You can use French green beans from a can or make them from scratch in a pot. This vegetable goes well with almost any main dish. With so many options, you might need help deciding what to serve with green beans. Here is a list of 15 main dish recipes that go well with green beans.
There is no right or wrong way to cook green beans. They go well with all of these meals and are good for you. With anything from casseroles, to a steak dinner, to a holiday feast, green beans usually fit right in. Try one of the recipes below for delicious, flavorful meals the next time you make green beans.
Green bean casserole is a beloved staple on many Thanksgiving tables. The creamy, crispy topping combining fried onions, mushrooms, and tender green beans is downright addictive! But with all that richness, it’s smart to round out your plate with lighter, brighter flavored sides that can balance out this indulgent bake. Keep reading for plenty of delicious food pairing ideas that go great with green bean casserole!
The Iconic Flavors of Green Bean Casserole
Let’s quickly break down the key flavors happening in a classic green bean casserole
- Creamy – From milk, cream, or soup, there’s a velvety base coating the beans
- Savory/Umami – Sautéed mushrooms add meaty, earthy flavor
- Crispy – Fried onion strings on top provide irresistible crunch
- Herbal – Thyme, garlic, parsley, pepper contribute aromatic notes
- Sweet – Green beans have a subtle natural sweetness
- Saltiness – Bacon, soy sauce or salt enhances the other flavors
- Comforting – The flavors and textures just spell H-O-M-E
These components all add up to heavy, indulgent satisfaction. So we want lighter sides that won’t overshadow the casserole but will complement it artfully.
Bright, Crunchy Veggie Sides
The first pairing strategy is to pick vegetable dishes with some brightness and crunch to contrast the creaminess of the casserole. Here are some excellent options:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Broccoli
Roasted until caramelized with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, Brussels sprouts or broccoli will pop with flavor next to the casserole. The crunchy florets also add fun textures.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A classic green salad with a bright vinaigrette is always a foolproof choice The tangy dressing and crispy lettuce or kale leaves cut the richness perfectly. Add cranberries for a festive touch!
Coleslaw or Cabbage Slaw
Shredded cabbage or broccoli slaws tossed in a zesty dressing brings a refreshing, palate-cleansing slaw to the table. Try apple cider vinaigrette for a seasonal twist.
Carrot or Beet Salad
Shredded raw carrots or beets drizzled with citrus vinaigrette gives a nourishing, earthy crunch to balance out the casserole’s textures smoothly.
Savory Potatoes or Grains
Hearty potatoes, rice, or grains make satisfying sides that can soak up extra casserole sauce deliciously. Here are some starchy options:
Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes
Cubes of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, crisped in the oven, pair beautifully with the green bean casserole. They add even more comfort food appeal.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty, chewy wild rice with herbs and vegetables cooked in broth makes a nicely textured bed for the creamy casserole.
Quinoa or Farro Salad
Protein-packed quinoa or farro salads with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing offer a more elegant, modern grain side.
Scalloped Potatoes
For an extra rich pairing, creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes complement the casserole divinely. Just balance with healthier sides too.
Stuffing or Dressing
Savory, fluffy stuffing is already on the Thanksgiving table, so pile it on! Herb stuffing or cornbread dressing blends beautifully.
Tangy Cranberry Dishes
Since green bean casserolealready covers the savory bases, juicy cranberry dishes make ideal counterparts with their bright, tart sweetness.
Cranberry Sauce
Of course, traditional homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest and cinnamon is never a bad idea. It cuts through the casserole’s richness masterfully.
Cranberry Salad
For a twist, try a spinach salad with dried cranberries, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette. The flavors interplay so well.
Baked Brie with Cranberries
Oozing baked brie with a crunchy pecan and cranberry topping makes a dramatic, decadent pairing for smaller gatherings.
Easy Appetizers and Breads
Don’t forget easy starters, breads and rolls that can round out a balanced plate:
- Crackers and cheese
- Charcuterie board
- Artichoke dip
- Bread sticks
- Crostini
- Corn muffins
- Biscuits
- French bread
Final Plate Suggestions
To assemble a beautifully balanced Thanksgiving plate:
- Scoop of green bean casserole
- Protein like roasted turkey or ham
- Bright vegetable like roasted broccoli
- Starchy side like wild rice pilaf
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner roll
With lighter vegetable dishes, fresh cranberry flavors, and starchy sides interplaying with the heavy casserole, you’ll have a seemingly endless feast of contrasting flavors and textures to enjoy. That’s the beauty of thoughtfully pairing foods with this iconic Thanksgiving favorite.
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