Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble
I am heading toward making my vegetable dishes more fancy, and we will start with the green beans, a classic holiday side dish. These Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble are a step up from the norm. Frozen green beans are pan-fried in garlic and Cajun seasoning and then topped with a salty and crunchy crumble for a stunning side dish!
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These tender green beans are flavorful from the bacon, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. They also have a fresh bite because we don’t cook them until they become mushy. When you finally top them with the seasoned and crispy crumble, it quickly transforms them into one of the most delicious side dishes you could ever bring to Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas Eve. (Although there is no reason to cook this dish only for a special occasion. It’s so quick that it also works well for busy weeknights.)
When I was growing up, green beans landed on the table almost every night. And while I am currently a fan of green beans, I didn’t grow up a fan. My mom opened a can of green beans, warmed them, and placed them on the table.
(I’m not throwing any shade at my mom. She did what she knew and kept us fed, and I am very thankful for that!)
But her classic recipe of soggy, canned green beans did alter my perception of this delicious vegetable. Since I am now a mother and love to cook, I have consciously decided to put more effort into my vegetable dishes. I want my kids to look forward to eating their “greens” and not dread it because of the lack of flavor or texture. For the first time in my life, the vegetable sides are outshining the main dishes because of my willingness to try some new things.
I make vegetables more exciting by adding a delicious sauce or a crunchy topping. (I also start with frozen or fresh vegetables, not canned, which gives me more texture and better flavor.) And because sauces and crumbles are so easy to make and customize, the possibilities are endless! (The same idea can be seen in green bean casserole with crispy fried onions sprinkled on top.)
What’s so GREAT about frozen green beans?
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I’ve also decided to try to put more vegetables and fruits on the table for the holiday meals. This time of year, getting off track with your eating is all too easy. Now, I’m no Scrooge. I love classic recipes like cheesy green bean casserole with crispy onions (my brother makes the best green bean casserole), loaded baked potato casserole topped with cheddar cheese and potato chips, and Southern Cornbread dressing with cranberry sauce.
They are a big hit, and making them together is a family affair every year, but afterward, we almost go completely into a food coma!
This elevated American classic is also an excellent dish for dinner parties. Although I recommend serving these fresh green beans while hot, they are just as delicious at room temperature. So, there’s no pressure to keep them warm for your guests if that’s impossible. And when I say dinner parties, I’m not talking about pretentious environments with chefs and catering.
I’m talking about easy recipes for home cooks, cozy enough to bring people together, and tasty/beautiful enough to serve your distinguished guests. (Whether that’s Mamaw or the President of the United States!)
Now, I’m not sure that the holidays are the time to start being careful with what you eat, but if you are trying to stay on track during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, dishes like this can help you out. It’s great for a low-calorie diet and even better for a low-carb KETO lifestyle. The beans, cheese, and almonds all lend themselves well to those two ways of eating.
It’s the perfect holiday alternative to the original green bean casserole recipe, which includes a can of cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and deep-fried onions. (This recipe tastes spectacular but is sure to crush any hopes you have of losing weight.) Maybe we can all move away from drowning our vegetables in copious amounts of sauce to tolerate them and finally realize that they are all delicious! (Of course, a small complimentary addition of healthy “crunchies” on top won’t hurt!)
Tips for Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble:
- If you choose to use fresh beans, I suggest you use a little water or chicken broth in the skillet over medium heat to steam them and help them soften more quickly. cook them until that water completely evaporates before starting the pan-frying process.
- You MUST spread the parmesan cheese and almond mixture in a thin layer to crisp up properly.
- Using French-style green beans and whole green beans elevates this dish by giving it a beautiful presentation. The cut beans are fine, too, but I don’t find them to be as “fancy.”
- Parmesan Cheese isn’t the only thing you can use to add crunch. Bread crumbs and French-fried onions are good, too, but you will miss the salty, cheesy aspect of the parm that my original recipe brings to this perfect side dish.
- Flaky sea salt would be so good sprinkled on top of this crumble.
Make Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble with me on YouTube!
Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble Ingredients:
Parmesan Crumble:
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fried Garlic Green Beans:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Tony’s Cajun Seasoning
- 2 (10.8 oz.) Frozen whole green beans
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 heaping tablespoon bacon grease
Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble Instructions:
Making the Parmesan Crumble:
- First, preheat the one to 400 degrees F.
- Second, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Third, pour the parmesan cheese, almonds, parsley flakes, and thyme onto the baking sheet and spread it into a thin single layer.
- Bake the parmesan crumble mixture for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, and let it cool.
- Once the crumble is cooled, break it into pieces, add the chopped dates, and set aside.
Making the Fried Garlic Green Beans:
- First, add the avocado oil to a cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Second, add the frozen whole green beans to the hot cast iron skillet and toss to coat it with avocado oil.
- Third, cook the green beans until they have completely thawed and softened slightly.
- Next, add the bacon grease and toss to coat the green beans completely.
- Then, add the garlic powder, Tony’s, and black pepper to the green beans as they saute and mix well.
- Continue “frying” the green beans until they develop color, and promptly remove them from heat.
Putting it together:
- First, pour the garlic-fried green beans onto a serving platter or holiday casserole dish.
- Second, top the green beans with the parmesan crumble.
- Finally, serve warm and with your favorite main dishes, and enjoy!
Storage for Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or cover your serving/baking dish with plastic wrap.
What are the Macros for Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble?
Makes 4 servings (Nutritional information below is for 1 serving = 1 cup)
- Calories – 355
- Protein – 16.1 grams
- Carbs – 17.5 grams (net)
- Fat – 23.4 grams
Check out some of my other Vegetable recipes!
Better than Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Raspberry Vinaigrette
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Fried Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan Crumble
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Parmesan Crumble:
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 dates pitted and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fried Garlic Green Beans:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Tony’s Cajun Seasoning
- 2 10.8 oz. Frozen whole green beans
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon bacon grease
Instructions
Making the Parmesan Crumble:
- First, preheat the one to 400 degrees F.
- Second, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Third, pour the parmesan cheese, almonds, parsley flakes, and thyme onto the baking sheet and spread it into a thin single layer.
- Bake the parmesan crumble mixture for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, and let it cool.
- Once the crumble is cooled, break it into pieces, add the chopped dates, and set aside.
Making the Fried Garlic Green Beans:
- First, add the avocado oil to a cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Second, add the frozen whole green beans to the hot cast iron skillet and toss to coat it with avocado oil.
- Third, cook the green beans until they have completely thawed and softened slightly.
- Next, add the bacon grease and toss to coat the green beans completely.
- Then, add the garlic powder, Tony’s, and black pepper to the green beans as they saute and mix well.
- Continue “frying” the green beans until they develop color, and promptly remove them from heat.
Putting it together:
- First, pour the garlic-fried green beans onto a serving platter or holiday casserole dish.
- Second, top the green beans with the parmesan crumble.
- Finally, serve warm and with your favorite main dishes, and enjoy!
Video
