Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Substitution tips: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are wonderful alternatives that bring a similar sharpness. For a dairy-free version, try a sprinkle of toasted nutritional yeast or crushed toasted almonds for nuttiness.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat helps the green beans caramelize beautifully, just like my Nonna’s roasting pan used to do over the open fire.
- Place the trimmed green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, if using. Toss everything together until the green beans are evenly coated. I find that using your hands here, just like my mother Elena showed me, helps distribute the oil and seasoning more naturally than a spoon.
- Spread the green beans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will steam the beans instead of roasting them, so give them space to crisp up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the beans are tender with some charred spots. The aroma at this point always reminds me of the bustling markets in Italy where I discovered how simple roasting could elevate fresh produce.
- Remove the beans from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over them. The residual heat will melt the cheese just enough to create a delicate crust.
- Optional: Add lemon zest for a fresh zing and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This touch of brightness is something I picked up during my travels in Spain, where citrus often brightens richer flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
