If you are a fan of simple side dishes like this one, be sure to check out our library of Vegetable Side Dishes.
This quick and easy green bean recipe uses just a handful of pantry-ready ingredients. Plus, you can even do most of the preparation in advance. Perfect green beans for a crowd, this savory side is one of the best green bean recipes for Thanksgiving dinner, potlucks, and parties. Double the recipe, and you’re good to go! This simple green bean recipe bursts with rich, grassy, and robust flavors. Even better, you can customize this versatile side dish with dozens of tasty toppings.
A Few Substitutions:
Olive oil: I know the recipe is called garlic butter green beans, but an equal amount of olive oil can be used instead of butter. Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder: I’ll be honest, fresh garlic cloves is the way to go but if you are in a pinch you can also use garlic powder. Butter: If you want to take things up a notch, you can also make this easy green bean dish with my garlic butter recipe.
However, those who prefer not to blanch their green beans can saute their veggies without this extra step. With a full recipe for sautéed string beans with garlic, you can simplify your cooking process and still have a succulent side.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest to make lemon garlic green beans that will tantalize your taste buds. Nuts, sliced almonds, and pine nuts are classic additions to whole green beans. Add a nutty sweetness to your bland beans for delicious results. A drizzle of my go-to Lemon Vinaigrette will transform your dull green beans into a salad bursting with tangy flavor. You can even use vegan butter for an easy vegan recipe. Lemon Pepper is a good seasoning for green beans because it brightens their grassy notes with a citrusy zing. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese is just the ingredient to give your green beans a sharp, nutty flavor that no one can resist.
Make ahead: To make ahead green beans for a crowd, parboil your green beans ahead of time, dry them off completely, and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Then, right before serving, heat the butter and garlic in a large skillet. Add the green beans and stir until cooked through and thoroughly coated in the butter mixture. Store: If you have any leftover green beans (not sautéed), dry them off after parboiling and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If they are sautéed, you don’t need to dry them off before storing them. Reheat: To reheat plain green beans, add a little bit of water to their container and microwave them for a few minutes until hot. You can also saute them with a tiny bit of water on the stovetop. If the green beans are sautéed, you don’t need to add water before reheating.
Meat-based main dishes: Nothing complements the hearty protein of my Instant Pot Pot Roast, Whole Roasted Chicken, and Baked Meatballs and Potatoes better than garlic green beans. Vegetarian meals: What pairs better with fresh green beans than other tasty veggies? Try serving pan-seared green beans alongside other scrumptious mains, like my Cauliflower Curry and Zucchini Lasagna.
How to make green beans taste good? To make flavorful green beans, cook them until they are crisp and tender. Then, saute them in butter and garlic for added richness. Add more flavor with seasonings like salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. For additional complexity, try topping your green beans with roasted nuts, like sliced almonds or pine nuts. How long to blanch green beans before sauteing? Usually, 5-7 minutes are sufficient to soften your green beans while keeping them crisp and tender. However, you can always cook your beans for a longer or shorter period depending on your preference. Just take a stalk out and give it a taste when you think your green beans are ready.
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If you try this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe or any other Vegetable Side Dishes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
