These Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or just any regular day. They're packed full of flavor and super easy to make in the oven without boiling first!

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Green beans are probably my favorite veggie and I remember eating them by the bucket as a child. I was probably the only kid in the neighbourhood who was asking for seconds on veggies tbh but I really loved them, especially with loads of garlic.

These roasted green beans with garlic and parmesan are very similar to what my mum was making, except for the parmesan. She would always boil the green beans first, then sauté them in a pan with butter and garlic.

Over the years, I discovered that I love my green beans with loads of Parmesan on them (surprise, surprise 😊), so I started skipping the boiling part, and now I just roast them in the oven.

They turn out perfectly done, and you can do them a little crispy if you like. They're a fantastic side for any dish, really, but they really shine as an accompaniment to Thanksgiving or Christmas roasts.

Why you'll love these garlic Parmesan green beans

You only need 6 ingredients to make them.
There's no boiling involved.
They have a slightly crunchy texture, and the Parmesan makes them absolutely irresistible!

close up photo of Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

What you'll need

Here's what you need to make these Parmesan garlic green beans:

Green beans - You'll need about a pound of fresh green beans here. Trim them well and pat them dry before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients.

Olive oil - Just a bit of extra virgin olive oil to coat the beans and make the garlic and Parmesan stick to them.

Garlic powder - I use garlic powder here because fresh garlic has a tendency to burn quickly in the oven, and you may end up with a bitter taste. You can use fresh minced if you like but keep a very close eye on the bean in the oven and flip them a couple of times.

Parmesan - Freshly grated is a must here! I also like to top the green beans with another generous sprinkle right before serving.

Pro tip

Make sure the green beans are completely dry before roasting. Any excess water will cause them to steam instead of roast.

How to make garlic parmesan green beans

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss the beans with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and the grated Parmesan until everything is well coated.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans cooking steps

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans making instructions

Spread the beans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until the beans are tender with lightly crisped edges and the cheese has turned golden.

Serve immediately while they're still hot, topped with some extra freshly grated Parmesan if you like.

Substitutions and variations

Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper, saltier flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Toss in some lemon zest before serving for a brighter flavor.

Tips for the best Parmesan garlic green beans

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to give the beans space so they roast properly.
Grate the Parmesan finely so it sticks better to the beans and melts evenly.
For extra crisp edges, roast the beans for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Serving ideas

This is a side dish that goes with just about anything. You can serve it with chicken, fish, steak or even as a side for Asian-inspired dishes.

At Thanksgiving, these green beans balance heavier dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy.

At Christmas, they pair beautifully with roast beef, glazed ham or a crown roast.

I also love adding them to a simple weeknight dinner with roast potatoes and a protein.

Leftovers and storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up, or quickly rewarm in a skillet. They won't be quite as crunchy as when freshly made, but they'll still taste great.
If you're planning ahead for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can roast them a few hours earlier, then give them a quick blast in the oven right before serving to freshen them up.

More easy side dish recipes

If you've tried this garlic parmesan green beans recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.

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