Green Bean Casserole with Oat Milk

This dairy free green bean casserole is made with oat milk. It is a perfect side dish for the holidays and one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides.

I don’t know exactly what it is about green bean casserole, but I love having it for Thanksgiving.

Then again, I’m a pretty big fan of just about any green bean side dish.

Green beans with cranberries and almonds is such a nice side dish, and sautéed green beans with mushrooms adds a rustic touch.

However, sautéed green beans with onions and garlic and green bean casserole are hands down my favorite.

Did you know that green bean casserole was created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company and was originally called “Green Bean Bake”?  

The idea was “to create a quick and easy recipe around two things most Americans always had on hand in the 1950s: green beans and Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup.”

This recipe for green bean casserole is made with oat milk, so it’s a little more complicated than mixing a couple cans together and sprinkling french onions on top. However, it tastes so much better!

Does green bean casserole contain dairy?

Generally, yes. Green bean casserole often uses milk or cream for a creamy texture. However, you can use any of a variety of dairy free milks instead.

Personally, I like green bean casserole with oat milk best if you are using a neutral flavored full fat oat milk.

Choosing your Brand

I have tried a handful of oat milk brands and I can tell you, not all oat milks are created equal.

Some brands taste like oats and have the consistency of water. Other brands have a milder taste and are slightly reminiscent of milk. Oatly and Alpro are my two go-to brands.

When I visit New York, I really like Oatly, which I find to taste like regular milk and to be a little extra creamy. I’d assume this is true in Canada too.

In Israel, I only use the barista version of Oatly, which is still more watery than the regular Oatly in the States. I expect it is the same in Europe because that is where it is imported from.

For Israel and Europe, I find the Alpro oat milk indistinguishable from the Oatly Barista. However, the Alpro “Not Milk” oat milk I find to be almost identical to milk but a little sweeter – which I like.

HOMEMADE FRIED ONIONS

Fried onions are easy to make yourself.  I like them in part because they look nicer and in part because this way I know what went into them.  They are also an especially great option for anyone gluten free.

CAN I LEAVE OUT THE MUSHROOMS?

While cream of mushroom soup is traditionally used, I don’t think there will be much, if any, flavor loss or texture change if you leave them out.

CAN I SKIP BAKING?

Sure.  Since everything is already cooked, you don’t actually need to bake it, especially if you’re using frozen green beans rather than blanched green beans.  I often only bake it as a way to heat it up.

MAKE IT AHEAD OF TIME

You can make the green beans, the sauce, and mix them a day or two beforehand.  Then, when you’re ready, you can add the fried onions shortly before serving and bake (if desired).

CAN I MAKE AND FREEZE HEAD OF TIME?

Yes.  You can make the green beans, the sauce, and mix them a day or two beforehand.  

Then, wrap well with plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.  Freeze for up to 2 weeks.

The night before, move to the fridge to defrost.  Shortly before you’re ready to serve, top fried onions and heat.

HOW TO STORE

Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Wrap well with plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight container.  Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.