30-Minute Roasted Garlic Green Beans
Tender, garlicky, and slightly caramelized, these green beans make a nutritious and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Quick to prepare, healthy, and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for everyday cooking or festive occasions.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking Sheet (Cookie Sheet)
- 1 Garlic press
- Aluminum Foil
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed and washed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Roasting: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is crucial for even roasting and caramelization. A properly heated oven allows the green beans to cook quickly while developing a slightly crispy, browned exterior without becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Green Beans: While the oven heats, trim and wash the green beans. Snap off the tough ends or cut them with a knife, ensuring uniform length for even cooking. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dry beans roast better, as excess moisture can cause steaming rather than caramelizing.
- Coat Green Beans with Olive Oil and Garlic: Place the green beans into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 pressed garlic cloves. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the beans thoroughly, ensuring each bean is lightly coated with the oil and garlic. This step infuses the beans with flavor and helps them brown evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. The foil makes cleanup effortless, and the spray prevents sticking. Spread the green beans in a single, even layer on the sheet.Avoid overcrowding to ensure each bean roasts evenly rather than steams.
- Season the Green Beans: Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over the green beans. Seasoning before roasting enhances flavor and allows the salt to draw out natural sweetness during cooking. You can adjust amounts to taste, keeping in mind that roasted garlic adds additional savory depth.
- Roast the Green Beans: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven. Roast for 20–30 minutes, depending on your oven and bean size.Halfway through cooking (around 15 minutes), remove the sheet and toss the beans gently using a spatula. This ensures even browning and prevents burning. The green beans are done when they are tender, slightly wrinkled, and lightly browned on the edges.
- Check for Doneness: Taste a bean to confirm tenderness.It should be soft enough to bite through easily but still retain a slight snap. If you prefer a deeper roast, leave the beans in for a few extra minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately or Store for Later: Transfer the roasted green beans to a serving dish.They are best served hot and fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet to preserve texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm green beans for the best texture; avoid limp or discolored beans.
- Preheating the oven ensures even roasting and browning.
- Toss the beans halfway through cooking to prevent burning and encourage uniform caramelization.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste; roasted garlic flavor intensifies while cooking.
- Nonstick spray and foil make cleanup quick and easy.
- Air fryer alternative: roast at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Can be seasoned with optional lemon zest or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
