Green bean casserole is a beloved holiday classic, showing up on Thanksgiving tables across America That creamy, cheesy sauce smothering tender green beans and topped with crispy fried onions is downright addicting But what if you want to make this nostalgic dish without relying on dairy-based ingredients like milk, cream, or cheese?

The good news is – you absolutely can make delicious green bean casserole without milk or any other dairy products With a few easy substitutions, you can recreate the creamy texture and rich flavors of this comforting dish

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Benefits of dairy-free green bean casserole
• Substituting non-dairy milks
• Thickening the sauce without flour
• Getting crispy onions when gluten-free
• Recommended recipes to try
• Serving suggestions and tips

So whether you have a milk allergy, are vegan, or simply want a lighter dish, read on to learn how to make green bean casserole without milk or cream!

Why Make Green Bean Casserole Dairy-Free?

There are a few reasons you may want to avoid milk products when making classic green bean casserole:

• Milk allergies or lactose intolerance – for those who get sick from consuming dairy

• Vegan or vegetarian – if you follow a plant-based diet.

• Reduce calories – lower fat plant milks vs heavy cream.

• Avoid artificial growth hormones – present in conventional cow’s milk.

• Trying an elimination diet – to pinpoint food sensitivities.

By using plant-based substitutions, everyone can enjoy this nostalgic Thanksgiving staple. And you may even find you prefer the lighter, cleaner flavor profile.

Choosing the Best Non-Dairy Milk

Traditional green bean casserole recipes use milk or cream to create the sauce base. To make a dairy-free version, the first substitution is an unsweetened plant-based milk such as:

• Coconut milk – provides creamy texture and richness

• Almond milk – subtly nutty flavor

• Cashew milk – neutral flavor, good creaminess

• Soy milk – affordable option, beware allergies

• Oat milk – use creamy, not watery versions

Avoid sweetened vanilla-flavored varieties. Shake cans well before measuring out the thick coconut cream at the top.

Thickening the Sauce Without Flour

In traditional recipes, a butter and flour roux helps thicken the creamy sauce. To avoid dairy and gluten, you can use:

• Cornstarch or arrowroot – classic grain-free thickening agents

• Puréed vegetables – cauliflower or white beans will thicken

• Tapioca flour – from the cassava plant, gluten and grain-free

• Nut or seed flours – grind oats, almonds, sunflower seeds

Whisk 1-2 Tbsp of your chosen flour into the plant milk before heating to help it thicken properly.

Getting Crispy Onions Without Gluten

No green bean casserole is complete without the crunchy fried onion topping. But traditional varieties contain wheat. Look for:

• Cornflake crumbs – use gluten-free cornflakes to coat onions

• Almond meal – grated raw almonds bake up crispy

• Pork rinds – strangely works as an onion coating

• Potato flakes – another gluten-free crispy coating

• Buy ready-made – search for gluten-free fried onions

Fry coated onion slices in avocado, coconut, or olive oil until browned and crisp.

Recommended Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole Recipes

To make things even easier, here are some delicious tried and true dairy-free green bean casserole recipes:

• Vegan Green Bean Casserole – uses cashews to make creamy sauce

• Paleo Green Bean Casserole – no grains, nuts, or dairy

• Easy GF and DF Green Bean Casserole – with cassava flour and coconut milk

• Green Bean Casserole with Chestnuts – uses oat milk and chestnut purée

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different plant-based ingredients to find your perfect dairy-free version. The options are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Tips

To highlight your creamy, saucy green bean casserole, consider these serving ideas:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for color

• Add crunchy nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture

• Serve warm or at room temp – it will thicken more as it cools

• Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted root veggies

• Offer gluten-free bread or biscuits on the side

• Top with extra crispy fried onions right before eating

And don’t forget to store leftovers safely in the fridge. The crispy onions will start to wilt after a day or two. Reheat gently before serving again.

Conclusion

With its from-scratch flavor and healthier ingredients, your guests might even prefer this lighter version. So don’t be afraid to vegan-ize this holiday classic. Just focus on maintaining that creamy texture, crisp onion crunch, and cozy comfort food appeal.

So this Thanksgiving, feel free to skip the milk and cream. With these tips for going dairy-free, anyone can enjoy green bean casserole!