Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without those vibrant green beans on the table, right? They’re not just a side dish; they’re a family tradition! I remember one year, my aunt’s green beans stole the show—crisp, bright, and bursting with flavor. This green bean Thanksgiving recipe is just as memorable, featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and juicy cherry tomatoes, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s quick to make, yet it brings a delightful twist that everyone loves. Trust me, this dish will be the star of your holiday feast!
Ingredients for Green Bean Thanksgiving
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare This Green Bean Thanksgiving Dish
Preparing these green beans is super simple and oh-so-satisfying! Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious dish shine on your Thanksgiving table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. This little step makes a big difference in presentation.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Once they’re done, drain the beans and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them fresh and bright! It’s a trick I swear by.
- Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant—wow, that smell!
- Now, toss in the blanched green beans and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. It adds that perfect finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Thanksgiving Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up amidst all the Thanksgiving chaos!
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp green beans brings a burst of freshness to your holiday table.
- Healthy Side Dish: Packed with nutrients, this recipe is a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from turkey to vegetarian options.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the green beans and cherry tomatoes make for an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the garlic or swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast—it’s all about making it your own!
Tips for Success with Your Green Bean Thanksgiving
To ensure your green bean dish turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips you won’t want to miss!
- Choose Fresh Beans: Look for bright green, firm beans with no blemishes. They should snap easily when bent. Freshness makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
- Don’t Overcook: Blanching is key! Keep an eye on your green beans to avoid mushiness. They should be tender-crisp when you drain them. A quick plunge in ice water is essential for that vibrant color.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season to taste after cooking, and remember that Parmesan adds saltiness too, so adjust accordingly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or toss in some toasted nuts for crunch. It’s all about personalizing this dish!
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your green beans right after cooking. They’re at their peak when hot and fresh!
- Make Ahead Tips: If you’re short on time, you can blanch the green beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just sauté them with garlic and tomatoes right before serving!
Nutritional Information for Green Bean Thanksgiving
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delightful green bean Thanksgiving dish. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 5g
This nutritional information highlights how this green bean dish is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your Thanksgiving feast! Enjoy the flavors without the guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Bean Thanksgiving
I know you might have a few questions about making this scrumptious green bean Thanksgiving dish, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones!
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess water in the dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative! It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You could also try a plant-based Parmesan if you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even carrots for a colorful twist. Just keep in mind to adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This green bean Thanksgiving recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone at the table can enjoy it without worry.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can blanch the green beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just sauté them with garlic and tomatoes right before serving for the best flavor!
What pairs well with this dish?
This green bean dish complements a variety of Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey, ham, or even a hearty vegetarian pot pie. It’s a versatile side that enhances any meal!
Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Thanksgiving
Now that you’ve got this scrumptious green bean dish ready to go, let’s talk about how to round out your Thanksgiving feast! The beauty of this green bean Thanksgiving recipe is its versatility, making it a perfect companion to so many main courses.
- Classic Roast Turkey: Nothing beats the traditional turkey! The juicy, savory flavors of the bird pair beautifully with the fresh crunch of the green beans.
- Honey Glazed Ham: Sweet and salty, a honey-glazed ham complements the bright flavors of the sautéed green beans and adds a festive touch.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a vegetarian option, serve with stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa, cranberries, and nuts. It’s hearty and makes for a stunning presentation!
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes—smooth, creamy, and the perfect base for that delicious gravy. The green beans provide a nice contrast!
- Homemade Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs and spices will elevate your meal, and the flavors meld wonderfully with the green beans.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Add a medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes for an earthy, sweet side that pairs nicely with the freshness of the beans.
Don’t forget to set the table with warm rolls and a rich gravy to drizzle over everything! Trust me, your Thanksgiving spread will be a hit, and those green beans? They’ll shine just as bright as the turkey! Enjoy the feast!
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Green Bean Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic green bean dish for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the beans and transfer them to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add blanched green beans and cherry tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best taste.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
- Can substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: green bean Thanksgiving
