Orange Cranberry Green Bean Recipe
Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans are tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze made of Dijon mustard and orange marmalade, then bejeweled with dried cranberries. This easy side dish has just a few ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes. It is fast enough to serve with a busy weeknight dinner. But it’s also a fresh alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving green bean recipe to lighten up your holiday meal.
What happens when you have been running extremely boring errands with an extremely cranky child all day?
Well, in a moment of hangry meltdowns (might have been me, might have been the small child, might have been both of us), you end up at a diner fighting with the aforementioned small child about whether he wants bacon or sausage with his pancakes. And to top it all off, you make the mistake of ordering short ribs. At a diner. Yeah, that was several life lessons all rolled into one stressful dinner experience.
Then you have epic dinner remorse because you come home and the aromas in your house remind you that you had put a BBQ Turkey Breast in the Crockpot that morning. And in less time than it took the diner to make the kid’s pancakes, you could have whipped up this easy and healthy green bean recipe.
Learn from my mistakes, people.
Have a few simple ingredients in your fridge and pantry at all times so you can throw together something simple like this.
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 fall flavors for a perfect vegetable side dish.
Better than the diner short ribs.
Orange Glazed Green Beans with Dried Cranberries
This easy fresh green bean recipe comes together in mere minutes. The most time-consuming part is popping the ends off of the green beans. So to really save time, buy the ones that are already prepped.
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.
My family polished off this batch of beans, so if you’re making it for a big holiday meal, I’d highly suggest doubling or tripling it.
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!
Ingredients
There are only five main ingredients:
- 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.
- Fresh sage – you can also use dried, you’ll just use less than the fresh herbs.
- Orange marmalade
- Dijon mustard
- Dried cranberries
Plus olive oil, salt, and pepper.
BRIANNE RECOMMENDS:
A couple of kitchen gadgets will make this recipe extra easy:
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.
Directions overview – scroll to the recipe card for the full set of instructions
- Cook green beans to desired tenderness.
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Saute green beans and sage.
- Stir in orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, dried cranberries, salt, and pepper.
Brianne’s pro recipe tips
Cooking the green beans
- My family likes soft green beans, but I know many people like them more crisp-tender. Therefore, cook them to your preference.
- I used 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.
Make it a meal
You can definitely add this easy green bean recipe to a weeknight dinner since they come together super fast and easy. But it is also a refreshing addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and they are also lovely for a Sunday meal.
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you are serving it at a large family meal.
Weeknight dinner
Sunday supper
Thanksgiving feast
Christmas menu
- Cranberry Garlic Prime Rib
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Horseradish Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower
- Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa with Pomegranates
Holiday ham
- Baked Ham
- Asparagus Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf
- Honey Roasted Carrots
More recipes to make with dried cranberries
- Slather some Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese on your bagels.
- Drizzle Cranberry Apple Cider Gravy over chicken, turkey, or pork chops.
- Cranberry Bliss White Chocolate Bark is an easy holiday sweet treat perfect for gift-giving.
- Combat that hangry afternoon slump with Cranberry Almond Energy Balls.
- 65 Recipes Using Cranberries
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.
- And here are 15 Fresh and Flavorful Green Bean Recipes.
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
- Steam green beans to desired doneness (or cook according to package directions if using fresh green beans in a microwave bag).
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add green beans and sage, and saute for a couple of minutes to let them brown slightly.
- Sitr 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on Nov 2, 2014
Becca Sieben says
I’m book marking this. I can’t wait to try it
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh great, let me know what you think!
Heather says
Hi! Looks delicious! Do you blanch the beans after they are done cooking and then return them to the pan for the sauce?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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.
Sharon says
Could I make this ahead and then put in a baking dish to heat in the oven?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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.
Sharon says
Thank you so much! This is being added to my Christmas Open House menu!!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoy it, Sharon. Merry Christmas!
Lynn says
Hiw much is a serving? 1 cup , 1/2 cup.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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.
Cinnamon Vogue says
I like the idea of Dijon mustard with these green beans. Interesting. Must play around with it.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
The mustard adds wonderful to the green beans. I hope you’ll try the recipe!
Kate says
How many servings would this recipe make?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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!
anonymous says
Looks so nice, wanna try at home. thanks for recipe. awesome. 🙂
Smith says
Recipe looks great, added to my ‘must try recipe” list. Thanks for sharing Brianne.
QnC Jelly Gamat Asli Tasikmalaya, Jawa Bara says
Thanks so much for the receip
Obat pelancar haid di apotik says
uuummm,….. so yummiii i have try it sister, thanks so much for the receip
Krissy Allori {self proclaimed foodie} says
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
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much!! I’m honored!
Emily says
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
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much!!
David Ryan says
Mmmm. This makes me hungry.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Me too 😉
Sarah says
This is perfect holiday food in my books!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! I agree!
Lori Yates says
“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.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love green beans this sounds like a great combination to me!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Gotta love sweet and savory!
Kelly says
What a beautiful combination of flavors this is! I’m looking forward to trying it. Pinned!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you, enjoy!
Laura Dembowski says
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!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yeah, we do most of the time, but I was desperate! 🙂
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
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.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It was a crazy day!
Shannon R says
This looks so fresh and tasty. What a great side, thanks for sharing.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It totally is. Thanks!
Shaina says
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!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yes, a classic holiday flavor combo!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
I love the color contrast in this dish! I think I’ll be bringing this to a holiday meal this year!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank, yes I loved the colors as much as the flavor.
Liz says
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 🙂
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
Yowza these green beans sound good!! This is going on my MUST make list!!
Stacy Rushton says
The marmalade is a brilliant idea, Brianne! I love your flavor combination here. Pinning this one on my Recipes to Try board!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Stacy. I’ve had it in my fridge from another recipe, and it was just calling my name!
Amanda Boyarshinov says
We have been harvesting beans from our garden all week – so there are still plenty to try this!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am jealous that you are still getting your own fresh beans!
Amanda Boyarshinov says
Yes – my garden is in full swing http://instagram.com/p/ugoNwZNOAr/?modal=true
Chris Baccus says
We’ve all had those days. Thanks for the kitchen and some mad skills for adding something colorful and joyous to dinner.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yep, I definitely know I’m not alone! Thanks Chris!
Tara says
Great, great combination of flavors are in these green beans. So perfect for the holidays!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
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
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It was a little crazy! Glad I’ll have a nice dinner tonight.
Manu says
I love this recipe! It sounds like the perfect side dish! I am saving it for my holiday menu!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank Manu. It is a nice change.
Kathia Rodriguez says
Definitely a delicious option to the classic green bean casserole. Thank you for sharing
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Kathia, and thanks for hosting!