Green Beans Almondine Recipe: Green Beans Almondine, or “Amandine” as it’s known in French cuisine, is one of those elegant yet approachable side dishes that somehow makes green beans feel fancy. With just a handful of ingredients, this classic dish transforms fresh green beans into something you’d proudly serve at a holiday table or alongside a simple weeknight dinner. The toasted almonds (almondine is derived from the French word for almonds) add a delightful crunch, while the buttery shallots and garlic offer rich flavor notes that balance the freshness of the beans.
What’s truly magical about Green Beans Almondine is its timeless appeal. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting friends for dinner, or just trying to elevate your veggie game, this recipe never disappoints. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Green Beans Almondine—crispy, buttery, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are hundreds of ways to cook green beans, but this one? It stands out for a few solid reasons.
First off, the flavor—a delicious blend of butter, crunchy toasted almonds, and aromatic garlic or shallots that complements the natural sweetness of green beans. It’s fancy enough to serve at a formal dinner, but easy enough for a regular Tuesday night.
Second, it’s healthy without trying too hard. Green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. Almonds add heart-healthy fats and a protein punch, while garlic and shallots provide immune-boosting properties.
Third, it’s crazy versatile. Want to toss in some lemon zest for a citrusy twist? Go for it. Need to keep it vegan? Use olive oil instead of butter. Want to impress a crowd at your next potluck? Double the recipe and serve it warm or cold.
So whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking for a stress-free yet impressive side dish, Green Beans Almondine has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, let’s make sure your kitchen is stocked with everything you’ll need for this recipe. Don’t worry—most of these are pantry staples or easy-to-find ingredients.
Fresh Produce
- 1 lb fresh green beans – Trimmed and washed; look for bright, firm beans.
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced – Adds depth and aroma.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped – Optional but recommended for extra flavor.
- Lemon zest (optional) – For brightness and freshness.
Pantry Staples
- ¼ cup sliced almonds – Toasted for that signature crunch.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – For sautéing and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil – To help toast the almonds evenly.
Optional Add-ons
- Red pepper flakes – For a spicy kick.
- Parmesan cheese – A savory finishing touch.
- Bacon crumbles or pancetta – For a meaty upgrade.
- Fresh parsley or chives – For garnish and color.
Keep your ingredients fresh and your almonds high-quality—you’ll taste the difference.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this dish, but having the right tools definitely helps streamline the process.
Must-Have Utensils
- Large skillet or sauté pan – Non-stick or stainless steel works best.
- Medium saucepan – For blanching the green beans.
- Colander – To drain the beans post-boil.
- Mixing spoon or tongs – For stirring everything together.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – For prepping garlic, shallots, and trimming beans.
- Microplane zester – If you’re adding lemon zest.
Pro Tips on Equipment
- Use a wide skillet to make sure the green beans cook evenly without crowding.
- A slotted spoon is useful when transferring beans from boiling water to the ice bath.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Beans Almondine
Alright, now the fun part—bringing this dish to life. Follow these steps and you’ll have a beautiful, restaurant-worthy side dish in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Rinse and trim the ends of your green beans. You can snap them by hand or line them up and chop off the tips with a knife. Dry them with a towel so they don’t steam too much when sautéed.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in that vibrant color.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your sliced almonds. Stir frequently so they don’t burn. Once golden and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes), remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Shallots
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and aromatic—don’t let them brown.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Drain your blanched green beans and add them to the pan with the garlic and shallots. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the beans are heated through. Add toasted almonds, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Toss again, then serve warm.
Chef Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine
Making a simple dish like Green Beans Almondine great instead of just “good” comes down to the details. These pro tips will help you elevate your version every single time.
Keep the Green Beans Crisp-Tender
Don’t skip the blanching and ice bath steps—they’re crucial. Blanching ensures your beans are cooked but still firm, while the ice bath stops the cooking instantly. This keeps your green beans vibrant and snappy, not dull or mushy. Overcooked green beans lose their natural sweetness and become limp, and no one wants that on their plate.
Toasting Almonds Just Right
Almonds can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Always toast them over medium heat and keep them moving in the pan. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a light golden color and smell nutty. If you wait until they’re brown, chances are, they’ll taste bitter. Remove them from the pan immediately—even residual heat can burn them.
Butter vs. Oil
Butter gives the dish a rich, classic flavor, but if you’re going for a lighter or vegan option, olive oil works just fine. Want the best of both worlds? Use a combo of the two. Butter for flavor, olive oil to raise the smoking point so the garlic and shallots don’t burn as easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is a pretty straightforward recipe, a few common missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to watch for:
Overcooking the Beans
Seriously, don’t do it. Green beans only need a couple of minutes in boiling water. If they start turning a dull green or feel limp, they’ve gone too far. Crisp-tender is the name of the game here.
Skipping the Ice Bath
We get it—you’re hungry and in a hurry. But skipping the ice bath means your beans will keep cooking from the residual heat, turning them soft and sad. Just a minute in icy water can make the difference between “meh” and “wow.”
Using Raw Almonds
Toasted almonds bring flavor and crunch. Raw ones? Not so much. Always toast your almonds for that toasty nuttiness that complements the dish perfectly.
Burning the Garlic
Garlic burns fast and tastes bitter when it does. Make sure your butter isn’t too hot before you add the garlic and stir continuously to avoid sticking.
Variations of the Classic Recipe
This dish is already a star, but it’s also flexible. Want to change things up? Here are a few simple yet creative ways to remix your Green Beans Almondine:
Lemon Zest Twist
A touch of lemon zest or a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end can brighten the whole dish. It cuts through the richness and gives the green beans a refreshing finish.
Add Bacon or Pancetta
Want a more indulgent side dish? Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed pancetta. Cook them first, remove them from the pan, and use the rendered fat to sauté the garlic and shallots. Toss the bits back in at the end.
Make It Vegan
Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil. Skip the cheese if you were thinking of adding it, or use a plant-based alternative. Everything else stays the same—just as delicious and even a bit lighter.
Spicy Almondine
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and shallots for a touch of heat. It’s subtle but adds a little kick.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Vitamin K | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
This dish is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian (unless adding bacon), and nutrient-dense. Great for most diets!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair your Green Beans Almondine with? It goes with almost everything, but here are a few standout options:
- Holiday Meals: Perfect next to turkey, roast beef, or glazed ham.
- Grilled Meats: Steak, pork chops, or grilled chicken.
- Seafood: Try it with pan-seared salmon or lemony shrimp.
- Vegetarian Plates: Serve it alongside quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
It also works well cold or at room temp, so it’s great for potlucks, picnics, or make-ahead lunches.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Got leftovers or want to prep in advance? Here’s what to know.
Making Ahead
You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Store the beans in an airtight container in the fridge (up to 2 days), and keep the almonds in a sealed jar at room temp. When ready to serve, sauté the shallots and garlic, reheat the beans in the pan, and toss in the almonds.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The almonds may lose their crunch over time, but they’ll still taste great.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving if you can—green beans can get soggy that way.
Freezing Green Beans Almondine – Yay or Nay?
Let’s be honest—this dish is best served fresh. But if you’re looking to freeze leftovers or prep ahead, here’s the lowdown.
Can You Freeze It?
Technically, yes. But it comes with a catch. Green beans tend to lose their crisp texture when frozen and reheated. The almonds? They’ll soften too, and that signature crunch will be gone. So while it is doable, you might lose some of the dish’s magic.
Best Way to Freeze
If you must freeze:
- Skip the almonds—add them fresh when reheating.
- Blanch the green beans as usual and dry them thoroughly.
- Store in a freezer-safe zip bag or airtight container.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge, sauté quickly with butter, garlic, and shallots, and top with freshly toasted almonds. It won’t be exactly like fresh, but close enough for busy weeknights.
How to Scale This Recipe
Need to feed a big crowd or just cooking for two? Scaling this dish is super easy and forgiving.
For a Crowd
- Double or triple all the ingredients.
- Blanch beans in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan—or divide between two pans to ensure even cooking.
For Smaller Servings
- Halve the ingredients exactly.
- Use a smaller pan to prevent the beans from drying out.
- You can still toast a full batch of almonds and store the extras for topping salads or other meals later.
Scaling won’t affect the flavor—just make sure to keep an eye on your toasting times and seasoning so nothing is over- or undercooked.
FAQs about Green Beans Almondine Recipe
1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh green beans are preferred for the best texture. If using frozen, skip the blanching step and go straight to sautéing. Just know they may be a bit softer.
2. What’s the difference between almondine and amandine?
Nothing major—”almondine” is the Americanized spelling, while “amandine” is the original French term. Both refer to dishes garnished with almonds.
3. How do I keep the almonds crispy in leftovers?
Store them separately from the green beans and add them right before reheating or serving. This helps maintain their crunch.
4. Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts can work. Just make sure to toast them lightly for flavor.
5. Is this dish keto or low-carb?
Yes! Green Beans Almondine is naturally low in carbs and fits well into most low-carb or keto lifestyles—especially when made with olive oil instead of butter.
Conclusion
Green Beans Almondine is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly elegant. Whether you’re dressing up your weeknight dinner or impressing guests during the holidays, this dish brings flavor, crunch, and a touch of class to the table. From blanching tips to almond toasting hacks, you now have everything you need to make this side dish shine.
The best part? You can tweak it endlessly. Add lemon, spice it up, or toss in bacon—make it your own! Just follow the basic technique and let your taste buds guide you.
So next time you’re wondering what to do with that bag of green beans sitting in your fridge, you know exactly what to make.
Green Beans Almondine: easy, delicious, unforgettable.
