7 Green Bean Recipes For Thanksgiving (Crowd-Favorite Recipes!)

If you're looking for the best green bean recipes for Thanksgiving, you've come to the right place! I've made a bunch of green bean recipes in my day, but these seven are all my top picks to serve at a Thanksgiving feast. They're all completely family-approved too and have been huge hits with everyone whenever I make them!

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Green Bean Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

If there’s one side dish that belongs on every Thanksgiving table, it’s green beans. Whether you love the classic creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy onions, cheesy green bean casserole, or prefer something lighter like garlic butter green beans or green beans with bacon, these recipes prove there’s a version for everyone.

In my family, green beans are the one side that disappears before the turkey. Over the years, I’ve tested every kind — fresh, frozen, Southern-style, and even Paula Deen’s version — to find the best of the best. So, whether you’re planning a traditional spread or want something new to impress your guests, you’ll find plenty of delicious inspiration here.

From old-fashioned casseroles to modern roasted veggie sides, these green bean recipes for Thanksgiving are easy, reliable, and guaranteed to earn you compliments. And the best part? Every recipe pairs perfectly with corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole, so you can mix and match for a truly unforgettable holiday meal.

My Top Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes To Make

1. Crack Green Beans

If you love green beans and want to add just a little extra flair, then my crack green beans are a must-try. This recipe combines perfectly cooked green beans with crispy bacon, garlic, and a creamy, savory sauce that will have everyone going back for seconds! Grab my recipe for Crack Green Beans here.

2. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

A green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, and this version takes it to the next level by adding bacon and a creamy mushroom sauce for an extra burst of flavor. This has surprisingly been a hit my the kiddos in my family, so it's definitely kid-approved! You can get my Bacon Green Bean Casserole recipe here.

3. Chinese Green Beans

Now, this recipe is an untraditional green bean Thanksgiving recipe, but I think it deserves a spot at every Thanksgiving feast. Then green beans are cooked in a pan until tender with the perfect crunch, and they're coated in a homemade stir-fry sauce that has an incredible flavor. Get my Chinese green beans recipe here.

4. Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

I love Texas Roadhouse and getting their green beans with steak, but this copycat version tastes even better with turkey and mashed potatoes! This is a simple, yet elevated green bean side dish that I promise everyone will love. Trust me, my family can't get enough of these Texas Roadhouse green beans! Get the Recipe Here.

5. Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

If you want more of a hearty and comforting side dish, this ham green beans and potatoes is the perfect combo. The green beans are simmered with smoky ham and tender potatoes, creating a savory, filling dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and stuffing. Here is my Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe.

6. Tater Tot Green Bean Casserole

Up next on my list is one of my favorite casserole recipes, this tater tot green bean casserole. It has crispy tater tots combined with tender green beans and juicy ground beef smothered in a creamy mushroom soup with cheddar cheese on top. It’s an unexpected but delicious way to serve green beans at Thanksgiving that the kids (and adults) love! Get the Recipe Here.

7. Sausage, Green Bean, and Potato Casserole

The last recipe I've included on my list is this sausage, green beans, and potato casserole. If you're looking for a hearty green bean side dish, you have to make this! It has everything you see in the name, cooked together for a blend of flavor that's so tasty. Here is the recipe for my Sausage, Green Bean, Potato Casserole.

Expert Tips for The Best Thanksgiving Green Beans

Choose the right green beans. For the freshest flavor and best texture, go with fresh green beans if you can. They hold up best when baked, sautéed, or roasted and keep that tender-crisp bite. If you’re short on time, frozen green beans are a great backup — just thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Avoid canned beans for casseroles if you want to keep them from turning mushy.
Don’t overcook your beans. Green beans should stay slightly firm and vibrant green, not limp or gray. Whether you’re roasting or boiling, cook them until just tender, then immediately drain or transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This trick keeps them crisp and colorful — especially helpful if you’re prepping ahead.
Use the right seasoning balance. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and butter is classic, but a few simple additions can transform your green beans. Try lemon zest and parmesan for a fresh, bright flavor, or bacon and onions for that cozy, Southern-style richness.
Layer texture for crowd appeal. Thanksgiving sides should feel indulgent. If you’re making a casserole, don’t skip the crispy onion topping — it adds crunch and contrast. For roasted green beans, toss in toasted almonds, breadcrumbs, or fried shallots for a similar crunch factor.
Make them ahead (without losing flavor). If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, prep the green beans or casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything, but wait to bake or roast until the day of serving. If you’re making sautéed or roasted beans, undercook them slightly, then finish in the oven for 10 minutes before serving to bring them back to life.
Keep them warm before serving. Transfer cooked green beans or casseroles to an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. This keeps them hot without drying them out — perfect when you’re juggling multiple Thanksgiving dishes.
Add a finishing touch. Before serving, drizzle green beans with a bit of melted butter, olive oil, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. It adds freshness and that homemade touch everyone loves.

Green Bean Thanksgiving FAQs

Can I use canned green beans for Thanksgiving recipes?

You can, but fresh or frozen green beans will give you better texture and flavor. Canned green beans work fine for traditional casseroles but can become too soft for roasted or sautéed recipes. If you do use canned, drain them well and reduce any additional salt in your recipe. If you're looking for the best way to cook canned green beans for Thanksgiving, check out my canned green beans recipe.

What’s the best way to prep green beans ahead of Thanksgiving?

For fresh green beans, trim and blanch them (boil for 2–3 minutes, then plunge into ice water). Pat dry, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. On Thanksgiving Day, just reheat them in a skillet with butter, garlic, and seasoning — they’ll taste freshly made.

How do I keep green beans from getting soggy in a casserole?

Make sure you drain your beans well after cooking or thawing. Excess liquid makes the sauce watery and the topping less crisp. Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help the casserole set and the top brown nicely.

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as usual and add the crispy onions during the last 10 minutes so they stay crunchy.

How do I reheat green beans for Thanksgiving dinner?

Reheat green bean dishes in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. If reheating sautéed or roasted beans, a quick toss in a skillet with a dab of butter revives them perfectly.

What can I add to green beans to make them taste better?

Simple upgrades make a huge difference! Add crumbled bacon, parmesan cheese, garlic butter, caramelized onions, or a splash of lemon juice. For something festive, sprinkle with toasted pecans or dried cranberries for color and holiday flavor.

What should I serve with green beans on Thanksgiving?

Green beans complement just about everything — turkey, ham, roast chicken, or beef. They’re also the perfect balance to rich casseroles like Paula Deen's corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole.

My Final Thoughts

Well, those are my top green bean recipes for Thanksgiving! Whether you prefer a traditional casserole, a savory bacon-infused dish, or an unconventional take on preparing green beans, these recipes offer something for everyone this Thanksgiving.

If you make one of the recipes, I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does. Happy Thanksgiving!

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Make

If you're looking for some more Thanksgiving recipes, check these out:

Which one will you be making this year? Let me know in the comments below!