Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Sautéing · Storage: Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This easy Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds recipe combines sautéed green beans in a rich, creamy sauce topped with crunchy almonds for a festive side dish.
When the holiday season rolls around in bustling New York City, I find myself in joyful anticipation of all the flavors and traditions it brings. This year, I'm particularly excited to share this delightful dish: Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds. It's a show-stopping side that's perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and brings a touch of elegance to any holiday spread.
A Festive Side Dish
This recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a balance of creamy richness and crunchy texture that complements any main course.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balances creamy texture with crunchy almonds for a delightful contrast.
- Quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings.
- Uses fresh ingredients that elevate any festive meal, impressing your guests.
- Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or any main course.
- Simple steps ensure a stress-free cooking experience without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
This dish requires a few fresh and creamy ingredients to achieve its luxurious flavor.
For the Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a rich and flavorful side dish that will be the star of your holiday table.
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Start by trimming the ends off the fresh green beans. I love using snap peas too for a vibrant pop of color and crunch.
Step 2: Boil the Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in the green beans. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This step not only preserves that beautiful green color but also keeps the beans crisp.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts and starts to bubble, the nutty aroma fills the kitchen, and that's when I add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but be careful not to let it brown.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly as it simmers. This is where the magic happens! I usually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it's fully melted and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Unite the Flavors
Toss the blanched green beans in the creamy sauce, ensuring each bean is coated well. The sauce should cling to them beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Almonds and Zest
Before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top along with the fragrant lemon zest. This addition not only enriches the dish visually but adds a lovely crunch and hints of brightness that perfectly balance the richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Keep a close eye on your beans during boiling; you want them tender but still crisp.
- Skipping the Ice Bath: Not shocking the beans in ice water will result in a muted color and texture, losing that appealing snap.
- Neglecting to Toast the Almonds: Un-toasted almonds won't have that desired crunchy texture and nutty flavor that makes this dish special.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor - pre-grated cheeses often have anti-caking agents that affect the smoothness of the sauce.
- If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- This dish can be made a day in advance; simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.
Variations
- Try using asparagus instead of green beans for a different flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory twist.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for added depth and umami flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve as a side dish with roasted turkey or ham during holiday meals.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
- Top with additional toasted almonds for extra crunch just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of additional cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
- Freezing: This recipe is not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Creating this Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds was a delightful reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to elevate a classic dish. The combination of creamy sauce and crunchy almonds is truly a crowd-pleaser, and I can't wait to share it with family and friends this holiday season!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutritional Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 6g protein · 8g carbs · 22g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by trimming the ends off the fresh green beans. You can also use snap peas for a vibrant pop of color and crunch.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the blanched green beans in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds and lemon zest over the top for added crunch and brightness.
Notes
FAQs
Can I prepare Creamy Green Beans with Parmesan and Toasted Almonds ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little bit of butter. However, this will alter the creaminess of the dish.
How do I store leftovers of this dish?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of additional cream or milk to restore creaminess.
