14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green beans

Green beans are one of the most versatile vegetables on the Thanksgiving table — fresh, crisp, and full of flavor.

Whether you love them roasted, baked, or sautéed, these 14 Thanksgiving green bean sides bring color, texture, and freshness to your holiday meal.

1. Green Bean Casserole

A Thanksgiving must-have with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans (trimmed)

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup crispy fried onions

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix soup, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in green beans and half of the onions.

4. Bake for 25 minutes, top with remaining onions, and bake 5 minutes more.

2. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Simple and elegant, these beans are sautéed in butter and garlic until perfectly tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans 3 minutes, then drain.

2. Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, then beans.

3. Toss until coated and fragrant.

3. Green Beans with Almonds (Almondine)

Crisp-tender green beans paired with toasted almonds and lemon zest for a fresh touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Sauté almonds in butter until golden.

2. Add green beans and toss until coated.

3. Sprinkle lemon zest before serving.

4. Balsamic Roasted Green Beans

Roasting green beans with balsamic glaze adds depth and caramelized flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss beans with oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until slightly crisp.

5. Green Bean and Bacon Skillet

Smoky bacon adds a savory crunch to tender green beans — a hearty Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 4 strips bacon

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp, then set aside.

2. Sauté garlic in bacon fat, add green beans, and cook until tender.

3. Crumble bacon on top before serving.

6. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Crispy roasted beans coated in olive oil, garlic, and grated Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Toss beans with oil, garlic, and Parmesan.

2. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until golden.

7. Honey Glazed Green Beans

Sweet and savory beans coated in honey and butter for a glossy finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam beans until tender.

2. Melt butter in a skillet, add honey and beans.

3. Toss until coated and glistening.

8. Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans

A festive side that combines sweet dried cranberries with crunchy toasted pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Steam beans, then toss with olive oil, cranberries, and pecans.

2. Serve warm as a colorful side dish.

9. Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Bright and zesty, these beans pair beautifully with turkey and stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.

2. Add green beans and toss until tender.

3. Drizzle lemon juice before serving.

10. Green Bean and Mushroom Stir-Fry

An earthy, savory side that’s rich in umami flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in oil until tender.

2. Add green beans and soy sauce, cook 5 minutes.

11. Cheesy Green Bean Bake

A creamy, cheesy twist on the classic casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Mix milk, cheese, and butter in a pan until melted.

2. Stir in beans, pour into a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs.

3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

12. Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

Sweet onions add richness and depth to crisp green beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook onions in oil over low heat until golden.

2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.

3. Serve topped with caramelized onions.

13. Green Beans with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Crispy breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch to tender beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast breadcrumbs in butter until golden.

2. Steam beans, then toss with breadcrumbs.

14. Green Beans with Feta and Dill

A Mediterranean-inspired Thanksgiving side with a tangy, herby twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chopped dill

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans until tender.

2. Toss with olive oil, feta, and dill.

3. Serve chilled or warm.