14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green beans

Green beans are a Thanksgiving classic that can be dressed up in countless delicious ways.

Whether you love them crispy, creamy, garlicky, or wrapped in bacon, these 14 Thanksgiving green bean side dishes will bring freshness and flavor to your holiday table.

1. Green Bean Casserole

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

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup fried onions

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Add cooked green beans and half the onions.

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

2. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Simple, buttery, and full of flavor — perfect for any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam green beans until tender.

2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.

3. Toss beans in garlic butter and season to taste.

3. Air Fryer Green Beans

Crispy and flavorful — an easy side when oven space is limited.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss beans with oil and seasoning.

2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.

4. Green Beans with Almonds (Almondine)

Elegant and nutty, this French-inspired side adds a touch of crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Steam beans until crisp-tender.

2. Toast almonds in butter, then add beans and lemon juice.

5. Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Smoky, savory, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 3 bacon strips, chopped

• ½ onion, diced

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp, remove and drain.

2. Sauté onions in bacon fat, then add green beans and cooked bacon.

6. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Cheesy, crispy edges with a garlicky twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

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

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

7. Green Beans with Mushrooms

Savory sautéed mushrooms make this side dish extra hearty.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in butter for 4 minutes.

2. Add green beans and garlic, cooking until tender.

8. Lemon Dill Green Beans

Light and fresh — a great balance to rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Steam beans until tender.

2. Toss with oil, lemon zest, and dill.

9. Green Beans with Toasted Pecans

A Southern-style twist with buttery, nutty flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Toast pecans in butter for 2–3 minutes.

2. Add cooked green beans and toss well.

Also Check: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides air fryer

10. Green Beans with Cranberries and Feta

Sweet-tart cranberries and creamy feta make this side festive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp crumbled feta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss cooked beans with olive oil, cranberries, and feta before serving.

11. Spicy Green Beans with Chili Flakes

Add a little heat to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp red chili flakes

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté beans in oil for 5 minutes.

2. Add chili flakes and cook 2 more minutes.

12. Green Beans with Balsamic Glaze

Rich and tangy with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Cook beans until tender.

2. Toss with olive oil and drizzle balsamic glaze before serving.

13. Cheesy Green Bean Bake

A creamy, cheesy alternative to the classic casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• ½ cup shredded cheddar

• ¼ cup cream cheese

• ¼ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Cook beans and set aside.

2. Melt cream cheese and milk in a pan, then add cheddar.

3. Stir beans into the sauce and bake 10 minutes.

14. Green Beans with Brown Butter and Garlic

Nutty brown butter brings deep flavor to this simple side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and cook until golden brown.

2. Add garlic, cook 1 minute, then toss with green beans.

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These 14 Thanksgiving green bean sides show how versatile this vegetable can be — from buttery classics to modern, flavorful twists.

Whether you roast, sauté, or air fry them, green beans add a fresh, colorful touch to your Thanksgiving table.