Garlic Butter Creole Green Beans

These Garlic Butter Creole Green Beans are a simple, flavor-packed vegetable side dish that brings steakhouse vibes right to your holiday table. They cook quickly in one pan, deliver the perfect tender snap, and carry just enough seasoning and heat to keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re serving a Thanksgiving feast or a weeknight dinner, these green beans never disappoint.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 to 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Creole Kick
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt the Butter

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add half a stick of butter. Allow it to melt slowly without browning.

2. Add the Green Beans

Add the cleaned green beans directly to the skillet. Toss to coat them evenly in the melted butter. If needed, add the remaining butter so all the beans are fully coated.

3. Sauté the Beans

Continue cooking over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beans turn a vibrant green and begin to soften.

4. Season

Dust the beans lightly with garlic powder and sprinkle with Creole seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. Toss well to distribute the seasoning.

5. Cover and Finish Cooking

Add a lid to the skillet to trap steam and help the beans cook through. Allow them to cook for 5 to 10 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark. Cook to your desired tenderness, keeping a little snap for best texture.

6. Serve

Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and pour all the flavorful melted butter from the skillet over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, baked ham, prime rib, or grilled chicken.
• Add them to a holiday spread alongside mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, and macaroni and cheese.
• Serve with seared salmon or shrimp for a lighter weeknight meal.
• Plate on a white platter and drizzle with the seasoned butter for that steakhouse-style presentation.

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Variations

Lemon Garlic Green Beans:
Add the zest of one lemon and a squeeze of fresh juice right before serving.

Smoky Bacon Green Beans:
Cook two to three slices of chopped bacon in the skillet first, remove the bacon, sauté the green beans in the rendered fat, and add the bacon back in at the end.

Parmesan Green Beans:
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot beans just before serving.

Herb Butter Green Beans:
Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary during the last minute of cooking.

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Pro Tips

• Make sure the skillet is large enough for the beans to sit mostly in a single layer. Crowding causes steaming instead of sautéing.
• Keep the heat at medium. Too high and the butter will brown before the beans soften.
• Fresh green beans are best. Frozen beans will release moisture and won’t sauté the same way.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. Creole blends vary in saltiness.
• For a slight char and deeper flavor, uncover the skillet for the last two minutes and increase the heat slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?
You can, but the texture will be softer and they may steam instead of sauté. Fresh is strongly recommended.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Slightly undercook the beans, store them covered in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet with a bit more butter before serving.

How do I keep green beans bright green?
Do not overcook them, and keep the heat moderate. Cooking them just until tender helps retain their color.

How spicy are these?
The Creole seasoning adds mild heat. For more kick, add red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce or omit them.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based butter alternative with a high fat content for best results.