This recipe for Green Bean Casserole is made without condensed soup and crispy fried onions. It’s gluten-free with a dairy-free option!
Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite holiday side dishes. It’s not something I make at other times of the year, so it always feels extra special at the holidays!
Unfortunately, several of my loved ones have some dietary needs. Because traditional Green Bean Casserole has condensed soup and crispy fried onions, they can’t eat the version of the casserole that my grandma used to make.
I believe that food brings connection, and I want everyone at my table to be able to enjoy what I serve. So, I remade this classic holiday dish so it’s naturally gluten-free. It’s also dairy-free with just one simple ingredient switch!
If you also have friends or family with Celiac disease or a dairy allergy, save or pin this recipe for your holiday dinner.
How to Make Traditional Green Bean Casserole Safe for Celiac Disease and Dairy Allergy
There are two ingredients in Green Bean Casserole which contain gluten: condensed cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.
To make the recipe gluten-free, I use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the casserole. I add extra seasoning to replicate the flavor of the condensed soup.
This recipe uses individual ingredients instead of the standard condensed soup. Because of this, you can easily swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative if you need a dairy-free option for your family.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Because this recipe uses individual ingredients instead of pre-made condensed soup, this list is longer than others. Never fear – the techniques are simple, and you likely already have all these ingredients on hand!
Here’s what you need for Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole:
- 2 Yellow onion (sliced thinly)
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cup Frozen green beans (4 cups frozen green beans = 16 oz package)
- 1 cup Whole milk (sub milk alternative for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
If you need a dairy-free option, substitute soy, oat, or your dairy-free alternative of choice in place of the whole milk.
How to Make Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Make Crispy Fried Onions Replacement
To replace the crispy fried onions, this recipe uses fresh ones that we caramelize! Start by slicing two onions very thinly.
Heat a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat; once hot, add oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes until onions cook down and start to become crispy.
If time allows, cook the onions for up to an hour to really bring out their sweetness! Reduce heat if onions start to burn. Set cooked onions aside.
Prepare Pan and Make Condensed Soup Replacement
While onions cook, heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 2.5-quart baking dish by spraying with cooking oil.
In a large saucepan, whisk together milk, cornstarch, and seasonings (parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper) until completely smooth and no clumps of cornstarch remain.
Slowly bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat, whisking constantly to prevent cornstarch from becoming clumpy. Boil about 10 seconds until starting to become thick, then remove from heat.
Put It All Together: Make the Green Bean Casserole
Stir frozen green beans into milk mixture, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Spread crispy cooked onions evenly over top, then place in oven and bake 25-30, uncovered, until casserole is bubbly.
Enjoy this Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole!
I know giving up gluten can be hard. Especially if this is a new dietary need for you – it seems like gluten is in everything!
That’s why one of the easiest modifications to the weekly menu of the Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides is a gluten-free option. Start a free trial if you want to see!
Every week I include specific instructions and extra recipes on the menu so you know exactly what and how to modify your meals. Plus, the Meal Guide app includes over 700 gluten-free recipes! You’ll find LOTS of variety in our gluten-free menu.
You can start a free trial of the Meal Guide membership to enjoy lots of gluten-free and dairy-free options this season.
If you have loved ones who can’t eat gluten or dairy, I hope you give this Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole recipe a try during the holidays!
Happy gluten-free eating,
Dietitian Ann
Gluten-Free and
Dairy-Free Options to Meet Your Needs
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Enjoy a variety of foods and honor your body’s needs, while saving time and reducing the mental load around dinner time. Start your free trial today!
Ann is so kind and really provides amazing variety to her meal plans every week. She understands real life and her meal plans reflect that. Thank you!!!
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