Hey there, friends! If you’re on the hunt for an *easy Thanksgiving dish* that’s as delicious as it is simple, you’ve landed in the right spot! This green bean and almond bake is my go-to every holiday season. It’s so straightforward that even my kids love helping out in the kitchen. Picture tender green beans tossed with crunchy almonds and a hint of garlic, all baked to perfection—yum! I promise, it’ll be a hit on your Thanksgiving table. Plus, it only takes about 40 minutes total, leaving you plenty of time for pie! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of green beans: Fresh, vibrant green beans are the star of this dish! Look for ones that are firm and bright in color. Trim the ends to prepare them for roasting.
- 1 cup of sliced almonds: These add a lovely crunch! You can find them pre-sliced in the baking aisle, or slice whole almonds if you prefer.
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil: This adds richness and helps everything crisp up in the oven. Use extra virgin for the best flavor!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor. Don’t be shy—mince it finely to release all those yummy oils!
- 1 teaspoon of salt: It enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this step. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper: Freshly cracked is the way to go for that little kick! If you like it spicy, add a bit more.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the green beans cook evenly and gives those almonds that gorgeous golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Green Beans
Now, grab your green beans and give them a good rinse under cold water. This gets rid of any dirt or grit. Next, trim off the ends—just a quick snap or cut will do! I usually line them up and chop off the ends all at once. It’s quick and efficient!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mix things up! Combine your olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all blended together. The smell of garlic will already start to make your kitchen feel amazing! Make sure the oil is evenly distributed so every bite packs a flavor punch.
Combine Green Beans and Almonds
Add the washed green beans and sliced almonds to that flavorful mixture. Now comes the fun part—toss everything together! I like to use my hands (clean, of course!) to really coat the green beans and almonds in that garlicky goodness. You want every piece to have a touch of that mixture!
Bake the Dish
Spread the green bean and almond mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the green beans are tender and the almonds are toasty and golden. The aroma will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super simple and quick to whip up—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- The combination of tender green beans and crunchy almonds is absolutely delicious.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it a great option for all your guests.
- It can easily be made ahead of time and warmed up, saving you stress on Thanksgiving Day.
- The flavors are fresh and vibrant, adding a lovely touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
- It’s flexible—feel free to swap out almonds for your favorite nuts or even add a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing!
- It’s a healthy side dish that balances out all the rich and hearty Thanksgiving favorites.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, if you want this *easy Thanksgiving dish* to shine, I’ve got some pro tips just for you!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give those green beans and almonds some space! If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of roast, and we want that crispy texture!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh green beans and garlic make a world of difference in flavor. You’ll really taste the love in every bite!
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to play around with seasonings! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or some Italian herbs for a different twist.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on those almonds! They can go from golden to burnt in just a minute. Give them a little stir halfway through baking to ensure they toast evenly.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the green beans are still crisp and the almonds are warm. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
With these tips, you’ll be a green bean baking superstar in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with this *easy Thanksgiving dish*, here are some fun variations to try! Each one brings a unique twist while keeping the essence of that deliciousness we love.
- Cheesy Green Beans: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans and almonds during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, savory touch!
- Lemon Zest: Add some freshly grated lemon zest to the olive oil mixture before tossing. It brightens up the flavors and gives a refreshing kick!
- Mushroom Medley: Toss in some sliced mushrooms with the green beans for an earthy flavor. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the beans and almonds.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil mix. It’s a great way to spice things up!
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the green beans before baking for a sweet twist that pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of the almonds!
- Fruit Addition: Try adding some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds just before serving for a pop of color and sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Feel free to get creative—these variations not only keep things interesting but can also make your dish stand out on the Thanksgiving table. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This *easy Thanksgiving dish* is not just tasty but also packed with some good-for-you ingredients. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a solid idea of what you’re serving up! Enjoy your healthy yet delicious side dish this Thanksgiving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious green beans and almonds fresh for later! If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will, they’re that good!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Storage: Allow the green bean and almond dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it if you’re forgetful like me!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and pop them in for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. This helps restore that lovely crispness! If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them, but I recommend using a microwave-safe dish and covering it to avoid drying them out—heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Pro Tip: If you want to refresh the flavors, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top before reheating, or add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. It’ll make them taste almost as good as fresh!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of this *easy Thanksgiving dish* without missing out on any of that deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It saves so much time on Thanksgiving Day!
What if I don’t have sliced almonds?
No worries at all! You can easily swap them for other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version. The green beans will still shine!
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing. They might not get as crispy as fresh beans, but they’ll still taste great!
How do I know when the green beans are done?
You’ll want to look for a fork-tender texture on the green beans and a golden color on the almonds. If they’re tender and the aroma is wafting through your kitchen, you’re good to go!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different veggies may require adjustments!
Easy Thanksgiving Dish: 7 Simple Tips for Success
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving dish that anyone can prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add green beans and almonds to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until green beans are tender and almonds are golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon juice before serving.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts for almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving dish
