Creamed Green Beans Recipe

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 199kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Creamed green beans with parmesan and garlic are a great side dish for any occasion. They are easy enough for weeknight meals yet unique enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The cheesy, savory flavor can't be beat!

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Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans washed, dried, and trimmed
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 and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Place the green beans in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and steam the beans in the microwave for 3 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, boil the green beans in a pot of water for 5-6 minutes.
1 pound fresh green beans
Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg; whisk well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Add the beans to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a serving dish and serve garnished with Parmesan.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Video

Notes

Although I highly recommend using fresh green beans, you could use frozen green beans. I do not recommend using canned green beans.
You can use half-and-half in place of the heavy cream; however, the sauce will not be as creamy.
If you're not a fan of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano.
If you have fresh garlic on hand, you can mince 1 clove and use it in place of the garlic powder.
Feel free to leave out the nutmeg if you're not a fan.
Add bacon! Cook diced bacon in the skillet before adding the cream, cheese, garlic, and nutmeg.
For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes!
If you do not steam or blanch the beans, they will lose their vibrancy and turn an unappetizing grey color.
The sauce thickens as it cools. For the best consistency, cook it until it just begins to stick to the beans.
If reheating, feel free to add a bit of water or cream to thin the sauce back out.

Storage: Store creamed green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition