Oh my goodness, let me tell you about green beans for Thanksgiving! Growing up, these vibrant green beauties were always a staple on our holiday table. I can still picture my mom tossing them with just the right amount of garlic and olive oil, filling the kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It’s such a simple dish, yet it brings a burst of freshness that perfectly complements all the rich flavors of Thanksgiving. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million other dishes! Trust me, once you try this roasted version with crunchy almonds, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without them!
Ingredients for Green Beans for Thanksgiving
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious green beans that will have everyone going back for seconds!
- 1 pound fresh green beans – Make sure they’re trimmed, which means cutting off those tough little ends for a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This will help the green beans roast beautifully and add a lovely depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is where the magic happens; it infuses the dish with that wonderful aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A crucial seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just the right amount to give a little kick!
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the green beans.
How to Prepare Green Beans for Thanksgiving
Preparing these green beans is as easy as pie! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping them up every Thanksgiving—and maybe even on regular weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial to get that perfect roasted flavor and texture. You don’t want to skip this step!
- Trim the green beans by cutting off the tough ends. I like to line them up and take off just the tips. It’s quick and makes for a clean presentation!
- Toss the green beans in a large bowl with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated; I love using my hands for this—it’s the best way to feel the ingredients come together!
- Spread the green beans out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures they roast evenly and get that delicious caramelization. No crowding here!
- Roast them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. I usually check around the 15-minute mark; they should be tender but still vibrant green. If you want them a bit charred, leave them in just a couple of minutes longer.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top right before serving. This adds that wonderful crunch you’ll love!
And there you have it! A simple yet delightful side dish that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about the nutritional value of these scrumptious green beans for Thanksgiving, here’s a quick breakdown. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 120 calories, 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 4g of fiber, which is always a bonus! Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates, but they’re a great way to keep track of your holiday feast. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence this Thanksgiving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this green beans for Thanksgiving recipe! It’s everything you want in a side dish—delicious, easy to make, and adaptable to your tastes. Here are just a few highlights:
- Quick to make: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have these beautiful green beans ready while you juggle other dishes.
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients and fiber, these green beans are a great way to add some wholesome goodness to your holiday plate.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic and roasted almonds elevates the dish, bringing a delightful depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret!
- Easy to customize: Feel free to swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts or add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success
To make these green beans shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go! If you like a bit more zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can really brighten everything up. Also, if you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to toss in an extra clove or two for that extra punch. When it comes to roasting, keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark; you want them tender but still crisp. And if you’re planning to serve these beans with a big holiday feast, they can easily be prepped ahead of time. Just roast them earlier in the day, then reheat quickly in the oven before serving. Trust me, your guests will love them!
Variations on Green Beans for Thanksgiving
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with your green beans for Thanksgiving, I’ve got some fun variations that are sure to delight! For a different crunch, try swapping out the sliced almonds for toasted walnuts or pecans. They bring a lovely richness that pairs beautifully with the beans. If you’re looking for a flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle kick. And don’t forget about the magic of citrus! A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving can brighten up the dish and make those flavors pop. You can even throw in some freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
These green beans for Thanksgiving are the perfect side dish, and they pair beautifully with a variety of main courses! I love serving them alongside a juicy roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham for that classic holiday feel. They also complement rich dishes like beef tenderloin or creamy mushroom risotto wonderfully. As for other sides, consider pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce for that delightful contrast of flavors. Trust me, these green beans will steal the show on your Thanksgiving table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your Thanksgiving feast, you might have some delicious green beans left over, and that’s a great thing! To store them, simply place the leftover green beans in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven to bring back that crispy texture—just spread them out on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might lose that lovely crunch!
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Green Beans for Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple green bean 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a bowl, toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the green beans on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and serve.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can add lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Substitute almonds with walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans for thanksgiving
