The classic green bean casserole is a holiday staple, beloved for its comforting flavors and textures. This homemade version elevates the dish, focusing on fresh ingredients and a truly exceptional gluten free green bean casserole experience. You get a rich sauce, perfectly tender green beans, and an extra crisp topping. It’s the perfect side for any festive meal, thoughtfully prepared to be celiac-friendly without sacrificing any flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, making it your new go-to holiday side.
- Fresh Ingredients Shine: Forget canned ingredients; we use fresh green beans and mushrooms for superior flavor.
- Rich, Velvety Homemade Sauce: Crafting your own sauce means controlling the seasonings and achieving an unparalleled texture.
- Extra Crispy, Buttery Topping: A combination of gluten-free panko and French fried onions delivers irresistible crunch.
- Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Side: This dish is always a hit, satisfying everyone at the table, including those with dietary needs.
- Simple, Easy to Follow Recipe: Even beginners can create this impressive gluten free green bean casserole with confidence.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable gluten free green bean casserole. The combination of fresh vegetables and a homemade sauce makes all the difference.
For the Rich Green Bean Mixture
- 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 shallots (finely chopped)
- 1 pound cremini or baby bella mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock (I use low-sodium)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
- ¾ cup milk (1%, 2% or whole, or unsweetened almond milk)
For the Crispy Topping
- ½ cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
- 6 oz gluten-free French fried onions (I use this brand)
Notes & Substitutions
Making this casserole suitable for various diets is simple. For a dairy-free option, swap dairy butter for vegan butter, heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, and dairy milk for unsweetened almond milk. When choosing gluten-free flour, a good all-purpose blend with xanthan gum works best for thickening. Look for brands like French’s Gluten Free Crispy Fried Onions or Ian’s Gluten-Free Panko for reliable topping options. You can also make your own crispy onions for an extra special touch.
Equipment
You will need a few standard kitchen items to prepare this gluten free green bean casserole.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this flavorful gluten free green bean casserole is straightforward with our step-by-step guide. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix together the ingredients for the topping. Set aside.
Place the green beans in a large microwave safe bowl and along with ½ cup water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until slightly tender. (They will continue to cook in the oven.)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook for 7-10 minutes until the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to soften.
Add the garlic, salt, pepper and thyme and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
While whisking, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Whisk until the flour is smoothly incorporated.
Pour in the milk and cream and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Drain the steamed green beans and pour into the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the green beans and mix to combine.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the green beans are mostly tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle over the topping. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
To achieve a perfect casserole, keep these tips in mind.
- Prevent Runny Casserole: Make sure your sauce simmers and visibly thickens before combining it with the green beans. If it’s too thin, simmer a few more minutes.
- Green Bean Texture: Avoid overcooking the green beans in the microwave. They should still have a slight bite as they will soften further during baking.
- Homemade Topping: For homemade crispy onions, slice yellow onions thinly, coat in gluten-free flour, and shallow-fry until golden brown and crisp.
- Best GF Products: Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour work well for the sauce. For many gluten-free recipes, xanthan gum is a crucial ingredient that provides structure and elasticity often missing without gluten. For fried onions, French’s offers a certified gluten-free option.
- Flavor Boosts: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. A dash of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle warmth.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This casserole is wonderfully versatile. Serve your gluten free green bean casserole alongside your holiday turkey, roasted chicken, or a prime rib roast. It complements almost any main dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can prepare the sauce and cook the green beans ahead of time, then combine and bake just before serving. To freeze, either freeze the baked casserole or freeze the unbaked sauce and beans separately. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Consider these variations:
- Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Use a mix of button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for different textures.
- Stir in grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese for a salty, cheesy twist.
Nutrition Information
Below is the estimated nutrition information per serving for this homemade gluten free green bean casserole. Please remember that these values are calculated estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 1000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 200 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about making this fantastic casserole.
- Does green bean casserole contain gluten? Traditional green bean casserole often contains gluten from wheat flour in the sauce and conventional French fried onions. Understanding how to manage a gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This recipe uses gluten-free alternatives.
- What can I use instead of French fried onions on green bean casserole? Gluten-free crispy fried onions are available, or you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of butter for a different crunch.
- How do you keep green bean casserole from being runny? Ensure your homemade sauce simmers long enough to thicken properly before combining it with the green beans. A good gluten-free flour blend helps with thickening.
- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before steaming, then proceed with the recipe as written.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Use vegan butter, full-fat coconut milk, and unsweetened almond milk as specified in the Notes & Substitutions section for a delicious vegan gluten free green bean casserole.
Conclusion
This homemade gluten free green bean casserole proves that a classic dish can be both accommodating and incredibly flavorful. With fresh ingredients, a rich homemade sauce, and a delightfully crisp topping, it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Don’t let dietary needs stop you from enjoying this comforting side dish; this recipe simplifies the process for everyone. Give it a try, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!