Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, sharing stories, and of course, enjoying an incredible meal together. And let’s be real—no Thanksgiving feast is complete without those delightful side dishes that complement the turkey and stuffing! This classic green bean and almond dish is just the ticket for a crowd-pleasing *thanksgiving side*. It’s not only easy to whip up, but it also adds a pop of color and crunch to your table. Trust me, the combination of tender green beans with the nutty flavor of almonds and a hint of garlic is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, even those who are watching their diet. So, let’s dive into this tasty recipe that’s bound to become a staple at your Thanksgiving celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh green beans: Make sure they’re bright green and firm for the best texture.
- 1 cup of sliced almonds: These add a delightful crunch; feel free to lightly toast them for extra flavor!
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil: This will help the green beans roast beautifully and add richness.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor that’s absolutely necessary!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking—don’t be shy, a little extra salt can make all the difference!
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Side
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key to getting those green beans perfectly roasted!
- Next, wash and trim your green beans. Just snap off the ends—it’s super easy and makes for a cleaner presentation.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure every bean gets coated; it’ll really amp up the flavor!
- Spread the seasoned green beans out on a baking sheet. Try to keep them in a single layer; this helps them roast evenly.
- Now, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top. Ooh, they’ll get all toasty and delicious while baking!
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the beans are tender and the almonds are golden brown. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Finally, once they’re out of the oven, serve them warm and watch them disappear from the table!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Side
- So easy to prepare, you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones!
- Classic flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday favorites.
- Made with fresh, healthy ingredients that add color and nutrition to your feast.
- Quick cooking time—ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year, not just on Thanksgiving.
Tips for Success
To ensure your green beans turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the preheating step—this helps the beans roast evenly and stay crisp. Also, be mindful not to overcrowd the baking sheet; if they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest right before serving for a refreshing twist. And remember, taste as you go—adjusting the seasoning to your liking is key! Lastly, if you substitute nuts, make sure they’re fresh to really enhance that nutty flavor.
Variations of This Thanksgiving Side
If you’re in the mood to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this dish! For a different nutty flavor, try swapping the sliced almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans—both add a lovely crunch. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick! You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra veggies and color. Feeling adventurous? Try drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a tangy finish. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is more of a guideline than an exact science. Here’s the typical breakdown for one serving of this scrumptious Thanksgiving side:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before tossing them with the olive oil and seasonings. They might need a couple of extra minutes in the oven to get that perfect roast.
What can I substitute for almonds? If almonds aren’t your thing, walnuts or pecans work great too! They’ll add a different flavor but still give that lovely crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven right before serving, and you’re good to go!
How do I know when the green beans are done? They’re ready when they’re tender and the almonds are golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning!
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful twist. Just make sure they have similar cooking times to the green beans.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful green bean and almond dish pairs beautifully with so many classic Thanksgiving favorites! Serve it alongside a juicy roasted turkey or glazed ham for a hearty meal. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes and rich stuffing perfectly, adding a nice crunch to your plate. For a touch of sweetness, consider pairing it with cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney. And don’t forget the warm dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your green bean and almond dish fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the green beans on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover them loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy those flavors all over again!
Print
Thanksgiving Side: 7 Irresistible Green Bean Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a bowl, toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the green beans on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the beans are tender and almonds are golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds with walnuts if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- 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: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving side
