I know Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, but the sides are where my heart lives. A platter of gorgeous green beans can absolutely steal the show, and there are so many fun ways to make them sing. From buttery and garlicky to smoky and cheesy, I've gathered 22 recipes that'll make your holiday table shine.
1. Thanksgiving Green Beans
Jazz up your holiday table with this classic Thanksgiving green beans recipe. Fresh green beans are perfectly cooked with shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme. The garlic and thyme add a lovely aromatic, earthy flavor to the dish.
2. Sweet And Sour Chickpeas And Green Beans
Turkey needs a lively partner on the plate, and this dish is ready to play. Sweet and sour chickpeas join forces with green beans for the tastiest little side. I love that it's such a clever way to get the whole family excited about their vegetables.
3. Green Beans and Almonds
These green beans and almonds are such a lovely addition to the holiday lineup. The crunchy toasted almonds give a wonderful contrast to the tender, buttery green beans. A blend of garlic, onion, and orange juice makes the flavors pop just right.
4. Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Nothing makes a Thanksgiving meal feel more complete than green beans with garlic and bacon. The green beans go tender as they cook with smoky bacon and garlic. It's a simple yet completely delicious way to kick off your meal.
5. Best Smoked Green Beans
Smoking vegetables is such a smart trick for adding depth without losing their true taste. These smoky beans come out perfectly cooked and bring a unique flavor to your holiday dinner. They're a delicious surprise for the table.
6. Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan
Roasted treats are a must for the holiday, and these are not your average green beans. They're even better. Imagine creamy, garlicky bites with a little crunch from the pine nuts. The lemon and Parmesan finish it off beautifully.
7. Spring Nicoise Salad
This spring Niçoise salad is a gorgeous addition to the holiday table. It's loaded with fresh arugula, mixed greens, tomatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and capers. I love how the mustard vinaigrette gives it a nice tangy kick with a touch of spice.
8. Loaded Skillet Toasted Green Beans
If you want to surprise your guests with something new, start here. These green beans get cozy in a skillet with butter and bacon fat until they turn perfectly tender. Then I toss them with salty bacon, crumbly feta, and toasted almonds. What a happy little symphony of textures and flavors.
9. Blistered Green Beans with Miso Butter
Simple can absolutely still burst with flavor, and this dish proves it. The green beans get a quick cook to develop that crispy, caramelized outside. Then the miso butter steps in with its rich, nutty warmth. It's a total flavor bomb.
10. Sesame Ginger Green Beans
Want an easy dish that everyone at the table will love? These no-fuss sesame ginger green beans are the answer. Green beans are always a great side dish, whether you sauté them or roast them. This version is full of bright flavor.
11. Beans Palya
Bring a little South Asian flair to your feast with this bean palya. Fresh beans, aromatic spices, and grated coconut come together in the richest way. It's hearty and full of bold flavor. This dish is a fantastic accompaniment to everything on your Thanksgiving table.
12. Sautéed Green Beans with Bleu Cheese and Walnuts
Thanksgiving means a lot of food, but that doesn't mean we need a lot of stress. Who needs all the fuss when you can keep things simple and still totally delicious? Sautéed green beans with bleu cheese and walnuts are the answer.
13. Chervil Vinaigrette
A holiday spread deserves a punchy little sauce to bring it all together. This vinaigrette gives a lovely herbaceous lift thanks to the chervil. I love drizzling it right over roasted green beans. It works wonders on other veggies too.
14. Green Bean Salad With Peas, Chard And Dijon Tarragon Vinaigrette
Time to get your greens on in the best possible way. This salad is vibrant, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful. The snap of the green beans and peas pairs beautifully with leafy Swiss chard. A tangy Dijon tarragon vinaigrette ties the whole thing together.
15. No-Fail Butter and Garlic Green Beans
The holiday kitchen can get a little wild, so I'm all about a side dish that doesn't fuss. These butter and garlic green beans are my kind of rescue. Picture tender green beans tossing around in melted butter, garlic, and a hit of salt and pepper. Simple and completely reliable.
16. Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Thanksgiving is for gathering, sharing food, and having a little fun. So why not make the table even more exciting? I have an idea for you: bacon-wrapped green bean bundles! They're the cutest little flavor packages.
17. Cheesy Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Stop searching for the perfect turkey sidekick, because this is it. This cheesy loaded green bean casserole is the ultimate comfort on a plate. You get salty and savory flavors paired with crispy and soft textures all in one bite. Pure holiday magic.
18. Charred Green Beans
Looking for a dish that wakes everyone's taste buds right up? Charred green beans are the answer. They have a smoky flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture that makes them a true crowd-pleaser. A light seasoning of salt and pepper is all they need.
19. Southern-Style Green Beans
This Thanksgiving, I want the kitchen to feel like a place of pure warmth and comfort. This Southern-style green beans recipe never fails to impress. The fresh green beans are cooked low and slow until they reach tender perfection.
20. Green Beans with Mushrooms and Shallots
The Thanksgiving table is built on tradition, and veggies always have a permanent seat. Keeping it classic is easy with this dish. Simple green beans with mushrooms and shallots bring a bright pop of color to your plate and taste just like home.
21. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Mint {Whole30}
I love everything about Thanksgiving dinner, from the food to the friends and family. And there's nothing better to round out the feast than this recipe. Fresh green beans are lightly sautéed in olive oil until tender. It's fresh and so yummy.
22. Baked Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Nothing says comfort food like a good old-fashioned casserole. This one packs all the hearty flavors of the season into one dish. The smoky, savory sausage and fresh green beans are truly a match made in heaven.
