No Thanksgiving table is complete without green beans. They bring freshness, color, and crunch to balance out the richness of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
From the classic creamy casserole to lighter sautéed versions, green beans can be dressed up in countless ways to suit your menu.
Here are five delicious Thanksgiving green bean recipes—each with its own spin—so you can find the perfect match for your feast.
5 Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes
1. Classic Green Bean Casserole
This dish is a timeless favorite: tender green beans baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, pepper, and half the fried onions. Stir in green beans.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans
A quick, lighter option that emphasizes freshness. These green beans are sautéed with garlic and finished with a touch of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add beans, season with salt and pepper, and toss for 3–4 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve warm.
3. Green Beans with Almonds (Amandine)
This French-inspired recipe features crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds and butter. It’s elegant yet simple, perfect for a refined holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch beans in salted water for 3–4 minutes, then drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter and toast almonds until golden.
- Add green beans, season, and toss well.
- Garnish with lemon zest before serving.
4. Cheesy Green Bean Bake
For cheese lovers, this variation on the casserole swaps the mushroom soup for a creamy cheese sauce, making it richer and gooier.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch green beans 3 minutes, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk to make a sauce. Stir in cheddar until melted.
- Mix beans with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
This recipe turns green beans into a show-stopping side. Bundles of beans are wrapped in bacon, roasted until crispy, and brushed with a sweet-savory glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8–10 slices of bacon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blanch beans for 3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Wrap 6–8 beans in a slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick.
- Place bundles on a baking sheet. Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, and butter, then brush onto bacon.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving green beans don’t have to be boring—they can be creamy, crunchy, cheesy, buttery, or smoky, depending on your style.
From the beloved casserole to refined almondine or indulgent bacon bundles, these five recipes show just how versatile green beans can be.
Choose one—or serve two—for a holiday side that adds both flavor and color to your table.