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Sweet and tangy Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans are simple to make, but look and taste spectacular. This easy side dish has just a few ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes, so you can enjoy it on a busy weeknight. But it’s also a fresh alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving green bean recipe for your holiday meal.
Orange Glazed Green Beans – Fresh Holiday Side Dish!
We all have super busy days. But sometimes we can tell in advance that there is a high likelihood of things spiraling out of control. Those are the days when you are glad you put a Turkey Breast in the Crockpot that morning so that you know you have dinner covered. And then in no time at all, you can whip up this easy and healthy green bean recipe.
As long as you have a few simple ingredients in your fridge and pantry at all times so you can throw together something like this. It comes together in a flash!
Once you’ve got your beans cooked, it literally takes about two minutes to add the other ingredients and make it all glazy good. It’s the perfect vegetable side dish for any occasion.
The orange marmalade adds a bit of sweetness to the beans, with some tart flavor from the dried cranberries. A wee bit of dijon mustard pulls it all together and balances it out with a little zing. Perfect festive seasonal flavors for a perfect vegetable side dish.
Recipe Ingredients
There are only five main ingredients plus olive oil, salt, and pepper in this easy green bean recipe. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full amounts and recipe steps. But keep reading for tips and serving suggestions.
- Green beans – I use fresh green beans and steam them in a pot. But you can also use one of those microwave steamer bags of fresh beans or even frozen ones.
- Olive oil
- Fresh sage – you can also use dried, you’ll just use less than the fresh herbs.
- Orange marmalade – your favorite brand is fine.
- Dijon mustard
- Dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Cranberry Green Beans
It’s super simple to make these lovely fresh green beans. Let’s get started.
Steam the green beans. Place green beans in a steamer basket over simmering water and steam to your desired doneness. Or cook according to package directions if using fresh green beans in a microwave bag or frozen beans.
Saute with herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add green beans and sage, and saute for a couple of minutes to let them brown slightly.
Glaze the beans. Stir in the marmalade, mustard, and cranberries, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens and coats the green beans.
Tips for Success
Cook to perfection. My family likes soft green beans, but I know many people like them more crisp-tender. Therefore, cook them to your preference.
Use your desired method. I’ll often use fresh green beans and steamed them in a pot, but you can use one of those steamer bags, or even frozen beans. You could also make Instant Pot green beans, then toss them in a pan with the glaze ingredients. In fact, I’d suspect you could just switch your Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and finish off making them right in there.
Cook for a crowd. My family of four often polishes off this batch of beans, so if you’re making it for a big holiday meal, I’d highly suggest doubling or tripling it. You may just need to use a larger skillet.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. You can even make it in advance, as it does reheat well. You might just want to slightly undercook your beans. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
They can be reheated in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stove.
Make it a meal
You can definitely add this easy green bean recipe to a weeknight dinner with something simple like Honey Balsamic Steak Bites and Brown Rice since they come together super fast and easy. But it is also a refreshing addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. They are also lovely for a Sunday meal.
- Sunday dinner. While you have a Balsamic Roast Chicken in the oven, you can easily make these beans with Baked Potatoes and Buttered Carrots and Peas.
- Thanksgiving feast. They will be a wonderful addition to your Roast Turkey along with the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Corn Pudding Casserole, and Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce.
- Christmas menu. When you make a showstopper like Cranberry Garlic Prime Rib, you need gorgeous sides like Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash, Horseradish Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower, and Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa with Pomegranates.
- Holiday ham. While your Baked Ham is in the oven, whip up this easy green bean recipe with Asparagus Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf, and Honey Dijon Peas and Carrots.
What You’ll Need
STEAMER BASKET – I can’t live without my steamer basket. I have so many pots and pans, so I don’t need another special one with a steamer insert. Since this is collapsible, it works in any size pot or pan. For a dish like this, I will use it in my deep skillet, steam the beans, drain the water, and saute them right in the same pan. If I need to steam a bunch of broccoli or cauliflower, I’ll use a larger pot. I do tend to just use a little cheap version, but I am tempted to get this one with the better grip on the handle.
TONGS – I love my tongs and use them daily. You can use them to get the hot steamer basket out of the pot, grab any stray green beans, and to toss the beans in the glaze. Since they have the silicone tip, they won’t scratch your pots and pans.
SKILLET – Pictured is the 3-quart stainless steel saute pan from Le Creuset which I used several times a week. You can find it on their website, but it is not available on Amazon. This one from Tramontina is a fabulous substitute.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends snipped off
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 Tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- a few grinds of black pepper
Instructions
- Place green beans in a steamer basket over simmering water and steam to desired doneness. Or cook according to package directions if using fresh green beans in a microwave bag or frozen beans.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add green beans and sage, and saute for a couple of minutes to let them brown slightly.
- Stir in the marmalade, mustard, and cranberries, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens and coats the green beans.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Did you make this?
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More fresh green bean recipes
- Pineapple Pecan Green Beans change up the flavors but are just as sweet and sassy.
- White Wine Lemon Green Beans and Mushrooms take a simple dish and give it a “twist”.
- Creamy Green Beans with Mushrooms are made in a skillet and taste like classic green bean casserole, only lighter and fresher.
- Balsamic Green Beans with Goat Cheese and bold, tangy, and so simple.
I’m book marking this. I can’t wait to try it
Oh great, let me know what you think!
Hi! Looks delicious! Do you blanch the beans after they are done cooking and then return them to the pan for the sauce?
Hi Heather,
I don’t blanch the green beans, but that’s because my family prefers them to be on the softer side. However, you can definitely blanch them after cooking to keep them tender-crisp.
Could I make this ahead and then put in a baking dish to heat in the oven?
Hi Sharon,
Yes, you can absolutely make this ahead! I usually reheat it in a skillet, but if you cover the baking dish with foil, it should reheat well at 350 F. I would think 20-25 minutes should warm it through.
Thank you so much! This is being added to my Christmas Open House menu!!!
I hope you enjoy it, Sharon. Merry Christmas!
Hiw much is a serving? 1 cup , 1/2 cup.
Lynn, it’s difficult to say how much volume-wise, because green beans vary in size. However, the recipe calls for a pound of green beans and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, so I suggest that if you need to be specific with portion size that you use a kitchen scale and weigh out 5 oz per portion.
I like the idea of Dijon mustard with these green beans. Interesting. Must play around with it.
The mustard adds wonderful to the green beans. I hope you’ll try the recipe!
How many servings would this recipe make?
Kate, a pound of green beans (which is what the recipe calls for) will typically serve 4 adults as a side dish. Hope this helps!
Looks so nice, wanna try at home. thanks for recipe. awesome. 🙂
Recipe looks great, added to my ‘must try recipe” list. Thanks for sharing Brianne.
Thanks so much for the receip
uuummm,….. so yummiii i have try it sister, thanks so much for the receip
Hey there! Wanted to let you know that I’m featuring your recipe as one of my favorite’s on this week’s Wednesday’s Whatsits. The new post will go live Tuesday at 8pm PST. I hope you continue to submit – your food looks fantastic! -Krissy
Thanks so much!! I’m honored!
That look amazing!! I love that it’s a healthier version. YUMMY!!! thanks for linking up to the Create LInk Inspire party. You are being featured today on Nap-Time Creations in some great fall food!! Check it out! Emily
Thanks so much!!
Mmmm. This makes me hungry.
Me too 😉
This is perfect holiday food in my books!
Thanks! I agree!
“No short ribs at a diner.” I’ve comitted that to memory, just now. Sorry you had such a rough day, but at least it was a learning experience for you readers, right? 😉
I know it sounds crazy, but what kind of green beans to make is always my biggest dilemma for Thanksgiving. So many options. Just printed this to add it to the pile of options.
Haha, yeah, the short ribs were not good! My family always wants the traditional casserole, but I think I have them convined to try something new this year. But at least the blog lets me experiment even when they want to stick with the usual.
I love green beans this sounds like a great combination to me!
Gotta love sweet and savory!
What a beautiful combination of flavors this is! I’m looking forward to trying it. Pinned!
Thank you, enjoy!
I almost always eat at home, even when I’m running late and in a hurry. Usually it’s a good decision, but I totally understand how you felt. These green beans look amazing! Such a fab side dish!
Yeah, we do most of the time, but I was desperate! 🙂
What a rough day for you, Brianne. I bet it must be one exhausting day. Thanks for sharing this cranberry orange glazed green beans, definitely looks delicious and special for the holidays.
It was a crazy day!
This looks so fresh and tasty. What a great side, thanks for sharing.
It totally is. Thanks!
The combination of cranberry and orange totally makes me think of the holidays. I don’t like green beans unless they’ve got some kind of awesome flavor going on, and these totally do!
Yes, a classic holiday flavor combo!
I love the color contrast in this dish! I think I’ll be bringing this to a holiday meal this year!
Thank, yes I loved the colors as much as the flavor.
Your doctored up green beans look terrific! I love the addition of dried cranberries. Sorry for the lackluster meal at the dinner…but at least dinner was ready for the next day 🙂
Yowza these green beans sound good!! This is going on my MUST make list!!
The marmalade is a brilliant idea, Brianne! I love your flavor combination here. Pinning this one on my Recipes to Try board!
Thanks Stacy. I’ve had it in my fridge from another recipe, and it was just calling my name!
We have been harvesting beans from our garden all week – so there are still plenty to try this!
I am jealous that you are still getting your own fresh beans!
Yes – my garden is in full swing http://instagram.com/p/ugoNwZNOAr/?modal=true
We’ve all had those days. Thanks for the kitchen and some mad skills for adding something colorful and joyous to dinner.
Yep, I definitely know I’m not alone! Thanks Chris!
Great, great combination of flavors are in these green beans. So perfect for the holidays!
What a day you had. Not one you want to repeat, I’ll bet.
That said, your green beans look and sound wonderful and I’m sure will be a nice compliment to your crock pot turkey. LOL
It was a little crazy! Glad I’ll have a nice dinner tonight.
I love this recipe! It sounds like the perfect side dish! I am saving it for my holiday menu!!!
Thank Manu. It is a nice change.
Definitely a delicious option to the classic green bean casserole. Thank you for sharing
Thanks Kathia, and thanks for hosting!