It was one of those sticky August evenings when nobody felt like cooking, but we still wanted something warm and satisfying. I opened the fridge and saw a bundle of green beans, some garlic, and a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano. That’s when this simple side dish came to life. This recipe for roasted green beans with garlic and parmesan saved dinner that night — crisp, golden, and bursting with flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This side dish is everything you want in a veggie recipe:
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Only a handful of pantry ingredients
- Crisp-tender beans with golden, melty cheese
- Weeknight-friendly, but holiday-worthy
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan
The garlic roasts gently, mellowing into something sweet and fragrant. Meanwhile, the parmesan bubbles and crisps, adding irresistible texture.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Green beans
Use fresh whenever possible. If using frozen, roast them straight from frozen at a higher temperature (425–450°F) and spread them out to prevent sogginess.
Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. Avocado oil is also a good alternative.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but it won’t offer the same punch.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts and crisps beautifully. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan parmesan.
Lemon juice and parsley
These add brightness after roasting. Lemon zest is also a fun extra touch.
Salt and pepper
Add to taste. A pinch of flaky salt at the end makes it pop.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Roasted Green Beans With Garlic and Parmesan
Step 1: Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the stem ends of the green beans. A quick way is to bunch them together and slice all the stems at once.
Step 2: Season
Place the trimmed green beans on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Roast
Spread the beans out in a single layer.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top.
Roast for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the beans are crisp-tender with browned spots.
If you’re using frozen beans, roast them straight from frozen at a higher temp (around 450°F) and make sure to shake off any ice first.
Tip: If your oven runs hot, sprinkle the cheese halfway through cooking to avoid burning.
Step 4: Finish
Squeeze lemon juice over the hot beans as soon as they come out of the oven.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the Roasted Green Beans With Garlic and Parmesan immediately while the cheese is still crisp and warm.
What to Serve With Roasted Green Beans With Garlic and Parmesan
These green beans pair beautifully with both light and hearty mains:
Proteins:
Try them with baked salmon, shrimp, grilled chicken, or seared tofu. They also go well with steak or soft-boiled eggs for something simple.
Starches:
You’ll love these alongside Air Fryer Baked Potatoes to pair with roasted green beans, Grilled Sweet Potatoes for a flavorful and healthy starch option, or brown rice.
For holiday meals, this dish adds brightness and crunch next to mashed potatoes, stuffing, or creamy casseroles.
Nutrition Benefits of Green Beans
Green beans are low in calories but full of nutrients. Each serving of this dish brings:
- 152 calories
- 6g protein
- 10g carbs
- 3g fiber
- Vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex
- Calcium, iron, and potassium
It’s a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your plate without adding heaviness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage:
Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
The oven will give you the best texture. Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave for 30–40 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but note the cheese may lose its crispiness.
Tip:
This dish tastes best fresh out of the oven. If serving for guests, plan to roast right before mealtime.
Expert Tips for Success
- Always use freshly grated parmesan for the crispiest texture and best flavor
- Don’t overcrowd your pan — use two sheets if needed to keep the beans roasting, not steaming
- Add lemon zest along with the juice for extra brightness
- Serve immediately for the best cheesy crunch
Roasted Green Beans With Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
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Roasted Green Beans With Garlic and Parmesan | Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crisp-tender roasted green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil, then topped with golden, bubbly parmesan. A flavorful, no-fuss summer side ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread trimmed green beans on the baking sheet.
3. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Arrange green beans in a single layer and sprinkle parmesan evenly over the top.
5. Roast for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly crispy, and beans are browned but still crisp-tender.
6. Remove from oven, finish with lemon juice and parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
No need to blanch the green beans before roasting.
For frozen green beans, roast at 425–450°F from frozen and space them out to avoid steaming.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the crispiest results.
Add lemon zest with the parsley for extra brightness.
Leftovers store up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheat best in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 227mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
More Such Recipes
If you enjoyed this, try these simple veggie sides too:
- Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini for a Crunchy Side Dish
- Simple Glazed Carrots as a Sweet and Savory Vegetable Side
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes to Pair with Roasted Green Beans
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes for a Flavorful and Healthy Starch Option
Need more inspiration? Check out Kai Recipes on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook
FAQs
Is Parmesan cheese good on green beans?
Yes, it adds salty, nutty flavor and gets crispy in the oven. It turns basic beans into something crave-worthy.
Does garlic go with green beans?
Definitely. Roasted garlic softens and adds depth without overpowering the beans.
Can you put Parmesan cheese on beans?
Yes. Sprinkle it on before roasting and you’ll get a cheesy, golden topping that’s full of flavor.
How long do green beans take to roast?
About 20 minutes at 400°F. They’ll be tender but still have a bit of snap.
Conclusion
Roasted Green Beans With Garlic and Parmesan are a side dish you’ll come back to again and again — simple, bold, and crowd-pleasing. — easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. They’re easy, flavorful, and go with just about anything. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a big holiday spread, this side dish just works.
If you try it, leave a comment or a rating. And don’t forget to check out more veggie sides over at Kai Recipes