Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, Creamy Green Beans take a humble side dish to the next level! Picture tender green beans coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, finished with just the right amount of cheese for that irresistible, melty goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy holiday side or a weeknight upgrade to your dinner plate, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Trust me—you’ll never look at green beans the same way again!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Green Beans
Rich & Comforting: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes every bite indulgent.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and ready in no time!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home.
Customizable: Easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste—add bacon, spice, or different cheeses.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters love this creamy, savory take on green beans!
Ingredients in Creamy Green Beans
Fresh Green Beans: The star of the dish—tender, vibrant, and full of nutrients.
Butter & Garlic: The perfect duo for a rich, aromatic base.
Heavy Cream: Creates that ultra-creamy, luxurious texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: Thickens the sauce and gives it a velvety consistency.
Onion Powder: A subtle layer of flavor that enhances every bite.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the ingredients.
Instructions
Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything: Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce. Let them simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt into the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Green Beans
As a Side Dish: Perfect with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled salmon.
With a Crunchy Topping: Add crispy bacon, fried onions, or toasted almonds for extra texture.
Paired with Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food duo.
With a Holiday Meal: A fantastic addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.
Additional Tips
Use Frozen Green Beans: If fresh isn’t available, frozen works great—just thaw and drain before cooking.
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
Add Some Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little kick.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store separately, then reheat and toss with fresh-cooked green beans.
Store & Reheat: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned green beans?
A1: Yes, but fresh or frozen green beans give the best texture. Drain and rinse well before using.
Q2: What cheese works best?
A2: Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella, Gruyère, or sharp cheddar are great options.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Absolutely! Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese.
Q4: How do I keep the beans from getting too soft?
A4: Blanch them briefly and avoid overcooking in the sauce.
Q5: Can I bake this dish?
A5: Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Q6: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
A6: Let it simmer a bit longer, or stir in a little more Parmesan or cream cheese.
Q7: Can I add protein to make it a meal?
A7: Definitely—grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or even shrimp work well.
Q8: Is this keto-friendly?
A8: Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto diets.
Q9: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A9: Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust seasoning to taste.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts.
Final Thoughts
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Creamy Green Beans are the ultimate upgrade to a classic side dish. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Green Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These stovetop Creamed Green Beans bring all the cozy flavors of a classic side dish but with a fresh, crunchy twist! Tender green beans are coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce and topped with crispy shallots and golden panko for the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch. A must-try for holiday gatherings or any comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Crispy Shallot Topping:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 ounces shallots, thinly sliced (about 2 medium shallots)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
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Cook the Green Beans:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add green beans and cook until slightly softened. If using frozen beans, cook until completely thawed.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tender to your liking.
- Turn off the heat and mix in Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Let sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
-
Prepare the Crispy Shallot Topping:
- Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
- Add shallots and cook until golden and crispy, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, salt, rosemary, and parsley. Toast until golden brown.
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Assemble & Serve:
- Sprinkle the crispy shallot topping over the creamed green beans before serving.
- Enjoy warm!