If you love a side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh flavor, you’re going to adore this Creamed Green Beans Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender green beans enveloped in a dreamy, cheesy cream sauce that feels just fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for busy weeknights. This dish transforms humble green beans into something truly memorable, adding a little richness and charm that everyone will rave about at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this list; each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the luscious texture and balanced flavor that makes this dish irresistible. From the fresh snap of the green beans to the silky cream and the sharp hit of Parmesan, every element is essential for that perfect bite.
- 1 pound fresh green beans: The star vegetable, providing a crisp, vibrant base that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, silky foundation to the creamy sauce without overpowering the beans.
- ½ cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient that creates the luscious, velvety texture you crave in creamed beans.
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, savory depth and helps thicken the sauce with a gourmet twist.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle but essential for a gentle layer of aromatic flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch adds warmth and a hint of nuttiness that elevates the creaminess.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste — these seasonings tie everything together and enhance the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamed Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing, drying, and trimming your fresh green beans. Then, place them in a large microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave for 3 minutes until they turn a bright, inviting green and are just tender. If you prefer, you can boil them for 5 to 6 minutes instead. The key is not to overcook them so they maintain a slight snap and vibrant color.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
Next, melt the butter gently over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and ground nutmeg. Stir continuously as the sauce heats until it comes to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This creates that smooth, rich coating your green beans will love.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Toss the steamed green beans into the simmering cream sauce, making sure every bean gets lovingly coated in that cheesy, luxurious mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Once everything is warmed through and flavored perfectly, transfer to a serving dish. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of Parmesan on top to finish things off beautifully.
How to Serve Creamed Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
While the Parmesan cheese garnish is a classic touch, you can also sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or finely diced shallots for a pop of color and extra dimension. Toasted almonds or crispy shallots add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This creamed green beans recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. If you want to round out your meal, try serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf. The creamy green beans add just the right amount of richness and freshness to complement hearty or simple mains alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving the creamed green beans in individual ramekins or on small plates as an elegant side. You can even layer them in a clear casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan, then broil for a minute to create a golden crust. It’s a fantastic way to make this favorite recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed green beans keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, cool completely before storing. You might notice the beans soften a bit overnight, but the creamy sauce will still be delicious and comforting.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal, as the cream sauce can separate after thawing. If you do freeze it, place the cooled beans and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to bring everything back together without curdling the cream. Alternatively, heat in short bursts in the microwave and stir in between to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating can help refresh the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this Creamed Green Beans Recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be a convenient option if fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw and drain them well before using, as excess water can thin out the sauce. Cooking times may be slightly shorter since frozen beans are pre-blanched.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can make a dairy-free version by substituting unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter and using coconut cream or a cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to add a cheesy flavor. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious!
What can I do to make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the cream mixture while it’s simmering. Whisk it in slowly and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, or even lightly steamed carrots for added color and texture. Just cook those extras gently before adding the cream sauce to keep everything tender.
How do I keep the green beans vibrant and not mushy?
The key is to cook the green beans just until bright and tender-crisp, either by steaming or boiling briefly. Overcooking will cause them to lose their color and texture. Also, immediately draining and tossing them in the cream sauce while it’s warm helps maintain their appealing bite.
Final Thoughts
This Creamed Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again for its buttery richness and the fresh snap of perfectly cooked green beans. It’s a timeless side that fits both everyday dinners and holiday feasts with equal grace. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears from the table—your friends and family will ask for the recipe in no time!
Print
Creamed Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for elevating any meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans (washed, dried, and trimmed)
Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Steam the Green Beans: Place the green beans in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and microwave for 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, you can boil the green beans in a pot of water for 5-6 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and ground nutmeg. Whisk the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toss Beans in Sauce and Serve: Add the steamed green beans to the skillet and toss them thoroughly to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the creamed green beans to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker method, steaming the green beans in the microwave is very efficient, but boiling is also a great option.
- Adjust garlic powder and nutmeg to your taste preferences for a more or less pronounced flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the depth of flavor in the cream sauce.
- This dish pairs nicely with roasted meats or as part of a holiday meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all seasoning and Parmesan labels confirm no gluten content.
