Name: Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Vegetable Broth (Substitute chicken or turkey broth for a non-vegan version.); 1 cup Raw Cashews (Soaked for enhanced creaminess.); 2 pieces Dried Bay Leaves (Remove before blending.); 1 tablespoon Sherry Vinegar (White wine vinegar can be an alternative.); 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Feel free to use any neutral oil.); 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms (Can substitute with regular button mushrooms.); 1 piece Yellow Onion (Shallots can be used as a substitute.); 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (Adjust amount based on taste preference.); 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves (Dried thyme can replace fresh, use less.); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust to fit dietary needs.); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust according to spice preference.); 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Optional but highly recommended.); 1 pound Fresh Green Beans (Snapped in half, frozen beans work too.); 2 cups Sourdough Bread (Day-old for optimal texture.)

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As the aroma of comfort food wafts through the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream takes a classic holiday favorite and transforms it into a delightful dairy-free dish that will impress everyone at your table. Unlike traditional concoctions, this version features tender green beans enveloped in a rich, creamy cashew-based sauce, making it a healthier and equally delicious alternative. With quick prep and a crunchy sourdough topping, it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for those looking to enjoy homemade goodness without the guilt. Are you ready to elevate your holiday meals with this stunning casserole?

Why is this casserole a must-try?

Comforting, Creamy Bliss: This Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream redefines comfort food with its luscious, creamy texture and fresh ingredients.

Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with green beans and nutrient-dense cashews, it’s a healthy twist on a classic that everyone can enjoy.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.

Impressive Flavors: The unique blend of savory mushrooms and aromatic spices elevates the dish, leaving everyone guessing it’s dairy-free!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: As a delightful centerpiece on your holiday table, it caters to both vegans and non-vegans alike, ensuring everyone savors each bite.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble this beauty in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to impress your guests—easy peasy!

Don’t forget to serve it alongside other favorites like Moist Strawberry Shortcake for a complete meal experience.

Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

• For a truly delightful Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream, gather these essentials!

For the Cashew Cream

Vegetable Broth – Base liquid for the cashew cream; substitute chicken or turkey broth for a non-vegan version.
Raw Cashews – Creates the creamy base; soaked cashews enhance creaminess for a better texture.
Dried Bay Leaves – Adds depth of flavor; remove before blending for a smooth sauce.
Sherry Vinegar – Brightens the dish with acidity; white wine vinegar can be an alternative.

For the Mushroom Mixture

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Provides richness for sautéing; feel free to use any neutral oil instead.
Cremini Mushrooms – Adds umami flavor and texture; can substitute with regular button mushrooms.
Yellow Onion – Offers sweetness; shallots work harmoniously as a substitute too.
Garlic Cloves – Essential for flavoring; adjust amount based on your taste preference.
Fresh Thyme Leaves – Provides lovely herbal notes; dried thyme can replace fresh, but use less.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavors; monitor to fit your dietary needs and taste.
Black Pepper – Adds warmth; adjust according to your spice preference.
Ground Nutmeg – Offers a warm, nutty flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended.

For the Casserole

Fresh Green Beans – The star ingredient; snapped in half for perfect cooking; frozen beans work too.
Sourdough Bread – Creates a crunchy topping; using day-old bread yields optimal texture.

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a Vegan Green Bean Casserole that brings comfort and joy to your holiday table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream

Step 1: Soak the Cashews
In a small saucepan, combine vegetable broth and dried bay leaves, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add raw cashews and remove the saucepan from heat, allowing them to soak for 30 minutes. This step ensures your cashew cream is decadently creamy, setting a rich foundation for the green bean casserole.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the cashews are soaking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature will ensure the casserole bakes evenly, resulting in a deliciously golden and bubbling topping. Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, setting the stage for a perfect casserole finish.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped cremini mushrooms and diced yellow onion, cooking them for about 10-12 minutes until softened and slightly golden. This step builds flavor and texture, essential for the savory depth of your green bean casserole.

Step 4: Combine the Spice Mixture
Stir in sherry vinegar, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper to the sautéed mushroom mixture. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic to become aromatic. This fragrant spice medley enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole, making it irresistibly savory.

Step 5: Blend the Cashew Mixture
Remove the bay leaves from the saucepan and transfer the soaked cashew mixture—broth included—into a high-powered blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This silky cashew cream is the star ingredient, bringing a touch of indulgence to your Vegan Green Bean Casserole.

Step 6: Combine Cream and Mushroom Mixture
Pour the creamy cashew mixture into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms, stirring in ground nutmeg for an additional flavor layer. Mix everything thoroughly over medium heat until well combined, allowing it to warm up and blend beautifully. This creamy base envelops the green beans perfectly, crafting a luscious texture that everyone will love.

Step 7: Prepare the Green Beans
In your prepared baking dish, combine the fresh green beans—snapped in half for even cooking—with the creamy mushroom mixture. Gently toss to coat the beans thoroughly, ensuring every piece is enveloped in that rich cashew cream. This step melds the flavors and textures before baking, creating an irresistible casserole.

Step 8: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine torn chunks of sourdough bread with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the bread is evenly coated, then scatter the crunchy mixture over the top of the green bean casserole. This crunchy topping will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, enhancing each bite as it bakes.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning, ensuring that your Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream turns out beautifully.

Step 10: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle, making each scoop just as creamy and delicious as it should be. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful twist on a classic that is sure to impress at your holiday gathering!

What to Serve with Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream

As you gather around the table, this velvety green bean dish deserves a fabulous supporting cast to complete your meal experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture provides a delightful contrast to the casserole, offering that classic comfort food feel. Perfect for soaking up any extra cashew cream!
Savory Stuffing: This hearty side brings in delightful herbs and spices, balancing beautifully with the creamy and earthy flavors of your casserole.
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a satisfying crunch and bitterness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal while giving it a touch of elegance.
Fresh Garden Salad: Tossed greens with a tangy vinaigrette will lighten the plate; the freshness pairs wonderfully with the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: A classic side that adds a crispy texture and aromatic flavor. Its garlic notes infuse an irresistible allure that accompanies the creamy component beautifully.
Apple Crisp: End your meal with a sweet note. This warm dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures, with its crispy topping and juicy apple filling, perfect for rounding out the meal.

Expert Tips for Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Use Soaked Cashews: Soaking cashews for at least 30 minutes ensures a velvety smooth texture. Avoid skipping this step for the best creamy consistency in your green bean casserole.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your casserole while it bakes. Over-baking can lead to a dry topping; aim for a golden brown that adds crunch without losing moisture.
Blanch Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, consider blanching them briefly before assembly. This enhances their vibrant color and crunch, ensuring they’re perfectly cooked.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with the recommended salt and spices, then adjust according to taste. This approach helps avoid overly salty or bland results in your casserole.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or include other types of bread for a unique finish on your Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream.

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Green Bean Casseroles with Cashew Cream are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline meal prep! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance without the crunchy sourdough topping; simply refrigerate it once assembled. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just add the topping and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. To maintain that delicious texture, ensure it’s tightly covered or stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You’ll have a delightful and easy-to-bake dish that impresses your guests while saving you time!

How to Store and Freeze Green Bean Casserole

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the casserole has cooled completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezer: This Green Bean Casserole can be frozen without the sourdough topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to preserve taste and quality.

Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. Add the topping during the last 10 minutes for a crunchy finish.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead without baking, refrigerate it, and add the sourdough topping just before baking for a fresh, hot dish.

Variations & Substitutions for Green Bean Casserole

Feel free to get creative with this dish, adding your unique twist for an even more delightful experience!

Mushroom Medley: Try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, richer flavor. Experimenting with different mushroom varieties can truly elevate your casserole and surprise your guests!
Cashew Cream Upgrade: For a cheesy flavor, blend in some nutritional yeast with the cashew cream. It adds a delicious depth without any dairy, making it perfect for vegan diets!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted walnuts or pecans into the sourdough topping for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the creamy casserole beautifully.
Spice it Up: If you love some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture. It brings a warm kick that plays nicely with the creaminess of the dish.
Different Greens: Swap green beans for fresh asparagus pieces for a unique twist. Their subtle flavor still holds up beautifully in this casserole and offers a refreshing crunch.
Herbal Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating fresh rosemary or sage along with thyme. Such aromatic herbs can add a lovely earthiness that makes the casserole extra special.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of sourdough for the topping. This will maintain that delightful crunch while catering to those avoiding gluten.
Creamy Alternative: If cashews aren’t available, blend silken tofu as a creamy substitute. It provides the same texture and works wonderfully to bind everything together.

As you whip up this delicious Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream, consider trying out some of these variations. You might just stumble upon a new favorite dish! Plus, if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our other delightful creations like Pumpkin Cream Cheese or Mac Cheese Casserole that promise to bring joy to your table!

Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Cashew Cream Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe green beans for the casserole?
Absolutely! Look for green beans that are bright green, firm, and smooth with no dark spots or signs of wilting. Avoid beans that are shriveled or have a dull color, as these indicate they may be past their prime.

How should I store leftovers of the green bean casserole?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the casserole has completely cooled before sealing it, which helps retain the flavors and texture.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Definitely! This green bean casserole can be frozen without the sourdough topping for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What should I do if my cashew cream is too thick?
No worries! If your cashew cream turns out too thick, simply add a little more vegetable broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach the desired silky consistency. This creamy base should easily coat the green beans without being overly dense.

Are there any allergens in this recipe?
Good question! The primary allergens in this recipe come from cashews and sourdough bread, which may contain gluten. If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the cashews with silken tofu blended with a bit of olive oil for creaminess. Always check labels for gluten-free options if needed.

How long can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator without the sourdough topping. Just add the topping just before you’re ready to bake, ensuring a fresh, crunchy finish when serving.