Thanksgiving Recipes Green Beans: Holiday Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is special to me, filled with festive food and memories. Green beans are a big part of our holiday meals. They can be creamy or fresh, always adding flavor.

Did you know 5 out of 20 Thanksgiving green bean recipes use bacon? It’s a big hit! About 25% use cream, like cream of mushroom soup, for richness. And 15% add almonds for crunch, while 10% try new things like air frying.

Let’s dive into different green bean recipes for Thanksgiving. We’ll find classics and new favorites. These green bean dishes will make your holiday meal amazing.

Why Green Beans are a Thanksgiving Favorite

Green beans are a big part of Thanksgiving. They are loved for being versatile and bringing back memories. They balance out the rich flavors of main dishes and are a comfort to many.

Nutritional Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are great because they are good for you. They have few calories but lots of vitamins and minerals. This makes them a top pick for healthy sides at Thanksgiving.

They are full of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. These help keep you healthy, especially after a big Thanksgiving meal.

Tradition and Family Favorites

The tradition of green beans at Thanksgiving is special. It brings families together through recipes and memories. From classic casseroles to fresh salads, green beans add warmth and love to the table.

Statistics show that 100% of Thanksgiving recipes include green beans. They are a key part of the holiday. Even famous chefs and recipe makers love green beans. They say they pair well with bacon and tomatoes, making dishes everyone loves.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

The classic green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite. It’s creamy and savory, with green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions. It’s easy to make and very satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect green bean casserole, you need a few simple things:

• Kosher salt
• 3 lb. green beans, trimmed
• 12 Tbsp. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 lb. cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 c. (60 g.) all-purpose flour
• 6 c. whole milk
• 1 1/2 c. French’s fried onions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s start cooking the perfect green bean casserole. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Boil water with kosher salt. Blanch green beans for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add onions and cook until golden.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they brown.
5. Stir in garlic for a minute.
6. Put flour over mushrooms, then milk. Stir until thick, about 5 minutes.
7. Add green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat.
8. Put the mixture in a baking dish. Top with 1 cup of fried onions.
9. Bake for 30 minutes.
10. Add more fried onions on top. Bake for 5 more minutes, until crispy.

Tips for Making It Perfect

Here are some tips to make your green bean casserole perfect:

• Use fresh green beans for the best taste and texture. Drain frozen or canned well.
• Make your own mushroom cream sauce for a richer flavor instead of canned soup.
• If making ahead, store in the fridge. Add fried onions just before baking.
• For a bigger batch, use a 13×9-inch dish and a full 6-ounce container of French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions.
• Add more black pepper if you like it spicier.

With these tips and instructions, you’re ready to make a delicious green bean casserole for Thanksgiving!

Fresh Green Beans: A Healthier Alternative

Choosing fresh green beans as a side dish makes your table look great. They are also a healthy choice instead of casseroles. Green beans are full of good stuff and don’t have many calories. They are perfect for making your Thanksgiving meal lighter but still tasty.

How to Prepare Fresh Green Beans

It’s easy to prepare fresh green beans in different ways. Blanching is a good method to keep them crunchy and full of nutrients. First, cut off the ends of 1 lb. of green beans.

Then, boil a big pot of water. Add the beans and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until they’re almost done. After that, put them in an ice bath to stop cooking and keep them green.

Seasoning and Flavoring Tips

Seasoning is important to make green beans taste great without hiding their natural taste. I suggest sautéing the blanched beans with 2 cloves of minced garlic or 1 tsp. of garlic powder, olive oil, and a bit of sea salt. Also, add ¼ cup of low-sodium vegetable broth and let it cook down for 2 to 4 minutes.

To make the dish even better, sprinkle slivers of almonds on top. Cook the almonds until they’re brown, which takes about 7 to 8 minutes. This adds a nice crunch. Then, add some finely chopped shallots and sauté them for 1 minute before adding the beans and garlic. This mix makes a healthy and fancy green bean side dish.

One-Pan Garlic Green Beans

One-pan garlic green beans are a great side dish. They are quick and tasty. You need just a few ingredients for this easy recipe.

Simple Ingredients

You might already have these ingredients at home. You need 1 pound of green beans, 3 cloves of garlic, and olive oil or butter. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter. Adding lemon zest can also make the dish better.

• 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Lemon zest

Cooking Method and Tips

Making this side dish is very easy. First, trim the green beans. Heat the oil or butter in a big skillet. Add garlic and cook until it smells good.

Then, add the green beans. Make sure they are covered in the garlic and oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until they are tender but still a bit crunchy.

1. Prep Ahead: Cut the green beans before you start cooking to save time.
2. Flavor Boost: Add salt and lemon zest for more taste.
3. Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They stay tasty when reheated.

This recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook. It has about 102 calories per serving. It’s a favorite among families and guests. Nagi gave it a 4.98/5 rating from 35 votes.

Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Almonds make green beans fancy. They add crunch and a nutty taste. This makes a simple dish special.

Why Almonds Add a Special Touch

Almonds make green bean almondine special. They add crunch and a nutty flavor. They also have vitamin E, which is good for you.

Easy Cooking Instructions

This dish is quick to make. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for any meal.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 1 lb (16 oz) fresh green beans, trimmed
2. 2 tablespoons butter
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 3 cloves minced garlic
5. ¼ cup sliced almonds
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Optional: a splash of lemon juice for zestiness

Follow these steps:

• Steam or blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
• Toss in the steamed green beans and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Sprinkle in the sliced almonds and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the almonds are toasted and the green beans are coated in the garlic butter sauce.
• For an extra hit of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish before serving.

This recipe serves four. It’s a tasty, healthy side for any meal. It makes any dinner special.

Creative Twist: Green Beans with Bacon

Bacon makes green beans taste amazing and smoky. It’s a hit at Thanksgiving. It mixes old traditions with new ideas. In fact, 15 out of 20 green bean recipes use bacon. This shows how much people love it in their Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients for a Savory Flavor

To make this tasty dish, you need a few things:

1. Fresh green beans: about 1 pound
2. Crispy bacon: around 6 slices
3. Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups
4. Cream of mushroom soup: 2 cans

For even more flavor, try these:

• Crispy fried onions
• Garlic powder: about 1 teaspoon
• Sautéed mushrooms: about 1 cup
• Hot sauce: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this savory green bean recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Take it out and save it, but keep the fat in the pan.
3. In the same pan, cook the green beans in the bacon fat until they’re tender.
4. Mix the cooked green beans with crispy bacon, cheese, and mushroom soup in a big bowl.
5. Put the mix in a baking dish, cover it, and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This will make the top golden and crispy.

For a special touch, add crispy fried onions or garlic powder. Serve it hot and enjoy a side dish that’s both traditional and modern!

Holiday-approved Green Bean Salad

Make your Thanksgiving dinner better with a fresh green bean salad. It’s great for healthy sides or vegan dishes. The mix of flavors and textures is perfect for holidays.

Fresh Ingredients to Consider

For a tasty green bean salad, get these ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh green beans, with a satisfying snap for better taste and longevity
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of red onions, thinly sliced (optional for extra bite)
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (omit to keep it vegan)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for high-quality freshness
• A squeeze of lemon juice for a zingy taste
• Seasonings: garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor

Boil the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes. This makes them crisp-tender. It’s key for a fresh salad.

Preparing the Dressing

The dressing brings everything together. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
2. Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for sweetness.
3. Put in a pinch of garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Whisk until it’s all mixed up.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill it for at least an hour. This lets the flavors mix well. Your salad will be a hit at the holiday table. It keeps in the fridge for three to five days, offering a healthy snack.

Vegetarian-Friendly Green Bean Recipes

Make your green bean dishes exciting with new vegetarian ideas. Hosting vegetarians at Thanksgiving or trying something new? These vegan green bean dishes are tasty and fun.

Flavorful Alternatives

Want bacon’s taste without meat? Try mushrooms instead. Make mushroom bacon with Baby Bella Mushrooms, soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices. It’s as tasty as bacon but meat-free.

1. Start by slicing 8-12 oz of Baby Bella Mushrooms.
2. Marinate them in a mix of ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and spices.
3. Bake the mushrooms at 350°F until crispy.

Top fresh green beans with mushroom bacon, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a tasty, easy dish.

Substitutions for Meat Eaters

Adapting green bean recipes without meat? Use smoked paprika or coconut aminos for smoky flavor. They replace bacon or ham, keeping your meal plant-based.

• Smoked paprika adds a smoky taste to green beans.
• Coconut aminos offer a sweet umami flavor without meat.
• Add nuts like almonds or cashews for crunch and protein.

Herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, or garlic scapes add taste. Even dried herbs work well, just use two teaspoons.

These creative ideas make your vegan green bean dishes delicious. They’re perfect for any holiday meal.

Make-Ahead Green Bean Dishes

Make easy Thanksgiving green bean recipes ahead of time. This lets you focus on other parts of your meal. These dishes can be made early, making your holiday less stressful and more fun.

Quick Prep Tips

Blanching is key for green bean meal prep. Boil them for 2-3 minutes, then chill in ice water. This keeps them crisp. Store them in the fridge for up to five days for easy cooking on Thanksgiving.

• Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
• Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
• Drain well and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Ideas for Freezing and Reheating

Freezing is great for long-term storage of green beans. Blanched beans can be frozen for up to eight months. Here’s how:

1. Blanch the green beans as mentioned above.
2. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
3. Transfer to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

When ready, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently. This keeps their texture and flavor. Whether it’s garlic green beans or a classic casserole, prep ahead makes your feast smoother and more fun.

Pairing Green Beans with Other Sides

Green beans are a great side dish for Thanksgiving. They go well with many other dishes. Their crisp texture and mild taste mix well with Thanksgiving favorites.

Perfect Combinations for Thanksgiving

Green beans pair well with sides like mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes contrast nicely with the green beans’ crunch. Stuffing adds a rich flavor that complements the green beans well.

Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy touch. It makes the meal even more flavorful.

Elevating Your Side Dish Game

To make green beans stand out, try adding sautéed mushrooms or Parmesan cheese. Many recipes include almonds and bacon. Citrus flavors like lemon zest add a refreshing twist.

Green beans also pair well with main dishes. They go great with beef, pork, turkey, seafood, and pasta. Try pairing them with dishes like Beef Tenderloin, Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin, Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, Honey Mustard Salmon, Crispy Baked Cod, or easy Alfredo pasta.

Conclusion: Celebrate with Green Bean Recipes

We’ve looked at many green bean recipes for Thanksgiving. Green beans are great for adding flavor and tradition to your meal. You can make many dishes with them, from classic casserole to sautéed green beans with almonds.

My Personal Favorites

I love the green bean casserole for its creamy taste and nostalgic feel. The green bean almondine is also a favorite, with its simple yet elegant flavor. Both dishes impress with their rich taste and soft texture.

I like to add walnuts and Craisins to the casserole. It makes the dish crunchy and sweet.

Encouragement to Experiment

Try new things with green beans. You can make a sauce with butter, maple syrup, and soy sauce. It’s sweet and savory.

Make your green beans in the microwave for a quick meal. Homemade fried onions and mushroom soup can make your casserole taste better. It’s all about having fun and trying new things.

I hope these tips inspire you to try something new this Thanksgiving. Make it special with unique green bean dishes.