Joanna Gaines Green Beans Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the perfect copycat Joanna Gaines green beans recipe, you’re in for a treat. This elegant yet simple side dish combines crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds, aromatic shallots, and bright lemon zest.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday gathering, this Joanna Gaines green bean almondine recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The combination of buttery toasted almonds and fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s both nutritious and impressive, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

What is Joanna Gaines Green Beans Almondine and How Does It Taste?

The Joanna Gaines recipe for green beans almondine is a refined take on the classic French dish “haricots verts amandine.” This recipe green beans amandine Joanna Gaines style features blanched green beans sautéed with golden toasted almonds, fragrant shallots, and garlic, finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest.

The flavor profile is perfectly balanced-the beans retain their natural sweetness and slight earthiness while the almonds add a nutty richness and satisfying crunch. The shallots and garlic provide aromatic depth without overpowering, and the lemon zest brings a bright, citrusy note that ties everything together.

The texture is equally impressive: crisp-tender beans contrast beautifully with the crunchy almonds, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

Joanna Gaines Green Beans Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans – 1 to 1½ pounds (about 450–680 grams), trimmed
• Sea salt (or kosher salt) – for the blanching water (about 1–2 teaspoons) + a pinch or two more for seasoning later
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Sliced almonds – ½ cup (buy pre-sliced for convenience)
• Shallot – 1 large (or 2 small), minced (about ¼–⅓ cup minced); substitute with about ¼ cup minced onion if needed
• Garlic – 1 to 2 cloves, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• Fresh lemon zest – from 1 lemon (about 1–2 teaspoons, or to taste)
• Optional for serving – lemon wedges (from the same lemon)

Kitchen Utensils:

1. Large pot for blanching
2. Colander
3. Large 12-inch non-stick skillet
4. Kitchen tongs (preferably rubber-edged)
5. Sharp knife and cutting board
6. Microplane or zester for lemon
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Serving dish

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

Copycat Joanna Gaines Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water. Trim the stem ends (the tough, stringy side where the bean attaches to the plant) by snapping or cutting them off. Leave the pointed tip end intact. For efficiency, stack a handful of beans and trim them all at once. Pre-trimmed beans from the store work great if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of sea salt (1–2 teaspoons). Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 3–5 minutes, depending on preference: 3 minutes for crisp-tender (al dente) with bite (recommended style), or closer to 5 minutes for softer, more tender beans. Watch for the beans to turn a vibrant bright green-this is your cue to start checking doneness. Drain immediately in a colander.

Step 3: Stop the Cooking

Run the drained beans under cold running water (or place in an ice bath if preferred) to halt the cooking process and lock in the bright color. Shake off excess water and set aside. At this point, you can refrigerate the blanched beans in an airtight container for up to 3 days for quick meals later.

Step 4: Toast the Almonds and Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large (12-inch) non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the ½ cup sliced almonds and toss to coat evenly in the oil. Toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Add Shallots and Garlic

Stir in the minced shallot and 1–2 minced garlic cloves. Add a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots and garlic are tender, translucent, and fragrant, and the almonds are nicely toasted. Stay near the stove to prevent burning-the kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Combine and Heat Through

Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Use tongs (ideally with rubber edges) to toss everything together, lifting from the bottom to incorporate the almonds, shallots, and garlic evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the beans are fully warmed through and everything is well combined. No need for heavy cooking here-just heating and melding flavors.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer to a serving dish. Season with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Grate fresh lemon zest over the top for brightness.

Nestle a few lemon wedges into the dish for guests to squeeze on extra if desired.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

This copycat Joanna Gaines green beans recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with countless main dishes. Here are seven creative ways to customize and serve this green bean almondine dish:

1. Add Brown Butter Richness:

Replace the olive oil with unsalted butter and let it cook until it develops a nutty, caramelized aroma. This brown butter variation adds incredible depth to the Joanna Gaines green bean recipe and creates an even more luxurious side dish that’s perfect for special occasions.

2. Incorporate Bacon or Pancetta:

For a smoky, savory twist on this recipe for green beans almondine, cook 3-4 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and sprinkle over the finished dish. Alternatively, dice pancetta and sauté it before adding the almonds for an Italian-inspired variation.

3. Try Different Nuts:

While the traditional Joanna Gaines recipe for green beans uses sliced almonds, you can substitute with toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavor profiles. Pine nuts add a Mediterranean touch, while cashews provide a buttery sweetness.

4. Pair with Roasted Proteins:

This green beans almondine Joanna Gaines recipe complements roasted chicken, grilled salmon, seared pork chops, or herb-crusted lamb beautifully. The bright, fresh flavors balance rich proteins perfectly, making it an ideal accompaniment to Sunday roasts or weeknight dinners.

5. Add Fresh Herbs:

Elevate your Joanna Gaines green beans almondine recipe by tossing in fresh herbs just before serving. Chopped parsley, dill, or tarragon add bright, aromatic notes, while fresh thyme or rosemary bring earthy complexity to this already flavorful side dish.

6. Create a Holiday Spread:

This recipe green beans amandine Joanna Gaines is a stunning addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter tables. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and your favorite stuffing. The elegant presentation and sophisticated flavors make it worthy of any celebration.

7. Make it a Light Main:

Transform this Joanna Gaines green bean almondine recipe into a satisfying vegetarian main by doubling the portion, adding cherry tomatoes, and serving over quinoa or couscous. Crumble feta or goat cheese on top for added protein and creaminess.

Expert Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine

Master this Joanna Gaines recipe for green beans almondine with these professional tips that ensure perfect results every time:

1. Choose the Right Green Beans:

Select fresh, vibrant green beans that snap crisply when bent. Avoid beans with brown spots, wrinkles, or those that feel limp. For the most authentic copycat Joanna Gaines green beans recipe experience, look for French haricots verts (thin green beans) at farmers’ markets, though regular green beans work beautifully too.

2. Don’t Skip the Blanching Step:

Blanching is crucial in this Joanna Gaines green bean recipe because it preserves the brilliant green color, ensures even cooking, and removes any raw, grassy flavor. The ice bath (or cold water rinse) immediately stops the cooking process, preventing mushy beans and maintaining that perfect crisp-tender texture.

3. Salt Your Blanching Water Generously:

The blanching water should taste like the ocean-this is your only opportunity to season the beans from the inside out. Under-salted water results in bland green beans that no amount of seasoning later can fix. This professional technique elevates your green beans almondine Joanna Gaines recipe from good to exceptional.

4. Watch Your Almonds Closely:

Almonds go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Toast them over medium-low heat with constant stirring, and remember they’ll continue cooking slightly even after you add the shallots. If you’re nervous about burning, toast the almonds separately in a dry skillet, set aside, and add them back later in this recipe for green beans almondine.

5. Mince Shallots and Garlic Finely:

Uniform, fine mincing ensures the aromatics distribute evenly throughout your Joanna Gaines green beans almondine recipe and cook at the same rate. Large chunks of garlic can burn while the shallots remain raw, creating an unbalanced flavor. Take an extra minute to mince properly-it makes a noticeable difference.

6. Control Your Heat:

Medium-low heat is the sweet spot for this recipe green beans amandine Joanna Gaines. Too high, and your garlic burns before the shallots soften; too low, and nothing caramelizes properly. The oil should shimmer but never smoke. Adjust your burner as needed throughout cooking to maintain gentle, controlled heat.

7. Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining:

This Joanna Gaines recipe for green beans is perfect for advance preparation. Blanch the green beans up to 3 days ahead, toast the almonds and prep the aromatics the day before, then simply combine everything in the skillet 10 minutes before serving. This make-ahead strategy turns an impressive side dish into a convenient, stress-free addition to any meal.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Note that reheated beans will be slightly softer and almonds less crunchy than when freshly prepared.

Common Queries and FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this Joanna Gaines green beans recipe?

While fresh beans are strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen beans in a pinch. Thaw completely, pat very dry, and skip the blanching step-just add them directly to the skillet after toasting the almonds and cooking the aromatics.

What’s the difference between almondine and amandine?

These terms are interchangeable. “Amandine” is the French term meaning “with almonds,” while “almondine” is the Anglicized version. Both refer to the same cooking technique of serving food (typically fish or vegetables) with toasted almonds.

Can I make this Joanna Gaines green bean almondine recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as written with olive oil. For a richer version, use vegan butter instead. The dish remains completely plant-based while delivering the same elegant flavors.

Why do my green beans turn olive-colored instead of bright green?

This happens when beans are overcooked or not shocked properly after blanching. The ice bath (or cold water rinse) immediately after draining stops the cooking process and preserves the vibrant color. Also ensure you’re not cooking them too long in the final sauté step.

Can I substitute regular onions for shallots in this recipe?

Yes, though shallots provide a milder, sweeter, more refined flavor that’s signature to this Joanna Gaines recipe for green beans almondine. If using onion, choose yellow or white onion and use about ¼ cup minced-red onion works too but adds a sharper bite.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add garlic after the shallots have been cooking for a minute or two, use medium-low heat, stir frequently, and mince it finely so it cooks evenly. If garlic starts browning too quickly, reduce heat immediately or add the green beans sooner.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this copycat Joanna Gaines green beans recipe is naturally gluten-free when made as directed. Just ensure all your ingredients (especially any flavored salts or seasonings) don’t contain hidden gluten additives.

This Joanna Gaines green beans almondine recipe proves that elegant, restaurant-quality side dishes don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With simple, fresh ingredients and straightforward methods, you can create a stunning accompaniment that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of crisp-tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, aromatic shallots, and bright lemon zest delivers sophisticated flavors that guests always remember. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special celebration, this copycat Joanna Gaines green beans recipe deserves a permanent place in your cooking repertoire.

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