Prosciutto Green Beans

Prosciutto Green Beans are the absolute BEST green bean side dish for the holidays! Tender green beans are sauteed with balsamic caramelized shallots, thyme, and garlic, then topped with salty, crispy prosciutto.

a bowl of tender green beans, caramelized shallots, and crispy prosciutto for prosciutto green beans

This green beans with prosciutto recipe was first published in November 2017, but was re-tested and re-published with this new and improved version in November 2023.

If someone asks you to make green bean casserole this holiday season, don’t. Tell them you have this amazing prosciutto green beans recipe you’d love to bring instead.

And honestly, y’all may end up like my family, where we now hands-down choose these prosciutto green beans over green bean casserole, every single time.

Green beans are steamed (in the microwave, because stovetop space can be a hot commodity on Thanksgiving!). Then they combine with garlic and balsamic caramelized shallots and thyme.

You transfer everything to your serving platter, then generously top with crispy, salty prosciutto.

It’s holiday side dish perfection. And honestly, pretty simple, too!

If you need more showstopping holiday sides to round out your menu, check out these asiago mashed potatoes, maple miso roasted vegetables, and apple cider cranberry sauce.

Why This Prosciutto Green Beans Recipe is SO Good!

  • Salty, crispy prosciutto is the goodness in life that you didn’t know you needed.
  • They save time compared to traditional green bean casserole recipes.
  • No oven space required.
  • They come together in less than 30 minutes.
  • You can prep different components ahead of time (see notes in this post).
  • Caramelized shallots are already delicious, but the flavor is elevated with balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme.
  • They’re super flavorful.
  • They’re lighter than a traditional green bean casserole side.
  • It’s an incredible side dish, worth of a holiday table!

Ingredients Needed

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

ingredients to make prosciutto green beans
  • Green Beans are the star of the dish. If the quality of fresh green beans is lacking, you can also use frozen fine green beans.
  • Prosciutto gets crisped in a skillet, for a super light and crisp, salty topping – reminiscent of bacon (but tastier).
  • Shallots get caramelized to provide another layer of flavor to this dish.
  • Balsamic Vinegar and Honey are added when caramelizing the shallots for a little sweetness and more flavor.
  • Thyme and Garlic for even more flavor!

Step-by-Step Directions

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

steps to make prosciutto green beans
  1. Steam green beans.
  2. Crisp prosciutto and set aside.
  3. Caramelize shallots.
  4. Occasionally deglaze the pan.
  5. Add the green beans and garlic to the caramelized shallots.
  6. Transfer green bean mixture to a serving bowl and top with crispy prosciutto.

Expert Tips & Substitutions

  • To trim green beans: use scissors or a knife to trim the ends off the green beans. This is typically not needed with frozen green beans, as most are often pre-trimmed (check your package if using frozen).
  • If fresh green beans aren’t available (or you’re shopping early and they won’t be great quality by Thanksgiving), you can use frozen fine green beans. I’ve done this on Thanksgiving before! Many frozen fine green beans come in 12 ounce packages, and you need 16 ounces of green beans for the recipe, so make sure you grab two packages.
  • If you prefer, you can blanche the green beans instead of steaming.
  • Don’t overcook the green beans! They taste best when tender, but with a little bite to them. This is why you turn the heat off when you’re adding the garlic and green beans to the caramelized shallots.
  • I do not recommend canned green beans in this recipe.
  • Sweet or yellow onion can be substituted for shallots. Shallots are a little sweeter and more mellow when cooked compared to onion, but 1 small onion works, too!
  • You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar.
  • Make sure you wait to add the garlic when you add the green beans. Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn.
  • Realistically, you may want to crisp more prosciutto than you need. I’ve noticed my kitchen helpers often nibble on the reserved crispy prosciutto pieces, so make sure you have enough for the final dish. 😉 (You also can make a double batch to save to make my Cranberry Turkey Sliders!)
a large bowl of prosciutto green beans topped with crispy prosciutto pieces

Make Ahead Tips

I don’t recommend making the complete recipe ahead of time before Thanksgiving, but you can prep ahead individual components.

  • Crisp the prosciutto ahead of time. Prior to serving you can place the already crisped prosciutto back in a skillet to heat for 1 couple minutes, just until it’s warmed through and slightly crisped back up again.
  • Pre-steam the green beans (or blanch, if you prefer).
  • Fully caramelize the shallots ahead of time.
  • Wait to combine the green beans and shallots until prior to serving, when you can combine them, as well as the garlic, in a sauté pan to warm through.
  • Continue to top with the crispy prosciutto just prior to serving.

Storage, Freezing, & Reheating

While they taste best (and present best) fresh, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

To reheat, you can reheat on a skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through (you may need to add a tablespoon of water). You also can microwave on high for 60-90 seconds.

Supplies You’ll Need

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a forkful of prosciutto green beans

More Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love

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a bowl of tender green beans, caramelized shallots, and crispy prosciutto for prosciutto green beans

Prosciutto Green Beans

Prosciutto Green Beans are the BEST holiday green bean side dish, with balsamic caramelized shallots, thyme, garlic, and topped with crispy prosciutto.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 94kcal
Author: Lindsey Janeiro

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 ounces prosciutto diced
  • 1 lb green beans trimmed
  • 3-4 shallots thinly sliced, about 1 cup
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves fresh
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup white wine or water
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

  • Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large, wide-brimmed sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced prosciutto and sauté 3-4 minutes, until prosciutto has returned to a reddish-brown color and is crispy.
    1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 ounces prosciutto
  • Meanwhile, place green beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 4 minutes to steam.
    1 lb green beans
  • Once prosciutto is done, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a separate container. Set aside.
  • Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the same pan, along with the shallots, salt, pepper, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Saute for 5-7 minutes, or until the shallots are caramelized. Every couple minutes, add a tablespoon or two of water or white wine to deglaze the pan, by scraping up the flavorful browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
    3-4 shallots, 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup white wine or water
  • Turn off the heat and add the steamed green beans and garlic to the shallots. Toss to combine.
    3-4 cloves garlic
  • Transfer green beans to a serving platter and top with crispy prosciutto. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Exact nutrition information may vary based on brand prosciutto used and if any other optional add-ins are added (i.e. caramelized onions).

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

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