Christmas Green Beans

Christmas Green Beans are a delightful side that can brighten up any holiday meal. This recipe combines tender green beans with a touch of sweetness from honey, a nutty crunch from toasted pecans, and a pop of color from diced pimentos. It’s a fantastic way to add a fresh, vibrant dish to your table amid all the richer foods typically found during the season. Not only does this dish look amazing, but the flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect complement to your Christmas feast. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or a cozy dinner, these Christmas Green Beans will bring a cheerful touch and a delicious crunch everyone will love. Let’s get started on creating this festive side dish that’s sure to impress!

What is Christmas Green Beans

Christmas Green Beans are a festive, flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans, enhanced with the sweetness of honey, the earthiness of toasted pecans, and a pop of color from diced pimentos. This healthy and delicious recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing a cheerful touch to your dinner table and offering a delightful crunch and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Green Beans

This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture. The combination of sweet, nutty, and savory elements makes it a standout side dish, complementing any holiday meal. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a fresh green option amidst the richer dishes typically served during the season.

Ingredients for Christmas Green Beans

• 3 tablespoons salted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 16 ounces frozen fine green beans, thawed
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos (canned, drained)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Christmas Green Beans

Melt the Butter and Honey Mixture

First, grab a large skillet and melt the salted butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add honey and minced garlic to the skillet. As the mixture warms, the sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re already celebrating.

Toast the Pecans

Next, toss in the chopped pecans. Stir them gently for about two minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step enhances the natural flavor of the pecans and gives them a delightful crunch. Be sure to remove them from the skillet once they’re done and set aside in a small bowl.

Cook the Green Beans

Now, it’s time for the green beans. In the same skillet, add your thawed green beans. Cover and cook them over medium heat. Stir them occasionally for 6-10 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender yet still bright and vibrant in color, adding to the visual appeal.

Combine with Pimentos and Pecans

Once your green beans are cooked just right, stir in the diced pimentos and return those toasted pecans to the skillet. Season everything with salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine all the flavors. This step is crucial, as it brings all the ingredients together and elevates the dish.

Serve your Christmas Green Beans

After everything is well-mixed, it’s time to serve. Transfer the colorful green beans with pimentos and pecans to a warm serving dish. Enjoy this delightful side as part of your festive meal, and watch everyone smile as they dig in.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing your Christmas Green Beans with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. They also complement mashed potatoes or stuffing beautifully, creating a colorful and satisfying holiday plate. The combination of flavors in these green beans makes them versatile enough to fit into any holiday spread.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your green beans are thawed before cooking. This helps achieve the best texture.
• If you enjoy a sweeter taste, feel free to adjust the honey based on your preference. A little extra can enhance the flavor.
• For an added depth, consider a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar just before serving. This can brighten the dish even more!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe. You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans, which will give the dish a different nutty flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or topping with crumbled feta cheese can elevate the taste.

You can also experiment with different vegetables. Mixing in some asparagus or Brussels sprouts could provide a delightful twist to your Christmas Green Beans.

Storage Tips

Leftover Christmas Green Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook them again. You still want that fresh crunch!

Pairing Ideas

These Christmas Green Beans pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Think about serving them alongside lemon-roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, or even a hearty vegetarian lasagna. Their balance of flavors enhances both savory and sweeter holiday meals, making them a fantastic choice for your festive gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will provide a vibrant flavor and crunch. Just make sure to blanch them briefly before adding to the skillet.

2. What can I replace honey with for a vegan option?
You can easily use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener for a plant-based alternative.

3. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans and pecans beforehand. Then, just reheat and combine them just before serving for the best taste.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, try incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mix.

5. What else can I add to this recipe?
Consider throwing in crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of cheese for additional flavor and a touch of indulgence.

This Christmas Green Beans recipe perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes, making it an ideal side dish for your holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small intimate dinner, this dish elevates the meal while keeping preparation simple and stress-free. It’s a wholesome addition to your festive menu, promising to delight taste buds and spread holiday cheer. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the wonderful festivity that follows!

More Easy Appetizers & Snacks Recipes:

• Avocado Crema
• Deviled Eggs
• Glazed Carrots
• Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Christmas Green Beans

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Christmas Green Beans are a festive side that combines tender green beans with honey, toasted pecans, and vibrant pimentos, offering a delightful crunch and flavor that enhances any holiday meal.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons salted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 16 ounces frozen fine green beans, thawed
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos (canned, drained)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Melt butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add honey and minced garlic, stirring until warmed.
• Toast the pecans in the skillet until golden brown and set aside.
• Add thawed green beans, cover, and cook for 6-10 minutes until tender.
• Stir in diced pimentos and return the pecans, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure green beans are thawed before cooking for the best texture.
Adjust honey based on your desired sweetness.
Consider adding lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra brightness.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 180
• Fat: 9
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 12
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 5