Garlic Green Beans
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These Garlic Green Beans are simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. Tender-crisp green beans are blanched to preserve their bright color and fresh bite, then tossed in warm olive oil infused with golden garlic slices. A final sprinkle of parmesan adds nutty richness, and a squeeze of lemon brings a pop of freshness that balances everything out. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight with roast chicken or adding it to a holiday spread, this green beans with garlic recipe delivers on taste, texture, and ease. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a side dish everyone will love.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: But plenty of big flavor!
- Perfect Balance: Crisp-tender beans, savory garlic, nutty parmesan.
- Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
- Customizable: Finish with lemon, balsamic drizzle, or your favorite cheese.
Garlic Green Beans
Green beans don’t have to be boring, my friends. These beauties are crisp, garlicky, and so addictive I’ve caught myself sneaking them straight out of the skillet.
The garlic slices toast up into golden little flavor bombs that coat every bean in olive oil goodness. And just when you think it couldn’t get better… enter parmesan.
She’s salty, nutty, and melts into the beans like a dream.
Even better, this green beans garlic recipe is ready in 20 minutes or less, made entirely on the stovetop. (I know how precious oven space is during the holidays!)
Add a squeeze of lemon and you’ve got a side dish that steals the show. Who knew a pile of humble green beans could taste this fabulous?!?
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Green Beans: Use fresh beans for the best snap and color. Trim just the stem ends. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good olive oil makes a difference here since it’s the main cooking fat and flavor base.
- Garlic: Slice cloves thinly so they toast evenly without burning. They’ll flavor the oil and cling to the beans.
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Season generously. Salt enhances the natural sweetness of garlic green beans, and freshly ground pepper adds warmth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded parmesan adds nutty richness to this garlic green beans recipe. Freshly grated is best for flavor and melt.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze at the table adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic oil and parmesan. Optional, but highly recommended.
VARIATIONS
Cheesy Upgrade: Swap parmesan for asiago, pecorino, or crumbled feta.
Nutty Twist: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
Spicy Kick: Toss with red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Citrus Boost: Swap lemon with orange or lime for a different brightness.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic reduction before serving.
Creamy Finish: Top with dollops of ricotta or goat cheese.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley along with the garlic for extra freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Holiday Side: Serve with roast turkey or prime rib for a festive spread.
- Everyday Dinner: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops.
- Italian Night: Pair this green beans with garlic recipe with Chicken Parmesan or spaghetti and meatballs.
- Lighter Option: Serve with quinoa or brown rice for a fresh, wholesome meal.
- Potluck Favorite: Easy to double and bring in a covered dish. Garlic green beans reheat beautifully!
GREEN BEANS GARLIC RECIPE FAQ
There are two easy way to trim green beans: by hand or with a knife. Find the stem end and snap that off one at a time. Or, line up a few green beans at a time and chop off the stems in one go!
No need to snap off or trim the other end, though you can you if you’d like.
I’ve found that it’s best to toast thin slices of garlic separately, then toss blanched green beans in the infused oil.
The garlicky flavor coats every single bite and you don’t have to worry about bitterness or biting into a big chunk of garlic.
Yes! Blanch the green beans the day before, then drain well and store in the refrigerator.
Toss them into the skillet with garlic oil just before serving, letting them cook for a minute or two to warm through.
I’ve made green beans just about every way — roasted, steamed, air fried, sautéed (even tried from a can) — and this skillet method is the sweet spot.
Blanching first locks in the bright green color and tender-crisp bite, while finishing in garlic-infused oil gives them layers of flavor.
The trick is not to rush the garlic. Let it turn golden and fragrant, but pull it before it burns. That oil becomes liquid gold, coating every bean in savory goodness.
Add parmesan and lemon, and suddenly a humble vegetable tastes gourmet. This recipe for garlic green bean has been my go-to for holidays and weeknights alike. Foolproof and fabulous!
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: It stops cooking instantly and keeps the beans vibrant and crisp.
- Slice Garlic Thinly: Thinner slices toast evenly, while thicker chunks can burn quickly.
- Low & Slow Garlic: Keep heat moderate so garlic flavors the oil without turning bitter.
- Dry Beans Well: After blanching, dry beans before tossing in oil so they sauté instead of steaming.
- Season Generously: Beans love salt, so don’t be shy! Taste before serving and adjust.
- Add Cheese Last: Parmesan melts best when sprinkled just before serving.
- Brighten It Up: Always offer lemon wedges on the side. That little squeeze transforms the whole dish.
- Make It a Meal: Toss garlic green beans with pasta and extra olive oil for a quick vegetarian dinner.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Large Pot: For blanching the beans.
- Large Bowl: For the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Colander: To drain beans quickly.
- 12-Inch Skillet: Wide enough to toss all beans evenly.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: To slice garlic and trim beans.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: For stirring garlic and tossing beans.
- Serving Platter: For presenting the finished dish.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Garlic Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1 ounce)
- Lemon wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green and just tender-crisp. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.
- Toast the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Finish the Dish: Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally Published August 2011, updated and republished November 2025
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
Welcome!
We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
I think if you put garlic in anything it just tastes better!
I love green beans – especially farm fresh and I really like simple recipes like this that bring the flavor out. Plus garlic and olive oil?? Yeah – can't go wrong there…I will have to look at your meatloaf with balsamic reduction…yum!
I love also green beans especialy harcouts and i am making salad like you with garlicand sometime with finely chopped onion:)
Yum! I love the simple yet delicious preparation of these beans. Perfect!
I love that you used big pieces of garlic. From one garlic lover to another 😉
Perfect side dish – love the addition of garlic
Mary
oh yeah, we do this a lot of times over here, just a simple stir fry, it's very nice!
Two of my favorites – garlic & green beans. They look wonderful to me!
Perfect side dish! Green beans are one of my favorite veggies–I love the crunch.
I'm certain that green beans have never looked so beautiful. What an awesome photo. I'm loving it. You've actually made me crave green beans!
oh heck yes! i love green beans. so yum 🙂
Sam @ fitness food & faith
You had me at garlic! I love adding garlic to everything!
Sounds like the perfect side dish to me!
I love green beans…and I like them prepared just the way you do.
i love this … beans tastes so good when they are lightly spiced! i love anything with toasted garlic
Yum. I make a similar recipe but with butter.
Made the beans two nights in a row! Delicious! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
This recipe is AMAZING. I will eat this for the rest of my life! So good and easy-peasy.
My family loves fried chicken, but I don't make it very often. We love the crispy coating on the outside. Yours looks delicious and I will be trying it Jean! Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
hugs,
So easy and absolutely delicious. I make these at least once a week for the family, it is their favorite side!
So easy and absolutely delicious. I make these at least once a week for the family, it is their favorite side!