Classics like Green Bean Almondine never go out of style. This simple green bean side dish is elegant, easy to prepare, and perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any holiday meal.
We always fill the holiday table with lots of sides. Some family favorites we often serve alongside these green beans include savory stuffing and glazed carrots. But the timeless appeal of bright, buttery green beans with a crunchy almond topping is hard to beat.
What Are Green Beans Almondine?
Green Beans Almondine is a classic vegetable side made from blanched green beans finished with butter and topped with toasted sliced almonds. The dish is simple, flavorful, and can be prepared ahead of time—making it ideal for busy holiday cooking.
The method relies on bright, tender-crisp green beans combined with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds toasted in butter. While some variations add lemon or orange zest, shallots, or bacon, this version stays straightforward to let the beans and almonds shine.
How Do You Make This Green Bean Recipe?
Begin by blanching the green beans to preserve their vibrant color and firm texture. Rinsing them with cold water immediately after blanching stops the cooking and prevents mushiness.
To prepare the almond topping, melt butter in a skillet and add the sliced almonds. Toast the almonds over medium heat, tossing frequently, until they turn golden and fragrant. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the blanched green beans. Add fresh chopped garlic for flavor and toss gently over medium-low heat just to warm the beans and infuse the garlic without burning it. One to two teaspoons of minced garlic is a good starting point, adjusted to taste.
When the beans are heated through, transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top. Finish with a little kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Can You Make This Green Bean Side Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Making parts of this recipe ahead of time saves stress on the day of your celebration. You can blanch the beans the day before and toast the almonds ahead as well. When you’re ready to serve, briefly warm the beans with butter and garlic, then top with the warm toasted almonds.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling, salted water for 4–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, warm the blanched beans in a skillet with butter and garlic until heated through. Toast the almonds in the same skillet in a little butter, then spoon them over the beans and serve.
Looking For More Thanksgiving Side Dishes?
- Apple Rum Sweet Potatoes
- The BEST Roasted Carrots
- Creamed Peas with Fried Shallots
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Green Beans Almondine
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
This delicious green bean side is ideal for holiday dinners or a simple weeknight meal. The buttery beans and crunchy almonds make a satisfying combination that’s easy to scale up for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans in boiling, salted water for 4–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, tossing frequently, about 4–5 minutes until golden. Remove the almonds and keep warm.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the blanched green beans and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and toss just to warm through, about 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving platter, top with the toasted almonds, and finish with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American