All you need is 3 simple ingredients and 15 minutes for tender, caramelized roasted green beans. This easy side dish is endlessly customizable and has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.
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An Easy, Family-Favorite Side Dish
When you need a quick, no-fuss side that actually gets your family excited about vegetables, these roasted green beans are the answer. My kids eat these like fries, straight off the baking sheet. They’re tender, caramelized, and perfect for topping with toasted almonds, a squeeze of lemon juice, and/or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Fresh green beans are one of those veggies that truly shine in the oven. A quick toss with olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, and 15 minutes later, you’ve got a crisp-tender side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from Chicken Tortellini Alfredo to Beef Teriyaki Bowls (our current weeknight dinner obsession). Whether you’re making them for a busy Tuesday night or a holiday spread, this roasted green beans recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—and not a single soggy bean in sight.
Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans
Can you roast frozen green beans? Absolutely! Spread them straight from the freezer onto your baking sheet and follow the recipe as directed, adding just a few extra minutes to cook off the excess moisture. The edges won’t get quite as crisp as fresh, but they’ll still turn out tender and delicious.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F with a rack in the center. This high heat is key to getting that crisp-tender texture and lightly charred edges.
Next, trim the green beans by snapping off the tough stem ends (you can use a knife, but I usually just use my hands). Or skip that step entirely and grab a bag of pre-trimmed green beans.
Toss 1 pound of fresh green beans right on a large baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil (avocado oil works great, too), garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Use your hands or tongs to coat them evenly, then spread them out in a single layer.
Kelly’s Tip: Leave a little breathing room between the beans; if they’re crowded, they’ll steam in their own moisture instead of roasting and browning. If needed, grab a second baking sheet to give them space. (I’m currently loving these Nordic Ware pans. They’re sturdy, nonstick and perfect for high-heat roasting.)
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the beans are tender and browned in spots. I like to finish them while they’re still hot with a little lemon zest and a squeeze of juice for brightness, then shower them with freshly grated Parmesan. From there, you can keep it simple or get creative with toppings—think toasted almonds, crispy bacon or even a drizzle of sesame oil.
Working with frozen green beans instead? Keep reading for my tips to make them crispy.
Seasoning and Topping Ideas
These roasted green beans are endlessly customizable, which is probably why they make an appearance on our table at least once a week. The beauty of this recipe is that the oven does most of the work—all you need to do is decide how to dress them up.
I like to keep the seasonings simple with just garlic powder and salt, but a few cracks of black pepper never hurt. Add a side of cowboy butter for dipping, and we’re in business.
For the simple lemon and Parmesan variation shown in my photos, serve your roasted green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a little lemon zest and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Or, try one of these other topping ideas to suit your taste:
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts
- Candied pecans
- Finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley or chives
- A drizzle of sesame oil and/or a sprinkle of sesame seeds
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Crispy chopped bacon
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
Serving Suggestions
If you ask me, this roasted green beans recipe goes with just about everything, from an easy weeknight dinner to a holiday-worthy feast.
Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve them with:
- Pan-Seared Chicken or Stovetop Steak
- Prime Rib
- Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon
- Stuffed Pasta Shells, Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage or Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
They’re also a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table alongside a juicy roast turkey and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the center.
- Add the green beans to a large baking sheet, then drizzle them with the olive oil and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, then toss until combined. Arrange them in an even layer, then roast until tender and charred slightly, 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them once halfway through.
- Remove the beans from the oven then zest the lemon on top. Halve the lemon and squeeze juice on top, then toss and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Kelly’s Notes
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Topping ideas: Try topping your roasted green beans with any of the following for extra flavor and texture (add these once they come out of the oven):
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts
- Candied pecans
- Finely chopped fresh herbs (like basil, parsley or chives)
- A drizzle of sesame oil and/or a sprinkle of sesame seeds
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Crispy chopped bacon
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or in an air fryer until warmed through and lightly crisp again.
- What to serve with: These roasted green beans pair perfectly with Baked Ham, Beef Teriyaki Bowls, Prime Rib, and hearty pasta dishes like Chicken Tortellini Alfredo and Stuffed Shells. They’re also a great addition to holiday meals alongside roast turkey and creamy mashed potatoes.
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Hello! This looks delicious! Is there any chance you might incorporate a metric button on your recipes? So many countries use metric weights and centigrade not Fahrenheit so it would be really helpful if all us non Americans had that option instead of having to convert everything all the time?! Thank you
Thanks, Justine! We will work on adding a metric button. Stay tuned!