Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. One dish that never fails to steal the show for me is my *thanksgiving beans*. This hearty, flavorful dish brings a burst of color and taste to the table, complementing the classic turkey and stuffing. I love how the roasted green beans, with their slight crispiness, dance with the sweet tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. It’s such a simple yet elegant dish that adds a touch of warmth to the holiday spirit. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these beans long after the last bite!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Beans
Gathering the right ingredients for my *thanksgiving beans* is super easy and oh-so-rewarding! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed: Fresh and vibrant, these are the star of the show!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps with roasting.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible aroma and flavor that makes everything better.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: For a pop of sweetness and color that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Beans
Preparing my *thanksgiving beans* is a breeze, and I love how each step builds flavor and texture! Follow along, and you’ll have a gorgeous side dish ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the beans roast evenly, giving them that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Tossing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the trimmed green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every bean gets a nice coating; this is where the magic happens! I like to use my hands for this—just be gentle and make sure all those beautiful beans are evenly dressed. You’ll love the way the garlic starts to smell!
Roasting the Beans
Next, spread the green bean mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast rather than steam, which is exactly what you want! Roast them in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, but don’t forget to stir halfway through to ensure they get that golden-brown color on all sides.
Adding Final Touches
Once your beans are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and immediately add the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Give everything a good toss to combine. This step is key because the heat from the beans will slightly toast the walnuts and plump up the cranberries, making each bite even more delightful. Serve warm, and watch your guests dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of roasted green beans, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries is simply irresistible!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this stunning side dish in no time.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: It adds a festive touch to your holiday table while being a healthy option.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or add a splash of balsamic for extra zing!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *thanksgiving beans* turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your green beans are fresh and bright; limp beans just won’t cut it. If you want extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a zesty kick. Don’t be shy with the garlic—if you love it, use an extra clove or two! Also, remember to check on your beans while they roast; oven temperatures can vary, so adjust cooking time as needed. Finally, if you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them in a skillet for a quick and tasty option the next day!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to my *thanksgiving beans*, you get a hearty and nutritious side dish that won’t weigh you down! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
These values are approximate, but they give you a great idea of how wholesome this dish is! Perfect for balancing out those heavier holiday plates!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Beans
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before tossing with the olive oil and seasonings. They might not get quite as crisp, but they’ll still taste great!
What can I substitute for walnuts? If you have nut allergies or just prefer something different, sunflower seeds or sliced almonds work beautifully. They’ll add a nice crunch without the nutty flavor.
Can I prepare these beans ahead of time? Yes! You can roast the beans a day in advance and reheat them just before serving. Just be sure to add the walnuts and cranberries right before serving for maximum freshness.
What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to mix in some sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. Roasting them alongside the green beans will make a wonderful medley!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover *thanksgiving beans* is super simple! Just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This way, they’ll regain that lovely warmth and a bit of their crispness. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a little soggy. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Print
Thanksgiving Beans: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and add walnuts and cranberries.
- Toss to combine and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other nuts or seeds for variety.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving beans
