Growing up, my grandma’s Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole was always the star of the Thanksgiving table. I can still remember the anticipation building as the scent of baked green beans and crispy onions filled the air, making our mouths water with every waft that drifted in from the kitchen. It didn’t matter how full we were from the turkey and mashed potatoes – there was always room for a hearty helping of that comforting, creamy casserole.
Grandma would let me help her prepare it every year, carefully guiding me through each step. She knew how important it was to get the texture just right, with tender-crisp green beans nestled in a rich, savory sauce and topped with the perfect amount of crunchy fried onions. It was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it. To this day, I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving feast without her famous Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole.
Why This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is no ordinary side dish – it’s a tried-and-true family recipe that’s been perfected over the years. The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures, with the fresh green beans providing a satisfying crunch and the creamy sauce delivering a comforting, indulgent base. But the real magic happens when you add in the crispy, golden-brown fried onions on top. It’s a flavor and texture combination that’s simply irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh green beans: The foundation of this casserole. Make sure to trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
- Gluten-free flour: This is the key to making a rich, creamy sauce that’s completely gluten-free.
- Dairy-free milk: Almond, coconut, or oat milk work great to keep this dish dairy-free.
- Vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Garlic: For an aromatic boost of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season the dish and enhance the other flavors.
- Fried onions: The crowning glory that provides the irresistible crunch on top.
Step-by-Step Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole comes together quickly, with just a few simple steps. In under an hour, you’ll have a comforting, flavor-packed side dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or weeknight meal. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2- Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
3- In a saucepan, whisk together the gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk, and vegetable broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The sauce should have a creamy, velvety consistency.
5- Add the blanched green beans to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
6- Transfer the Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole to the prepared baking dish and top with the crispy fried onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, don’t overcook the green beans when blanching. You want them to still have a bit of crunch.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly while it’s cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
- If you find the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more dairy-free milk or broth.
- Sprinkle the fried onions on top right before baking so they stay crispy.
Serving and Storing Your Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for your holiday table, but it also works wonderfully as a weeknight accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple steak. The creamy, savory flavors pair beautifully with hearty mains, and the crunchy topping adds a delightful textural contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for busy holidays or potlucks.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
Creative Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole Variations
While this classic Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the green beans for other vegetables, like brussels sprouts or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of dairy-free milk or even add in some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for extra flavor.
Making Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this dish suitable for various dietary needs, you can easily adapt it. For a vegan version, simply omit the fried onions and use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream in the sauce. For a low-carb twist, replace the gluten-free flour with almond flour or arrowroot powder, and serve the casserole over riced cauliflower instead of traditional starch sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen green beans work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the sauce.
Q: How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
A: For an even richer, creamier sauce, you can stir in a few tablespoons of dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream along with the garlic and seasonings.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole recipe serves 6-8 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as part of a larger Thanksgiving or holiday spread, it should feed 8-10 comfortably.
Q: What if my casserole turns out too dry?
A: If your Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole seems a bit dry, simply add a splash more dairy-free milk or broth to the sauce before baking. The key is to have a nice, creamy consistency that coats the green beans evenly.
Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in a comforting and delicious Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. This classic dish features tender green beans in a creamy, flavorful sauce, topped with a crispy, gluten-free topping.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, gluten-free
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup gluten-free fried onions
– 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
4. 4. Add the cooked green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat.
5. 5. Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. 6. In a small bowl, mix together the gluten-free fried onions and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the green bean casserole.
7. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of almond milk to the soup mixture. You can also substitute the gluten-free fried onions with homemade crispy onions. This casserole can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is a true family classic that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a side dish that everyone can enjoy – whether they’re gluten-free or not. So go ahead and give this recipe a try. I promise your Thanksgiving (or any) table will never be the same without it!
