These Garlic Butter Green Beans with Toasted Almonds are simple enough for a weeknight but feel right at home on a holiday table. The green beans stay bright and crisp-tender, then get tossed in warm garlic butter and finished with golden toasted almonds.

Blanching the beans first makes a big difference here. They cook evenly without becoming soft, and the quick finish in the skillet gives them plenty of buttery garlic flavour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 25 minutes
Crisp-tender instead of soft or overcooked
Simple ingredients with plenty of flavour
Easy holiday side dish that pairs with almost any main course

Ingredient Notes

Green beans: Fresh green beans work best. Look for firm, bright beans without wrinkled ends.

Butter: Gives the beans their rich holiday-style flavour.

Olive oil: A small amount combined with the butter helps coat the beans evenly.

Garlic: Three cloves give plenty of garlic flavour without overpowering the green beans.

Sliced almonds: Toast them separately before adding them to the beans. This keeps them crisp and brings out their nutty flavour.

How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

Drain Well: Once the beans are completely cool, drain them thoroughly and pat dry. Removing excess water helps the garlic butter coat them instead of becoming watery.

Toast the Almonds: Add the sliced almonds to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer them immediately to a plate so they don’t continue browning.

Make the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.

Finish the Green Beans: Add the drained green beans, salt and black pepper. Increase the heat slightly and toss for 3–4 minutes, until the beans are hot and evenly coated in garlic butter.

Add the Almonds: Remove from the heat and toss with most of the toasted almonds. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining almonds and parsley over the top.

Tips

Don’t skip the ice bath — it helps preserve the beans’ bright green colour and crisp texture.
Dry the beans well before adding them to the skillet.
Watch the almonds closely while toasting because they can burn quickly.
Keep the garlic over moderate heat and cook it only until fragrant.
For holiday entertaining, blanch the beans ahead and finish them in garlic butter shortly before serving.

Make Ahead

The green beans can be blanched and cooled up to 1 day ahead. Dry them thoroughly and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Toast the almonds separately and keep them at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, make the garlic butter and finish the beans in the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

These green beans are especially good alongside Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry & Feta for an easy holiday dinner.

Pair them with Apple Cranberry Feta Salad with Toasted Pecans to add something fresh and colourful to the table.