Fitness / September 25, 2024

Roasted Green Beans

These Roasted Green Beans are a tasty and healthy side dish you’ll want to make every single night!

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I know what you’re thinking. No way I’m going to convince my kid to eat green beans. When I was younger, I also hated vegetables. I mean, what kid doesn’t, right? I was a dime a dozen. I was a crazy picky eater: no sauces, no spices, and absolutely nothing green. That is, of course, until my grandmother introduced me to green beans.

I loved cooking with my grandma. In fact, I’m sure in a dusty old box somewhere, there’s a tape recording of us snapping green beans into a big bowl, preparing for a big family dinner. I remember picking them fresh from the garden. I remember the satisfying crunch when we would break them before roasting. And funnily enough, I remember how I came to love them so much in the first place. It’s all because of my grandma; she had me convinced that green beans were “nature’s French fries.”

Now, as an adult, I can’t say my grandma was too far off. These roasted green beans are crispy, perfectly salty, and just as addicting as a bag of fast-food French fries! Of course, they’re a much healthier, more fulfilling alternative. I guess you could still call them “fast-food,” though—this recipe is ready to go in less than 20 minutes. Win!

Are Roasted Green Beans Healthy?

Roasted green beans aren’t just yummy for your tummy; they’re also healthy! Green beans are full of fiber, which most of us are not getting enough of in our daily diet. This helps support gut health and aid digestion. This recipe only calls for a few simple ingredients (just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil), so these roasted green beans retain their nutrients and taste great, too! They also make a great side dish for vegans and vegetarians! Try them paired with your favorite vegan dish, like Rainbow Peanut Tofu Noodles.

Roast For The Most (Nutrients)

The appeal of these roasted green beans, besides their delicious taste, lies in the cooking technique. Unlike boiling, roasting green beans helps preserve their nutrients and maintain their health benefits! That’s why this “roasted to perfection” technique is the way to go.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat oven and prepare beans.

Season

Toss green beans with oil and seasonings.

Roast

Cook until tender and lightly browned.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

To store these roasted green beans, simply let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in the oven to reheat them. Microwaving them will ruin their texture and taste.

How To Air Fry

Though oven-roasting is the ideal technique for this dish, these green beans will be just as tasty if you cook them in the air fryer! Simply roast them evenly for 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket and tossing the green beans halfway through.

How To Add Flavor

This recipe calls for a mild and simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil to allow the green beans’ natural flavor to stand out. However, green beans are so versatile, you can season them however you like! I always add fresh lemon, garlic, and crunchy chili onion oil when I’m feeling spicy. Parmesan is also a familiar favorite for these roasted green beans.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted green beans are a classic and subtle side dish—they can complement whatever you’re eating for dinner! Some of my favorite pairings from FFF have been Spaghetti Squash Lasagna, Baked Chicken Breast, and this Homemade Healthy Hamburger Helper. However, if you want your roasted green beans to be the star of the table, you could try your own variation of this Green Bean Casserole recipe.

If you’re looking for a little extra flavor for your roasted green beans, try a dipping sauce! I personally think garlic aioli would be the best way to go. Regardless of what you choose, I know you’ll enjoy nature’s French fries!