Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we all know that no holiday feast is complete without a delicious vegetable side dish. While there are many options to choose from, we can’t deny the appeal of fresh green beans on the Thanksgiving table. But how can we take this humble ingredient and transform it into a mouthwatering holiday side dish?
Join us as we explore a variety of innovative and savory Thanksgiving green bean recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic green bean casserole to tangy glazed green beans, these recipes will add a burst of flavor and color to your Thanksgiving spread.
Key Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving green beans are a must-have on the holiday table
- There are endless options to create delicious and savory side dishes
- These recipes will add a burst of flavor and color to your Thanksgiving spread
- From classic green bean casserole to tangy glazed green beans, there’s something for everyone
- Include fresh and healthy options, such as sautéed green beans or tangy glazed green beans, on your holiday table
Simple and Delicious Green Beans
Sometimes, simple is best. This green bean recipe requires just a few ingredients – green beans, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings – but the result is a flavorful and delicious side dish. Blanch the green beans before sautéing them with garlic for a vibrant and crisp texture. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any weeknight dinner.
For this simple and delicious green bean recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to prepare this easy Thanksgiving side dish:
- Start by blanching the green beans. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then transfer the green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
This simple green bean recipe is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Its vibrant color and delicious flavor make it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of garlic and olive oil adds a savory touch to the fresh green beans, elevating this classic side dish.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Bacon Bread Crumbs
Looking to add a delicious twist to the classic green bean casserole for your Thanksgiving feast? Our recipe for Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Bacon Bread Crumbs will take this traditional holiday side dish to a whole new level. The combination of creamy green beans, crispy bacon bread crumbs, and savory onions will have your guests coming back for seconds.
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of fresh green beans
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, you’ll want to blanch your green beans by boiling them in salted water for about 5 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will ensure that your green beans are tender yet crisp.
In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, and cooked bacon. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the blanched green beans in a greased baking dish and pour the creamy mixture over them. Spread the mixture evenly and top it off with the homemade bacon bread crumbs.
To make the bacon bread crumbs, simply mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle this delicious topping over the green bean casserole.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
This creamy green bean casserole with homemade bacon bread crumbs is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of creamy and crispy textures, along with the smoky flavor of the bacon, will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting holiday side dish.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Bacon Bread Crumbs Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 pounds of fresh green beans | 1. Blanch the green beans by boiling them in salted water for 5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. |
| 1 can of cream of mushroom soup | 2. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. |
| 1 cup of milk | 3. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent in the same pan used for the bacon. |
| 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese | 4. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, and cooked bacon. |
| 1 small onion, finely chopped | 5. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 4 slices of bacon | 6. Place the blanched green beans in a greased baking dish and pour the creamy mixture over them. |
| 1 cup of bread crumbs | 7. Spread the mixture evenly and top it off with the homemade bacon bread crumbs. |
| 2 tablespoons of melted butter | 8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | 9. Serve and enjoy! |
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Green Beans
If you’re looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving side dish that will free up space in your oven and stovetop, look no further than this easy and convenient slow-cooker recipe. These Slow-Cooker Cheesy Green Beans are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines the richness of cheese with the comforting flavors of green beans. Instead of the traditional cream of mushroom soup, this recipe uses jarred Alfredo sauce for a cheesy and savory twist.
To prepare this delicious dish, simply toss fresh green beans, jarred Alfredo sauce, and some seasonings into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender green beans coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish cooks is enough to make your mouth water!
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and steps:
- 3 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Add the trimmed green beans, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
2. Stir well to coat the green beans with the sauce and seasonings.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the green beans are tender.
4. Serve the Slow-Cooker Cheesy Green Beans as a delicious and comforting side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
This stress-free slow-cooker recipe is a perfect option when you need to save time and space in the kitchen during the busy Thanksgiving preparations. The creamy and cheesy flavors of this dish will complement your holiday spread and leave your guests asking for seconds.
Balsamic Glazed Green Beans with Onions
Impress your guests with these elegant balsamic glazed green beans. The balsamic vinegar brings a tangy and sweet flavor to balance out the savory onions and garlicky beans. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy side dish looks and tastes sophisticated. These glazed green beans will add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread.
For this Thanksgiving vegetable dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make these tangy green beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cooked green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are coated in the glaze and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the glazed green beans to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or toasted almonds for extra flavor and presentation.
These balsamic glazed green beans with onions will be a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. Their tangy flavor and elegant appearance will impress your guests and provide a refreshing break from the traditional holiday dishes. Enjoy!
Green Beans with Lemon and Browned Butter
Add a burst of freshness to your Thanksgiving meal with these green beans tossed in lemon and browned butter. The French cooking technique of garnishing with crunchy almonds, lemon, and browned butter takes these green beans to the next level. The nutty flavor of the almonds and the tanginess of the lemon perfectly complement the green beans. This recipe will elevate your Thanksgiving vegetable dish.
For this delightful Thanksgiving side dish, we combine the natural sweetness of green beans with the bright flavors of lemon and the rich, nutty goodness of browned butter. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both vibrant and comforting, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.
To prepare this recipe, start by blanching the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender. Then, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant green color.
“Blanching the green beans ensures that they retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.”
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.
“Browning the butter adds a deliciously rich and nutty flavor to the dish.”
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the browned butter, allowing them to cook for a few minutes until they are heated through and lightly coated in the buttery goodness.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans and sprinkle with lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Top it off with crunchy slivered almonds for an added texture and nutty taste.
Your green beans with lemon and browned butter are now ready to grace your Thanksgiving table. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish alongside your turkey and other holiday favorites.
Variation: Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
If you prefer a more savory flavor profile, you can add minced garlic to the skillet along with the green beans. Sauté the garlic until fragrant before tossing in the green beans and continuing with the recipe as directed. The garlic will infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor, complementing the tangy lemon and nutty browned butter.
Variation: Lemon-Dijon Green Beans
For a tangy twist, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Toss the blanched green beans in this lemon-Dijon mixture along with some melted butter. The result is a bright and zesty flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Conclusion
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes to Delight Your Guests
As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the Thanksgiving feast. This year, why not spice up your traditional Thanksgiving sides with some healthy and flavorful twists? These savory Thanksgiving green bean recipes provide a range of options to satisfy everyone’s tastes while adding a touch of freshness to your table.
If you’re a fan of the classics, don’t miss out on the creamy and indulgent green bean casserole with homemade bacon bread crumbs. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the richness of the creamy green beans with the irresistible crunch of the homemade bacon bread crumbs. It’s a delightful upgrade to the traditional casserole that will leave your guests craving for more.
For those looking for a lighter option, sautéed green beans or tangy glazed green beans are the perfect choices. Sautéed green beans, cooked with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings, offer a simple yet delicious side dish that complements any Thanksgiving meal. On the other hand, the balsamic glazed green beans with onions provide an elegant twist with the tangy and sweet flavors. You’ll impress your guests with its sophisticated taste and beautiful presentation.
It’s important to balance indulgence with health during the holiday season. By incorporating these fresh and healthy green bean recipes into your Thanksgiving spread, you can ensure a well-rounded meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your desire for nutritious choices. So, this Thanksgiving, explore these traditional green bean sides with a twist, and create a memorable feast for your loved ones to enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving!