Ah, the holiday season! It’s my absolute favorite time of year, and you know why? It’s all about the food! Having delightful Christmas sides is a must for every festive meal. I remember growing up, my family would gather in the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we prepared our cherished side dishes. We’d make everything from roasted veggies to creamy casseroles, but one dish that always stole the show was my mom’s green bean and cherry tomato bake. It’s such a simple recipe, yet it perfectly complements our holiday turkey or ham, and the vibrant colors just brighten up the table! Trust me, these sides not only add flavor but also make your holiday spread look absolutely stunning. So, let’s dive into the joy of cooking these festive dishes together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to whip up—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- The combination of green beans and cherry tomatoes is not just colorful but bursting with flavor.
- With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly without sacrificing taste.
- This dish pairs beautifully with your holiday turkey or ham, adding a fresh and festive touch.
- It’s a vegetarian-friendly option, making it great for all your guests!
- Baking brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, making them a hit with everyone!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of trimmed green beans
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prep
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in. While that’s heating up, wash and trim your green beans—just snap off the ends, and they’re good to go. Then, grab your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. This little step not only makes them easier to eat, but it also helps them roast beautifully! You can already start to smell the fresh veggies—yum!
Combine and Bake
Now, let’s bring it all together! In a large mixing bowl, toss the trimmed green beans and halved cherry tomatoes with that lovely extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything’s well coated; this will help the flavors really pop during baking. Once that’s done, spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Don’t forget to sprinkle those sliced almonds on top for that crunchy texture! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; look for those green beans to be tender and vibrant, and the tomatoes to be juicy and bursting. Wow, the aroma will fill your kitchen, and you won’t be able to resist sneaking a taste before serving!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious Christmas sides, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! This dish offers about 120 calories per serving, with 7g of fat, 3g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 4g of fiber, which is a lovely bonus! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness you’re serving up. Enjoy your festive meal guilt-free!
Tips for Success
To really elevate this dish, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your liking! A pinch of garlic powder or some minced fresh garlic can add a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist! You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it even more colorful and nutritious—just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly if you use softer veggies.
And remember, the key to perfectly roasted green beans is to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly and get that delightful caramelization! Oh, and if you have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day—just toss them in a salad or enjoy them cold. Happy cooking!
Variations
Get creative with this festive dish! You can easily switch things up by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try mixing in roasted bell peppers or even some sweet corn for a pop of color and sweetness. For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the top before baking—trust me, it’s heavenly! You could also swap out the green beans for asparagus or Brussels sprouts, keeping that vibrant holiday spirit alive while experimenting with flavors. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful Christmas side, it shines brightest alongside classic holiday mains! Picture it next to a beautifully roasted turkey—those tender green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes will add a fresh contrast to the savory bird. Or how about pairing it with glazed ham? The sweetness of the ham complements the natural sugars in the veggies beautifully! You could even serve it with a rich beef roast for a heartier meal. No matter what you choose, this vibrant dish will enhance your holiday table and impress your guests!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this delightful Christmas side can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled down before sealing them up! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quicker option, but I recommend the oven to keep that lovely roasted texture intact. Trust me, these veggies taste just as good the second time around!
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Christmas Sides to Brighten Your Holiday Feast: 6 Must-Try Dishes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas side dishes to complement your holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a bowl, toss green beans, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the beans are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- You can add garlic for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with turkey or ham.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas sides, holiday side dishes, festive vegetables
