Green bean casserole is a beloved classic holiday side dish. With its combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, it’s creamy, savory comfort food at its finest. But what if you want to lighten it up or need a dairy-free option? Almond milk is a great alternative to heavy cream or milk that allows you to still get that creamy texture. Here’s what you need to know about using almond milk in green bean casserole.
Why Use Almond Milk?
There are a few reasons you may want to use almond milk instead of regular dairy milk in your green bean casserole recipe:
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You’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan or dairy-free diet Almond milk gives you the creaminess without the dairy
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You want a lighter casserole. Almond milk has fewer calories and fat than heavy cream or whole milk.
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You prefer the flavor. Almond milk has a subtle nutty taste that complements the other ingredients.
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You want more nutrients. Almond milk contains vitamin E, calcium, iron, and potassium.
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You have it on hand. If you always keep almond milk stocked in your fridge, it’s easy to use it in place of making a special trip for milk.
Substituting Almond Milk in Recipes
When using almond milk in place of regular dairy milk, there are a few important considerations:
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Use unsweetened almond milk The sweetened varieties contain added sugar that can make your casserole taste too sweet Unsweetened has a more neutral flavor.
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Account for thickness. Almond milk is thinner than whole milk or cream. You may need to use a thickener like flour or cornstarch to get the right creamy consistency.
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Watch for curdling. Almond milk can curdle at high heats. Use gentle heating and stir frequently to prevent this.
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Consider flavor. Almond milk has a mild nutty flavor that works well in most recipes but could clash with strongly flavored dishes. Taste as you go.
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Use a 1:1 ratio. Generally you can replace dairy milk with an equal amount of almond milk in green bean casseroles and other recipes.
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Add last. For the best texture, add almond milk at the end of cooking rather than at the beginning.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Almond Milk
Making green bean casserole with almond milk is simple. Just follow your favorite recipe, substituting almond milk for the dairy milk or cream. Here is one basic method:
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Steam or boil green beans until just tender yet still crisp. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, cook onions, mushrooms, garlic, and seasonings in butter or olive oil until soft.
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In a small bowl, whisk together almond milk and flour or cornstarch to make a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
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Add the green beans and almond milk slurry to the skillet and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer to a casserole dish and top with fried onions. Bake at 400°F until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
The almond milk gives you the creamy texture you want without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust the thickness with extra flour or cornstarch if needed.
What About Sweetened or Flavored Almond Milk?
For savory dishes like green bean casserole, it’s best to stick with plain unsweetened almond milk. The subtle natural nuttiness works well, while sweetened or flavored varieties could clash. However, in baked goods, fruit smoothies, oatmeal, or coffee drinks, the sweetened or flavored kinds can be delicious. Some options include:
- Vanilla almond milk – Adds vanilla flavor, great for smoothies
- Chocolate almond milk – Perfect for chocolate shakes or mochas
- Sweetened original – Has added sugar for cereal or drinking
- Strawberry, mango, coconut – Fun fruity flavors for smoothies
- Almond-coconut blend – Extra creamy for coffee drinks or baking
So while plain is best for casseroles, don’t be afraid to get creative with flavored almond milks in other applications! They can allow you to create dairy-free versions of your favorite drinks and desserts.
Common Questions About Cooking with Almond Milk
If you’re new to using almond milk in your cooking, here are some common questions you may have:
Does almond milk curdle in hot dishes? Almond milk can curdle when boiled or cooked at high heat. To prevent this, use gentle heat and stir frequently. Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar also helps prevent curdling.
How long does almond milk last? Unopened almond milk will last 5-7 days past the printed expiration date. Once opened, it stays fresh for about a week in the fridge. Look for signs it has gone bad like odor, mold, or curdling.
Is almond milk good for baking? Yes, almond milk can be used as a direct substitute for cow’s milk in most baked goods recipes. It may result in a slightly denser, chewier texture. Reduce oven temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning.
Does almond milk have lactose? No, almond milk is completely dairy-free so it does not contain lactose, which makes it safe for those with lactose intolerance. Always check labels for potential cross-contamination.
Is almond milk high in fat? No, almond milk is naturally low in fat and calories compared to whole dairy milk. It gets its creamy texture from almond butter rather than fat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Green Bean Casserole with Almond Milk
To get the perfect almond milk green bean casserole every time, follow these helpful tips:
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Choose fresh, crisp green beans. Old or mushy beans won’t have the right texture.
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Don’t overcook the green beans. Leave them with a bit of crunch.
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Use unsweetened almond milk so the dish isn’t too sweet.
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If the casserole seems thin, mix a slurry of almond milk and flour/cornstarch to thicken it.
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Stir frequently when adding almond milk to prevent curdling.
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Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to help keep the milk smooth.
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Use crunchy fried onions rather than soggy ones for the best texture contrast.
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Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbling for the perfect creaminess.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
With these simple tricks, you can feel good serving up an irresistibly creamy green bean casserole made with almond milk to family and friends this holiday season. Get ready for requests for the recipe!
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