Green beans are the perfect side dish. These crunchy, healthy green babies are so good when you know what to do with them! Just add a few simple ingredients such as butter, garlic and parmesan and these little garlic parmesan green beans will be a family favorite.
Green beans themselves aren't that exciting, it's first when you add flavorings that they become the star they ought to be, like here or in this green bean casserole. The same can be said about brussels sprouts, they are so boring when boiled but roasted honey balsamic brussels sprouts are actually one of my definite favorite Winter side dishes. And I also recently discovered that you can pan fry brussels sprouts super easily!
These super easy garlic parmesan green beans are part of my Thanksgiving for Two series. I am ALL about making a ton of side dishes on Thanksgiving, as I love variety on my plate. That also means you will probably have leftovers.
But I wouldn't worry too much about the leftovers because I've also got a post on what to make with the Thanksgiving leftovers! If you are like me and hate leftovers, you are so in the right place. All my Thanksgiving leftovers ended up in 7 completely new recipes, so you wouldn't even think of them as leftovers.
You are welcome.
The Health Benefits: Green Beans Nutrition
I am not going to sell this recipe as super healthy because of the butter and parmesan (but I am going to sell it as DELICIOUS). But anyway, I don't think it's too bad because the health benefits of green beans are actually pretty good. Let's summarize:
- good source of vitamin A, C, K, B6 and folic acid
- contain minerals such as calcium, silicon, iron, manganese, copper and potassium
- low in calories and fat and contain no cholesterol
- may help reduce heart disease due to their high levels of flavonoids
- high fiber content can positively impact the digestive system
- can help control diabetes
- the antioxidants in green beans can boost immunity
- improve eye and bone health
- green beans are low FOODMAP which is great for people with IBS
You can read more about all of this on Organic Facts. As you can see, there are a whole bunch of reasons why you should include some green beans on your plate, even a Thanksgiving plate! And we are going to make them utterly delicious with just a few ingredients.
Other Thanksgiving Side Dishes
I do believe a massive Thanksgiving dinner require several side dishes, and I'd like to tell you what was on my plate last year:
- Citrus Rosemary Turkey (well ok, this is the main element)
- Super Easy Turkey Gravy
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Honey Balsamic Baked Brussels Sprouts
- Apple, Sage and Caramelized Onion Stuffing
- Cheddar Herb Sweet Potato Mash
- ... and these Garlic Parmesan Green Beans!
All the ones that are not linked are nestled together in the fabulous Thanksgiving for Two blog post. And let me just tell you that this blog post also includes a bunch of free planners and even an oven schedule to make this feast as easily as possible.
And I am NOT saying that these green beans are only reserved for Thanksgiving, they are fantastic any time of the year. This is just one of the ways I'm serving them and Thanksgiving is what I associate them with. Eat them when you have them, they are great with any kind of meat and sauce and potatoes!
Super Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Beans Recipe
Chop the edges of the green beans off, discard the edges. Heat butter in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for one minute, until fragrant. Add the green beans, salt and pepper and stir to coat evenly. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, while stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with the parmesan and toss to melt the cheese.
And there you have it! Perfect side dish to any meal, even a grand Thanksgiving dinner.
Did you like this recipe? You'll love these too:
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Honey Balsamic Baked Brussels Sprouts
- How to Make Pumpkin Puree
- Homemade Dinner Rolls with Cheese and Bacon
- Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta
- Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Apple Puffs
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later! To make sure you’re never missing another recipe, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, and as a thanks you will receive a free e-cookbook Travels Through the Seasons.
In order to keep the blog up and running this post may contain affiliate links, it will be at no extra cost to you, please read the disclosure for more information.
Download your FREE copy of Travels Through the Seasons Cookbook here!

Super Easy Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans are the perfect side dish. Just add a few simple ingredients such as butter, garlic and parmesan and these little garlic parmesan green beans will be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 7 oz green beans, 200g (frozen is fine)
- 2 teaspoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, large, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Chop the edges of the green beans off, discard the edges. Mince garlic and grate parmesan cheese.
- Heat butter in a large skillet, over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for one minute, until fragrant. Add the green beans, salt and pepper and stir to coat evenly. Sautée for about 5 minutes or until cooked through, while stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with the parmesan and toss to melt the cheese.
Notes
Leftovers are great to use in these leftovers egg cups (scroll to find the recipe).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 5.1gSaturated Fat: 3.2gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 521mgCarbohydrates: 7.9gFiber: 3.5gSugar: 1.4gProtein: 3.6g
Jenni LeBaron
Monday 28th of October 2019
I love how simple these green beans are but they pack such amazing flavors! These will be perfect served as a Thanksgiving side this year!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Tuesday 29th of October 2019
Thank you so much, Jenni. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Ramona's Cuisine
Monday 28th of October 2019
These garlic and parmesan green beans were magnificent - the perfect side to our roast chichen we have had the other night - wonderful recipe and inspiration. Thanks for sharing ;-)
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Tuesday 29th of October 2019
Thank you so much, Ramona. I'm glad you liked it!
Mirlene
Monday 28th of October 2019
A must have side dish for Thanksgiving. I like the simplicity of the recipe. The cheese is a bonus. Will add to my list.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Tuesday 29th of October 2019
Thank you so much, Mirlene.
Alexis
Sunday 27th of October 2019
We love green beans around the holidays. I never thought to add Parmesan, this looks delicious.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Monday 28th of October 2019
Thank you so much. So do we!
Emily
Saturday 26th of October 2019
Green beans are one of the best side dishes at Thanksgiving and I love this garlic parmesan version!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Monday 28th of October 2019
Thank you so much, Emily!