Garlic Butter Green Beans Skillet

This crunchy garlic butter green beans skillet recipe makes for the perfect appetizer or side to roasts or any other mains that you’re planning to whip up for a dinner party you’re hosting, or even as a nice, light meal to get some more greens into your tummy. 

The crunchiness of the pan-fried green beans is a nice contrast against the creaminess of the feta cheese and the other elements that make up this dish. Plus, you can also bring in your own variation into the recipe. 

Scroll down and take a quick look into everything you need to know about making it from scratch. 

Ingredients For the Recipe

You’ll need a handful of ingredients apart from the green beans to put this kickass appetizer together. 

• 1 lb green beans
• ½ lemon
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 2 oz feta cheese
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 
• 1 teaspoon onion flakes
• 3 tablespoon butter

How to Make the Garlic Butter Green Beans Skillet

Once you have all your ingredients ready, here’s the process you need to follow to put the dish together. 

• Blanch (cook) the green beans for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.  
• Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic 
• Cook for 1-2 minutes 

• Stir in the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the salt, pepper, sugar, seasoning, onion flakes, walnuts and cranberry. 
• Next, add some lemon juice and feta cheese 
• Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make this in a Regular Pan?

You sure can! One pan and skillet recipes are actually the best, because they translate to less clean-up later. You can use any good quality, heavy bottomed pan of your choice. However, using a cast iron skillet is the most preferred choice, as it heats up evenly, and ensures that all your green beans and other add-ons are cooked to perfection. 

Cast iron skillets and pans can be a tad bit pricey as opposed to their non-stick counterparts, but they can last for decades, which makes them totally worth the investment. 

I’m currently obsessed with this one that I found on Amazon, and I think it is really good value for money too. 

What Else Can I Add to the Garlic Butter Green Beans?

While green beans remain the hero ingredient of this dish, you can still add in a lot of other veggies or ingredients of your choice, based on what you have at hand- this dish is pretty versatile that way. 

Carrots, kale, baby corn, asparagus and bell peppers are all good choices that can work well along with the flavors of this dish. 

How Do I Store the Leftovers?

Got some leftovers from the garlic butter green beans skillet that you want to store for later? Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Then, all you need to do is reheat it in the microwave on high. 

Tips & Tricks to Nail the Garlic Butter Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Think you’re ready to try out the recipe? Have these little tips and tricks handy to make it easier for you to put the dish together. 

• While this recipe calls for the use of walnuts, you can substitute them with pine nuts or even skinless almonds. The idea is to add in a crunchy element that is healthy and brings in a nice contrast of textures. 
• Throw in some chopped basil towards the end and give it all a good mix. This can lend some extra aroma and deliciousness to the dish. 
• If you can, season the garlic butter green beans skillet dish with flaky sea salt instead of regular salt. 
• To bring some heat into the dish, sprinkle some paprika or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. 
• Want to lend an extra healthy deliciousness? Use olive oil instead of butter. 

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

This flavorful side dish can be enjoyed as-is if you’re trying to eat healthy, or can be served as a side with any grilled meat or pan-seared fish of your choice.