The holidays can get a little wild, can’t they? Between wrapping gifts and greeting guests, the kitchen can feel like the center of a storm. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But what if one of your most delicious side dishes was already done? That’s where these green beans come in. They are one of my favorite Christmas Sides Dishes Make Ahead. They bring bright flavor to the table without any last minute fuss.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this dish is a breath of fresh air during the rich holiday season. The green beans are wonderfully crisp and vibrant. They look so pretty on the dinner plate.
The toasted almonds add a fantastic nutty crunch. It’s a texture that pairs so well with the tender beans. You get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Plus, the flavors are so clean and bright. A little butter, some fragrant shallots, and a pop of fresh lemon zest and juice. It’s simple, but it tastes special.
The best part is the make ahead option. You can prep the main components a day or two before your big meal. This frees up so much time and stove space when you need it most.
It’s one of the Best Christmas Side Dishes because it feels elegant without being complicated. Your guests will love it, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its short and simple ingredient list. You don’t need much to create one of the tastiest Holiday Vegetable Side Dishes around.
- 1 lb French green beans (haricot verts), trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ heaping cup raw sliced almonds
- 2 medium shallots, finely diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
- Zest of one small lemon
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious green beans? Let’s walk through it together. It’s easier than you think to prepare these amazing Christmas Food Dinner Side Dishes.
Step 1: Get The Water Ready
First things first, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Now for a very important step. You need to season the water with kosher salt. And I mean really season it.
The water should taste quite salty. This does two wonderful things. It seasons the green beans from the inside out. It also helps them keep that beautiful, bright green color after cooking.
Step 2: Blanch The Green Beans
Once the water is boiling and salty, add your trimmed green beans. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Give them a stir every now and then.
You want them to be crisp tender. A good test is to bite into one. It should have a slight squeak. It’s key to slightly undercook them here. They will cook a bit more in the skillet later on.
Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics
While the beans are blanching, grab a large skillet. Melt the butter over medium low heat until it’s bubbling gently. Add the sliced almonds to the pan.
Sauté the almonds for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. You’re looking for them to turn a light golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Now, turn the heat down to low. Add the finely diced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for another minute or two, stirring so they don’t burn. They should be fragrant and lightly caramelized.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Using a large slotted spoon or tongs, it’s time to move the beans. Transfer the blanched green beans directly from the boiling water into the skillet with the almonds.
Gently toss everything together. Sauté for just a moment until the green beans are coated in the buttery almond mixture and are fully tender. This won’t take long at all.
Finally, turn off the heat. Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Give it one last toss to combine all those bright flavors. Season to your liking with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve your beautiful green beans immediately and enjoy the compliments. This is truly one of the Best Christmas Side Dishes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which might be unlikely, storing them is simple. Let the green beans cool completely to room temperature first.
Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. This makes them a great option for enjoying after the holiday buzz winds down.
To reheat, I suggest a quick sauté in a skillet over medium heat. A microwave can sometimes make them a bit soft. A skillet helps bring back that lovely crisp tender texture.
Tips
Want to make this one of your go to Christmas Sides Dishes Make Ahead? Here is the secret. Follow the blanching instructions, but after you drain the beans, immediately plunge them into a large bowl of ice water.
This is called an ice bath. It stops the cooking process instantly and locks in that vibrant green color. Let them sit for a minute, then drain them completely. Pat them very dry with a clean kitchen towel.
You can store these blanched and dried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, just pick up with the step of sautéing them with the butter and almonds.
For the best texture, use haricots verts if you can find them. They are thinner and more tender than standard green beans. They cook a little faster and have a wonderful flavor.
Don’t be shy with the lemon zest. It adds such a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of other holiday foods. It really makes this Holiday Vegetable Side Dishes recipe pop.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious side dish that is sure to be a hit on your holiday table. It proves that Christmas Food Dinner Side Dishes don’t need to be heavy or complicated.
This recipe for Christmas Sides Dishes Make Ahead is all about making your life easier while still serving food that tastes amazing. It’s fresh, flavorful, and looks beautiful next to a holiday roast.
I hope you give these green beans with almonds a try. They might just become a new family tradition. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
You can, but fresh is highly recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding them to the skillet. You can skip the blanching step.
What Other Nuts Can I Use Instead Of Almonds?
Absolutely. Toasted pecans or walnuts would be delicious substitutes. Even toasted pine nuts would work well. Just watch them closely as they toast since they can burn quickly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, it’s an easy switch. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a good quality vegan butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan friendly.
How Far In Advance Can I Prep This Dish?
You can blanch, cool, and dry the green beans up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This is the key to making it one of the best Christmas Sides Dishes Make Ahead.
Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
A crisp and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans sautéed with toasted almonds, fragrant shallots, and bright lemon. This elegant recipe is perfect for holidays and can be prepped ahead, offering a delicious and easy option for your festive table.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with kosher salt until it tastes quite salty.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. They should have a slight squeak when bitten.
- While beans blanch, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced almonds and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until light golden brown.
- Reduce heat to low, add finely diced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Using a large slotted spoon or tongs, transfer blanched green beans directly from the boiling water into the skillet with the almond mixture. Toss gently and sauté for a moment until beans are fully tender and coated.
- Turn off the heat, add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Toss to combine. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
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