Recipe

There’s something timeless about the comforting layers of a classic green bean casserole — creamy sauce, tender beans, and crispy onions on top. But as plant-based eating continues to rise in 2025, it’s time to give this holiday favorite a vegan twist. Inspired by the Food Network’s November Top Recipes, this Vegan Green Bean Casserole swaps heavy cream for coconut milk and keeps all the flavor — with none of the dairy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-intolerant guests, this recipe delivers that same nostalgic taste without compromising on texture or richness. Plus, with the help of the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, you can easily top it with plant-based cheese shreds for extra creaminess and golden crunch.

In fact, Gen Z foodies are embracing this dish — searches for vegan casseroles have jumped 30% year-over-year, reflecting the new wave of conscious cooking and sustainable celebration.

Ingredients

✅ 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

✅ 1 tbsp olive oil

✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced

✅ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

✅ 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

✅ 1 cup vegetable broth

✅ 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari

✅ ½ cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

✅ ½ cup vegan cheddar cheese (freshly grated with manual chopper onion)

✅ Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Steam the Green Beans: Steam or blanch the green beans for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in coconut milk and vegetable broth until smooth. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3️⃣ Combine and Assemble: Mix steamed green beans into the sauce and coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.

4️⃣ Top and Bake: Sprinkle grated vegan cheddar (made easy with the waffle fry cutter) and crispy onions on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole hot as a Thanksgiving side dish or as a cozy main for a plant-based dinner. Pair it with Cheesy Garlic Bread or Apple Pancakes for a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Health Benefits & Sustainability

By replacing dairy with coconut milk, this recipe not only becomes lactose-free but also lighter in saturated fat. Using fresh vegetables and plant-based ingredients aligns with the global shift toward more sustainable diets. It’s proof that comfort food and conscious eating can beautifully coexist.

Kitchen Tool Spotlight: Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater

When preparing vegan dishes, texture and presentation are key. The Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater helps you shred vegan cheese, nuts, or even crispy onions evenly — without electricity or risk of cuts. Its stainless-steel blades and suction base ensure stability, while dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy. It’s the ultimate prep tool for this casserole and countless other dishes.

Learn more about safe, certified materials and kitchen innovation on Geedel’s official site.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Green Bean Casserole proves that traditional flavors can thrive in modern, health-conscious kitchens. With just 45 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, crunchy dish that everyone — vegan or not — will crave again next year. Thanksgiving just got a little greener, and a lot more delicious.

For more plant-based holiday inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s Thanksgiving vegan collection or our own Geedel recipe archive.