Balsamic Green Beans with Crispy Bread Crumbs

Turn a side dish into the star of the plate with these Balsamic Green Beans with Crispy Bread Crumbs. A little tangy, a little salty, a little sweet – these green beans are fancy enough for the holiday table. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’ll fit perfectly in your weekday menu, too.

Green beans are a classic - dare I say, ho hum - way to round out a meal. But a handful of simple ingredients are all that’s needed to take them from ordinary to sophisticated.

Begin with the bread crumbs - a mixture of chopped almonds, grated parmesan, panko, and nutmeg, all warmed to toasty perfection in olive oil.

Next, the green bean glow-up continues with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Did you know that “balsamic” means healing? It comes from the Greek word balsamon, which translates to “balm.” The name is apt, as this dark and velvety vinegar has been proven to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure and sugar and improve skin health. It’s also a wildly versatile ingredient that can elevate so many dishes.

There’s so much to love about this recipe. I think this is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for whenever you need an easy, elegant, and delicious side dish. Try it and let me know what you think!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavourful twist on a classic side dish
• Crispy, nutty topping
• Quick and easy!
• Gluten-free adaptable – Use gluten-free panko
• Great for a weeknight dinner, but still fancy enough for the holidays

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How To Make Balsamic Green Beans

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

Step 1: Mix together ingredients for bread crumb mixture.

In a bowl, combine the finely chopped almonds, grated parmesan, panko bread crumbs, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 2: Toast breadcrumbs until golden.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bread crumb mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the bread crumbs are golden brown, crunchy, and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).

Remove from the heat and transfer the bread crumbs to a plate. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté green beans and garlic.

Trim the tips of the green beans and set aside. In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for an additional 30 seconds. (Careful not to let the garlic burn)

Step 4: Steam the beans and add the vinegar.

Pour in 2 tablespoon of water and cover the pan with a lid. Steam the green beans for 2 minutes on medium heat.

Remove the lid and stir in the balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve.

Transfer the cooked green beans to a serving plate while pouring any balsamic vinegar still in the pan over them. Top with the crispy bread crumb mixture and shaved parmesan and drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Taste to check doneness and seasoning – Just before serving, taste a green bean to make sure it's cooked to your preferred level of tenderness and has enough salt and vinegar. A quick taste test is the best way to get it just right.
• Trim the ends first – The stem ends are tough and not good to eat, so be sure to cut them off before cooking.
• Make the breadcrumb topping ahead – Toast the breadcrumb mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Re-crisp in a dry skillet for a minute or two before serving, if needed.
• Make extra breadcrumbs – Consider doubling or tripling the breadcrumb mixture to have extra on hand. It's a great topping for salads, soups, roasted vegetables, or even pasta dishes. The crispy, nutty crunch adds a delicious touch to many meals!

Recipe FAQs

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