Green beans—often regarded as a humble vegetable—can be transformed into a delectable dish with just a few key ingredients and a bit of culinary magic. When I first discovered this Cheesy Garlic Green Beans recipe, it was during a family holiday gathering where I wanted to offer something more than the usual steamed or sautéed beans. I remember being inspired by a particularly memorable meal at a friend’s dinner party, where the combination of garlic and cheese on vegetables was an absolute hit. This inspired me to experiment, leading to this recipe that has now become a cherished favorite in my kitchen.
This dish takes the classic green bean and elevates it with the richness of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and the bold flavors of garlic. The result is a savory, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from a weeknight dinner to a festive holiday meal. Here’s a deep dive into making these Cheesy Garlic Green Beans, ensuring your side dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
1 pound (500 g) green beans, ends trimmed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 4 cloves garlic, minced)
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Preparation of Ingredients
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to roast the green beans quickly, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent the green beans from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Trim the Green Beans: Rinse the green beans under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends of each bean to remove any tough or woody parts.
2. Prepare the Garlic and Cheese Mixture
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can use up to 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
Season the Mixture: Add 3/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper to the bowl. This seasoning will enhance the flavors of the green beans and the cheese.
Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until well combined. The olive oil will act as a carrier for the garlic and cheese flavors, ensuring they coat the green beans evenly.
3. Toss and Roast the Green Beans
Arrange Beans: Spread the trimmed green beans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the beans to allow for proper roasting.
Add the Garlic and Cheese Mixture: Drizzle the prepared garlic and cheese mixture evenly over the green beans. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the beans, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Roast the Beans: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. The green beans should become vibrant in color and tender-crisp. If you prefer your green beans to be more tender, you can adjust the roasting time slightly.
4. Add Mozzarella Cheese and Broil
Top with Mozzarella: Once the green beans are roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the green beans.
Broil the Dish: Return the baking sheet to the oven and switch the setting to broil (or grill). Broil the green beans for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Season and Serve
Final Seasoning: After removing the beans from the oven, you may want to taste them and adjust the seasoning. Add a bit more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the cheesy garlic green beans to a serving dish and enjoy them while they’re still warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can substitute it with other types of cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Garlic Variations: For a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic in a small amount of olive oil before mixing it with the Parmesan. This will mellow the garlic’s sharpness and add a more nuanced flavor.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the green beans before roasting. Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, if you use any pre-packaged ingredients, ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, you can use plant-based cheeses and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Green Beans offer a delightful twist on a classic vegetable side dish. This recipe brings together the savory flavors of garlic and cheese, transforming ordinary green beans into a decadent treat that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The process is straightforward and allows for flexibility with ingredients and flavors, making it an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
The combination of vibrant green beans with gooey melted cheese and aromatic garlic creates a dish that is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. With its ease of preparation and delightful taste, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
