Is there anything better than fresh green beans transformed into a garlicky, cheesy, lemony masterpiece? This Garlic Parmesan Green Beans recipe is one of my favorite ways to add big flavor to an easy side dish.
With just a handful of ingredients and a cast iron skillet, you will have an awesome addition to a busy weeknight meal, which is also special enough to shine on your Thanksgiving table. Look out, green bean casserole!
Whether you want to jazz up your usual veggie routine or impress your holiday guests, these blistered garlic parmesan green beans are the answer!
Jump to:
- At a glance: the details that make this an awesome side dish and unique green bean recipe
- Why I love this recipe, and you will too
- Ingredient notes
- How to make Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Menu suggestions
- Recipe variations
- How to store and reheat leftovers
- Recipe FAQs
- Insider tips for the best results
- More green bean side dish recipes
- Recipe:
At a glance: the details that make this an awesome side dish and unique green bean recipe
Inspiration: a search for ways to turn ordinary fresh green beans into extraordinary
Number of Ingredients: 6
Servings: 4
Total Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Flavors: garlic, parmesan, lemon and slightly smoky green beans
Skill Level: beginner
Why I love this recipe, and you will too
- It’s super simple. This skillet green bean recipe is all about simplicity-just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but delicious.
- Fresh green beans, garlicky goodness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese mean every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredient notes
Check the recipe card below for a complete printable list of the ingredients needed and amounts.
How to make Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt half the butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add half the green beans and let them sit without stirring for about a minute and a half until their skins become charred or blistered.
- Toss them around and let them sit for about one more minute. Toss one last time and squeeze two teaspoons of lemon juice over the top, followed by half the salt and garlic powder.
- Toss again, remove to a serving dish, and sprinkle half the parmesan cheese on top. Repeat this same process with the second half of the ingredients. Serve immediately.
Menu suggestions
I like serving this easy veggie side dish with a simple main dish such as grilled half chicken, grilled London broil, or oven-roasted New York strip roast. I also usually like to add parmesan potatoes au gratin or Southern cheesy scalloped potatoes to round out the meal.
Recipe variations
If you want to change up this recipe a bit, blister the green beans and toss them in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for some heat.
Or, after blistering them, toss them with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I like to warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat on the stove with about a tablespoon of water to keep them from drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Blistered green beans are quickly sauteed over high heat, usually in a hot skillet or pan, until their skins become charred or blistered.
When the green beans first hit the hot pan, they must cook undisturbed to develop the blisters. Adding salt too early can draw out moisture from the beans, which might make them steam instead of blister.
Fresh green beans provide the best results in this recipe, and I highly recommend using them. However, you can use frozen if you thaw them first and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the beans from blistering and might cause them to steam instead.
Also, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the beans and do not overcrowd the pan. This will help to evaporate any remaining moisture quickly and promote blistering.
Finally, keep an eye on them and don’t let them overcook. Frozen beans are usually blanched and require a shorter cooking time than fresh beans.
Insider tips for the best results
- Don't overcook your beans. They should be blistered on the outside but crisp and tender on the inside.
- Make sure your butter is hot and bubbling before you add the green beans.
- Don't add the salt or garlic powder until after the beans are blistered. Also, do not add the parmesan cheese until you put the green beans in a serving dish.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the beans the best flavor.
- If you use a non-stick pan, you will need to turn the heat up to high.
More green bean side dish recipes
For more menu ideas or recipes, here is a link to all of my side dish recipes.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!
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Garlic Parmesan Green Beans (Blistered)
Equipment
- 10 or 12 inch well seasoned cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 16 ounces green beans, ends trimmed, divided
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt half the butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add half the green beans and let them sit without stirring for about a minute and a half until their skins become charred or blistered.
- Toss them around and let them sit for about one more minute. Toss one last time and squeeze two teaspoons of lemon juice over the top, followed by half the salt and garlic powder.
- Toss again, remove to a serving dish, and sprinkle half the parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat this same process with the second half of the ingredients and serve immediately.
Sharon Rigsby
If you are like me and always looking for ways to add more vegetable dishes to your rotation, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe. So easy and good!