Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a vibrant green beans side dish to grace the table! Trust me, these Thanksgiving green beans are not only simple to whip up but downright delicious too. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a stunningly tasty dish that pairs perfectly with your turkey and stuffing. I love how the bright green beans pop with flavor from the sautéed garlic and crunchy almonds. It’s a classic that everyone will rave about—perfect for those holiday gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Green Beans Side Dishes
Preparing the Green Beans
First, let’s get those green beans ready! Start by trimming the ends off the beans—just a quick snip will do. I usually line them up and cut a few at once to save time. Next, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop in your green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This blanching step is key to keeping them bright green and crisp! After 5 minutes, you’ll want to drain them quickly and plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain that gorgeous color. Let them chill for a few minutes while you prepare for the next step.
Sautéing the Green Beans
Now, let’s bring those green beans to life with some flavor! In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is amazing! Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet along with the salt and black pepper. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and you can see that beautiful shine. Finally, stir in those crunchy sliced almonds and let them cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor that everyone will love. And just like that, you have a scrumptious Thanksgiving green beans side dish ready to wow your guests!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving green beans side dish turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, always opt for fresh green beans; they really make a difference in flavor and texture. Don’t skip the blanching step—it’s crucial for keeping those beans bright and crisp. If you want a flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. And remember, you can easily customize this dish! Adding cooked bacon or even some sautéed mushrooms can take it to the next level. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guide. Each serving of these delicious Thanksgiving green beans contains approximately 120 calories, 8g of fat, and 3g of protein. You’ll also find about 10g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber. It’s a wholesome side dish that not only tastes great but also adds some nutrition to your holiday spread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that deliver big, bold flavors
- Fresh green beans maintain their vibrant color and crunch
- Garlic and almonds add a delicious twist that everyone loves
- Perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing
- Customizable—add bacon or other veggies for extra flair
- A healthy side dish that fits various dietary needs
Serving Suggestions
These Thanksgiving green beans side dishes pair beautifully with a variety of main courses! Serve them alongside a juicy roasted turkey or a savory honey-glazed ham for a classic feast. They also complement creamy mashed potatoes and rich stuffing perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast! And don’t forget to put out some warm dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious flavors. Your holiday table will be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of these scrumptious Thanksgiving green beans, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through—this helps retain their lovely texture. You can also pop them in the microwave for quick reheating, but I recommend adding a splash of water to keep them from drying out. Enjoy your leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work in a pinch, but fresh really offers the best texture and flavor. If you go with frozen, just sauté them a bit longer to ensure they’re heated through.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Great question! You can mix in some cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a splash of soy sauce for a tasty twist. A sprinkle of lemon juice right before serving can brighten everything up beautifully!
How do I make these green beans ahead of time?
You can blanch and sauté the green beans a few hours in advance and then store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in a skillet before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What other dishes pair well with these green beans?
These green beans are a fantastic side for roasted meats, especially turkey and ham. They also go wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, just skip the butter or bacon, and you’ll have a delicious vegan side dish that everyone can enjoy!
Thanksgiving Green Beans Side Dishes: 7 Flavorful Twists
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious green beans side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add green beans, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in sliced almonds and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Optional: Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving green beans side dishes
