Oh, let me tell you, this green bean and almond dish is a total showstopper for Thanksgiving! It’s not just any side dish; it’s a vibrant, crunchy delight that’s become a staple at my family gatherings. Every year, I look forward to that moment when I pull it out of the oven, the warm aroma of garlic filling the air. There’s something truly special about sharing this dish with loved ones, as we all gather around the table, thankful for the delicious food and each other’s company. Trust me, this colorful side adds a touch of elegance to your holiday spread while being super easy to whip up. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh, trimmed green beans
- 1 cup of sliced, toasted almonds
- 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this green bean and almond side dish is a breeze! I promise you’ll have it ready in no time, and it’ll be the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting those green beans and bringing out their flavor.
- While the oven is warming up, wash and trim your green beans. You want them nice and fresh, so be sure to snap off those tough ends!
- Now, grab a medium-sized pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking—this is where the magic begins!
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Oh, the smell is going to be heavenly! Just be careful not to let it brown too much; we want that lovely garlic flavor without the bitterness.
- Next, toss in the green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn bright green and tender-crisp; we want to keep that crunch!
- Now for the almonds! Add the sliced almonds to the pan and stir everything together. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- Season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. This step will roast the green beans and the almonds, creating a beautiful golden color and enhancing the flavors.
- Once done, pull it out of the oven and serve warm. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious side dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Flavorful and aromatic, with a perfect balance of garlic and crunch from the almonds.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday table.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it, regardless of dietary preferences.
- A crowd-pleaser that complements any Thanksgiving spread, from turkey to mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your green bean and almond side dish turns out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips!
- Fresh is best: Always choose the freshest green beans you can find. They should be bright green and crisp, which really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Customize with lemon: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some lemon zest just before serving. It brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aroma!
- Prep ahead: You can prepare everything a day in advance! Just cook the green beans and almonds, let them cool, then store in the fridge. On Thanksgiving day, simply pop them in the oven to reheat and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh seasoning.
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on those green beans while they bake. You want them tender but still with a nice crunch—nobody likes mushy beans!
- Serve with flair: When you serve this dish, consider garnishing it with a few extra toasted almonds on top. It adds a beautiful touch that’s sure to impress your guests!
Trust me, these little tips will take your side dish to the next level and make it a standout at your Thanksgiving table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this green bean and almond side dish, it’s nice to know just how it fits into your Thanksgiving feast! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are based on standard ingredient measurements and can vary based on specific brands or additional ingredients you might choose to add. So, enjoy this dish knowing it’s not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your holiday meal!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get about this green bean and almond side dish, so let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking, and you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a couple of minutes longer to heat through.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Making this dish ahead is super easy! You can prepare the green beans and almonds the day before, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. On Thanksgiving day, simply reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Just be sure to sprinkle some fresh seasoning before serving!
What can I substitute for almonds?
If almonds aren’t your thing or you need a nut-free option, no worries! You can substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Or, if you’re looking for something different, try adding crispy fried onions for an extra flavor kick!
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but I highly recommend using fresh garlic for that incredible aroma and flavor! If you’re in a bind, though, about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute—just keep in mind it won’t have the same punch!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This green bean and almond dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect addition for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any additional seasonings you might use to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this green bean and almond side dish is super simple and ensures you can enjoy those delicious flavors even after Thanksgiving! First things first, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents any sogginess. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep those green beans crisp and the almonds crunchy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the green beans and almonds on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you notice the beans drying out a bit, you can drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over them before popping them in the oven. It’ll bring back that lovely texture!
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with mushy beans! Enjoy the leftovers as a quick snack or as a part of another meal—you really can’t go wrong with this tasty side dish!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to Thanksgiving, this green bean and almond side dish shines brightest when paired with all the festive favorites! Picture this: a beautifully roasted turkey, golden and succulent, sitting next to your vibrant green beans. The crunch of the almonds complements the tenderness of the turkey perfectly, creating a delightful contrast.
Don’t forget about mashed potatoes—creamy, buttery, and rich! They make a fantastic duo with the crisp green beans, and I love to mix a little bit of that garlicky goodness from the beans into my potatoes for an extra flavor kick. It’s simply divine!
If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, a generous scoop of homemade cranberry sauce adds a bright, tangy touch that balances out the savory elements of the meal. The tartness of the cranberries plays beautifully with the nutty flavor of the almonds, creating a harmony of tastes that’s just perfect for the holiday.
And let’s not forget stuffing! Whether it’s a traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice blend, the earthy flavors work wonderfully alongside the freshness of the green beans. Just imagine the colorful plate of deliciousness you’ll serve!
So, go ahead and fill your Thanksgiving table with these delightful combinations. Your guests will be raving about how well everything pairs together, and you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Print
Side Dish for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Green Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add sliced almonds and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: side dish for thanksgiving
