get eaten!
For this casserole you will need the following ingredients:
2 Cups of green beans [I use fresh but feel free to use whatever kind of green beans you like[
1 onion cut into strips or chopped how you like them
2 Tablespoons of vegan butter
2 Tablespoons of cooking oil
1/4 Cup of flour
1/2 Cup plant milk
1 Cup of broth [veggie, vegan beef, onion or mushroom]
a couple shakes of mushroom umami seasoning [optional]
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 Cup of vegan sour cream or plain vegan yogurt
6 slices of vegan smoked gouda [or any vegan cheese you like]
1 6 oz can of french fried onions
If you are using fresh green beans start by cutting off each end and cutting them in half or thirds if they are very long. Bring them to a boil in salted water. Let them boil for about two minutes and then drain them and set them aside.
saute the onions in the oil and butter over medium low heat. You want to cook them low and slow until they are caramelized. You have to be careful not to burn them.
Whisk in the flour and allow it to cook together for a minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste. Whisk in the plant milk followed by the broth of your choice. Once it’s all combined and has started to thicken add in the spices. [everything except the cheese, green beans and french fried onions].
Simmer everything together for a few minutes then pour the sauce you just made over the green beans and gently mix it together. Scoop it all into a 9 inch pie dish and cover it all with a layer of vegan cheese. Top that with the can of French fried onions. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. You want to be sure the cheese is completely melted in so if you need to cook it longer do so. If you want a little more crunch to the top of the casserole you can take the cover off for the last five minutes of cooking.
This is not a super freezer friendly dish so I don’t recommend storing it in the freezer. It really just makes for a soggy texture but if you aren’t bothered by that do what you will with the leftovers. We never have too much leftover and what is leftover is usually gone by the next day.
I hope you and your family love this dish as we do and I hope you all have warm and wonderful holiday celebrations!