Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but it hides this vegetable’s goodness underneath a soupy mess. Here we’re sharing 11 downright delicious green bean recipes for Thanksgiving where the green beans are the star.
I’m one of those weirdos that doesn’t like green bean casserole.
You see, even though I grew up in Virginia, my family hails from the midwest. And Thanksgiving was one of the few times during the year that we travelled to Ohio to see everyone.
So most of my Thanksgiving memories are of running around with my cousins, and not so much about the food.
And as a result, green bean casserole became a foreign idea to me. One that frankly seems pretty horrid.
Seriously…what’s up with all that glop on top of perfectly delicious green beans?
Which is why it became my mission to find the best green bean recipes for Thanksgiving that don’t require a can of soup or fried onions. Recipes that let the green beans show off their tasty goodness.
And the recipes below are all worthy of being in your recipe bank.
So get out your oven-to-table serveware, set aside a few fresh herbs for garnish, and enjoy these goodies.
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Delicious Green Bean Recipes for Thanksgiving...That Aren't Casserole
Green Beans with Warm Pistachio Vinaigrette Recipe
Want a new spin on a holiday classic? Fresh, tender green beans are topped with a mouthwatering buttery, nutty vinaigrette in this green beans with warm pistachio vinaigrette recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe
This healthy slow cooker green beans recipe couldn't be easier. Just a few hours in the crock pot and you've got the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner.
Green Bean Almondine
Fresh green beans are what make this classic green bean almondine so perfect for the holidays. And with only 6 ingredients, it's a simple yet elegant addition to any meal.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
With the crunch of panko, and the salty goodness of Parmesan cheese, these Roasted Parmesan Green Beans will definitely leave your guests asking for more.
Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
Everything is better with bacon, right? If you're serving a houseful of carnivores that can't stand the thought of something green, then this is the side dish for them. It's practically guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear during any weeknight dinner or special holiday!
10 Minute Green Beans
Let's hear it for a side dish that's super fast to pull together! Because, let's be honest, juggling all those other side dishes, plus decorating, and welcoming guests to your home often means that at least one dish needs to be able to come together in a snap.
Garlic Green Beans with Bacon and Feta Cheese
Here's another simple recipe that has more punch to it. Green beans are sauteed with crispy diced bacon, garlic, and crumbled feta cheese for a delicious recipe that no one will believe only has 5 ingredients.
Buttery Green Beans With Glazed Pecans
I just love how the classic almondine is updated with pecans for this warm and buttery green beans recipe. Fesh green beans are sautéed with red onion and garlic, simmered in white wine, tossed with buttery goodness and then crowned with glazed pecans for a spectacular holiday side dish.
Orange-Dijon Haricots Verts with Crispy Shallots
I have to admit, the photos for this recipe make me swoon. Not only is it gorgeous, but Orange-Dijon Haricots Verts with Crispy Shallots skips the canned soup in favor of a sweet tangy citrus glaze.
Green Bean Mushroom Saute
If your family just can't stand the thought of Thanksgiving without green bean casserole, then this green bean mushroom sauteeby Low Carb Maven is a fantastic compromise. You get all the mushroomy flavor without the gloopy canned sauce.
Roasted Green Beans with Balsamic | Holiday Side Dish
Finally, Life Made Sweeter has a simple roasted green beans recipe that is perfect for the dieters in your family. And, if you're looking to make it a bit more interesting for the holidays, she even shares some tasty additions that just make the whole dish scream fall.
Now It’s Your Turn
If you can’t stand the thought of gloppy soup over your fresh vegetables, try making one or two of these green bean recipes for Thanksgiving this year.
With so many creative options to choose from your guests may just be surprised to find they don’t miss the soupy casserole after all.
This post was originally published in November 2012, and has been updated in November 2018 and November 2020.
Catherine Baez Sholl says
Great post! I love green beans, so I’m gonna have to try a few of these beyond Thanksgiving.
Susan Jackson says
They look great. I saved it to m y Pineterst yay! I am glad to visit via the hop today.. I look forward to what you do next!
candy says
Loving all these different green bean ideas. Found you on Blogger’s Pit Stop Link Party.
Barbara Radisavljevic says
These recipes definitely have put me in the mood for having green beans again — with or without a holiday . I’ve always hated that green bean casserole that seems to be traditional for some people.
Rita says
Great for Thanks giving. Liking this Fiesta Friday.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Those orange dijon beans look amazing! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Have a fabulous weekend and hope to see you back on Sunday!
Judith A. Graber says
A favorite veggie and I am always looking for good ways to serve it. Thanks for all the choices – a couple recipes have caught my eye!
Of Goats and Greens says
I think my favorite idea on this list is the Orange Dijon Haricots Verts idea… I could even sneak some bacon in, too… (This just might work at a potluck I am attending…)
Thanks for sharing with Fiesta Friday!!!
Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle says
A lot of interest in your wonderful green bean recipes from the Blogger’s Pit Stop. We will feature your post on the next Pit Stop. Well done.
Kathleen
Aletha Oglesby, M.D. says
Thanks. I’m planning green beans for Thanksgiving and needed a good recipe. I’ll try one of these.