Why You’ll Love this Buttery Green Bean Almondine
When you’re looking for a side dish that balances simplicity with sophistication, this Buttery Green Bean Almondine deserves a spot on your table.
I’ve served this at everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, and it never disappoints.
What’s not to love? Tender green beans coated in rich butter, toasty sliced almonds that add the perfect crunch, and that hint of garlic tying everything together.
It’s elegant without being fussy. And can we talk about how beautiful it looks on a serving platter? The vibrant beans against golden almonds. A feast for the eyes before it even hits your palate.
What Ingredients are in Buttery Green Bean Almondine?
When it comes to making a spectacular side dish with minimal fuss, this Buttery Green Bean Almondine relies on just a few quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices or hard-to-find items.
With just four main components, you can create a dish that delivers both elegant presentation and incredible flavor. The combination of tender green beans with the nutty crunch of almonds creates a textural wonderland that complements almost any main course.
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends snapped off
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
For the best results, I recommend using the freshest green beans you can find—look for ones that snap crisply when bent rather than those that merely bend.
While the recipe calls for fresh beans, frozen can work in a pinch, though you’ll want to adjust your cooking time accordingly. The butter is what gives this dish its rich, velvety quality, so don’t be tempted to reduce the amount.
And those sliced almonds? They toast up to golden perfection, adding not just crunch but a nutty depth that elevates the entire dish from simple vegetable to memorable side.
How to Make this Buttery Green Bean Almondine
Making this elegant side dish couldn’t be simpler, and it all starts with prepping 2 pounds of fresh green beans. Snap off those ends (a perfect task to delegate if you have little kitchen helpers around) and give them a good rinse under cold water.
Once clean, add your beans to a pot with about 2 inches of water, cover them, and set over medium heat. The cooking time will vary depending on your texture preference—some like them crisp-tender with a bit of snap, while others prefer them softer. Just keep checking until they reach your desired doneness.
When your green beans are perfectly cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
Now comes the magic part that transforms simple beans into something special! Return your empty pot to the burner over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the melted butter and sauté them for about 5 minutes.
You’re looking for that gorgeous light brown color that signals the almonds have released their nutty aroma and developed a beautiful toasty flavor. This step makes all the difference, so resist the urge to rush it.
Once your almonds have reached golden perfection, add 2 teaspoons of garlic to the pan, quickly followed by the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts into a fragrant, garlic-infused sauce, add your cooked green beans back to the pot and toss everything together.
This gentle tossing coats every bean with buttery goodness while distributing those crunchy almonds throughout. After everything is well combined, transfer your beautiful creation to a serving plate.
The contrast between the vibrant green beans and golden almonds creates a dish that’s as appealing to the eye as it’s to the palate—proof that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most impressive results.
Buttery Green Bean Almondine Substitutions and Variations
While this classic dish is perfect as written, the beauty of Green Bean Almondine lies in its adaptability.
I often swap haricots verts for regular green beans when I’m feeling fancy, or use frozen beans when fresh aren’t available.
Not a fan of almonds? Try toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or even pecans for a southern twist.
The garlic can be replaced with shallots for a milder, more elegant flavor profile.
For a lighter version, reduce the butter and add a splash of lemon juice.
Sometimes I toss in dried cranberries during fall or sprinkle with parmesan for an Italian-inspired variation.
The possibilities are truly endless.
What to Serve with Buttery Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine pairs beautifully with three classic main dishes that let its buttery, nutty flavors shine.
I always serve it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin, where the subtle almond notes complement the poultry’s savory character.
For special occasions, it’s my go-to with medium-rare prime rib—the beans’ brightness cuts through the rich meat perfectly. Can you imagine a better combination?
Fish works wonderfully too.
Try salmon with a squeeze of lemon or a delicate white fish. The textural contrast between flaky fish and crunchy almonds creates that restaurant-quality meal we all crave at home.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this classic side dish countless times, I’ve come to believe that Buttery Green Bean Almondine isn’t just a recipe—it’s a proof of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
The magic happens when those tender-crisp beans meet golden almonds and garlicky butter.
Don’t you love when a dish requires so little yet delivers so much? I certainly do.
Whether accompanying a holiday feast or Tuesday’s roast chicken, this green bean dish consistently earns its place at my table.
The textural contrast, the nutty warmth—it’s comfort food that somehow feels special enough for company.
