Crispy Oven Baked Green Beans with Parmesan
Fresh green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then roasted until crispy and golden. This simple, 20-minute side dish transforms everyday vegetables into an addictively crunchy, savory treat that pairs with almost any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Thoroughly dry your green beans after washing them. Any excess moisture will steam rather than roast the beans, preventing them from getting crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until evenly coated. Make sure every bean gets a light coating of oil.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the beans and toss again to distribute evenly. The cheese will help create that irresistible crispy coating.
- Arrange the beans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Overcrowding will cause the beans to steam instead of roast.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and give the pan a good shake or use tongs to flip the beans.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the beans and return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
- Finish with fresh lemon zest (if using) while the beans are still hot, and serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure your green beans are completely dry before tossing with oil.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese works much better than pre-grated for this recipe, as it melts and crisps more effectively.
- If you’re serving these at a dinner party, you can prep the beans and toss with the oil mixture up to 4 hours ahead, then bake just before serving.
- These beans are best served immediately, as they lose their crispiness if they sit too long.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.