If you’ve ever wanted a side dish that’s elegant yet incredibly easy to pull together, let me introduce you to Green Beans Almondine. This French-inspired recipe transforms simple green beans into a festive, flavorful dish thanks to butter, garlic, and toasted almonds. It’s crisp, nutty, and buttery all at once—a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking a holiday meal or just spicing up a Tuesday dinner.
Jump to
- What Is Green Beans Almondine?
- Why Make Green Beans Almondine?
- Ingredients for Green Beans Almondine
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Green Beans Almondine
- Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine
- Variations of Green Beans Almondine
- Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine
- Frequently Asked Questions About Green Beans Almondine
- Nutrition Information for Green Beans Almondine
- Final thoughts
What Is Green Beans Almondine?
Green Beans Almondine is a traditional French side dish made with fresh green beans sautéed in butter and topped with toasted almonds. In French cooking, “amandine” simply means prepared with almonds. The combination delivers a crunchy-tender texture and a buttery, nutty flavor that complements everything from roasted meats to vegetarian mains.
It has a long history on holiday tables, but it’s also practical for weeknight dinners because it comes together in about 30 minutes. The result? Bright, crisp beans, golden almonds, and a side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Why Make Green Beans Almondine?
You might be wondering what makes Green Beans Almondine stand out compared to other vegetable sides. Here are a few reasons:
- Fresh green beans stay vibrant and crisp when blanched and quickly sautéed.
- Slivered almonds add a nutty crunch that makes the dish feel gourmet without much effort.
- It’s versatile: pair it with roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or even seafood.
- The dish looks festive and elegant, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- It’s nutritious—loaded with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
This is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.
Ingredients for Green Beans Almondine
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Fresh green beans (about 1 pound) – Always use fresh; frozen or canned beans get soggy.
- Slivered almonds (1.5 ounces) – Toasted in a dry pan for golden color and crunch.
- Butter (about 2 tablespoons) – Brings richness and that classic flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth and aroma.
- Salt and pepper – The finishing touch for seasoning.
- Cold water – Essential for blanching and shocking the beans.
Optional add-ins: lemon juice and zest, shallots, mushrooms, parsley, Parmesan cheese, or even crispy bacon.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Let’s walk through the process of making Green Beans Almondine at home.
Blanch the Green Beans
- Trim the ends of your green beans.
- Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately plunge beans into ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in that vibrant color.
Toast the Almonds
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add slivered almonds and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat once golden—almonds burn quickly, so watch closely.
Sauté with Butter and Garlic
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in the blanched green beans, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Almonds and Serve
- Return toasted almonds to the pan.
- Stir everything together, finish with lemon juice or zest if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine
To make sure your Green Beans Almondine is consistently delicious, keep these tips in mind:
- Always use fresh beans, preferably slim French green beans (haricots verts).
- Don’t overcook the beans; they should be tender yet crisp.
- Toast almonds separately for maximum crunch.
- Use butter for flavor, but you can swap in vegan butter or olive oil if needed.
- Serve immediately—almonds lose crispness if they sit too long.
Variations of Green Beans Almondine
The beauty of Green Beans Almondine is its flexibility. Try these variations:
- Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy note.
- Include sautéed shallots, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Swap butter for bacon grease and crumble bacon over the top for a smoky version.
- Make it vegan with plant-based butter or olive oil.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley just before serving.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine
This side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Try serving Green Beans Almondine alongside:
- Roasted turkey or chicken during the holidays.
- Grilled salmon or seared steak for a simple but elegant dinner.
- Other vegetable-based sides for a vegetarian spread.
For more inspiration, check out these recipes from Virile Recipes that complement this dish:
- Add it to your Easter table with these Vegetarian Easter Dinner ideas.
- Pair with the hearty Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet for a complete dinner.
- Keep the comfort food vibes going by serving it next to Slow Cooker Green Beans & Potatoes.
- Balance it with a family-friendly main like the Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Beans Almondine
Fresh beans are best, but if you must use frozen, thaw them first and reduce cooking time. The texture won’t be as crisp.
Blanching in salted water, then shocking in ice water, preserves both color and texture.
Olive oil or vegan butter works fine. Butter just gives a more classic flavor.
Yes. You can blanch beans and toast almonds ahead, but sauté and assemble just before serving for best texture.
About four servings, depending on portion size.
Nutrition Information for Green Beans Almondine
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Calories: about 150 per serving
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
Green Beans Almondine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
French’s green bean casserole is the timeless holiday side dish that combines creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions. A comforting classic that never fails to impress at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 1/3 cups French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed garlic, or fresh mushrooms. Use fresh or frozen beans for better texture and always bake uncovered to keep the topping crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Final thoughts
When you think of side dishes that bring both style and substance, Green Beans Almondine deserves a spot at the top. It’s quick, it’s elegant, and it brings out the best of fresh vegetables with just a handful of ingredients. From weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this recipe offers balance—bright green beans, rich butter, and crunchy almonds.
It’s the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds. So the next time you’re planning a menu, don’t overlook this classic. Try it once, and you’ll see why Green Beans Almondine has been loved for generations.
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