Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely. Frozen green beans are a fantastic time-saver and work really well in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before blanching to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Do I have to blanch the beans first?

Yes, a quick blanch ensures your beans cook evenly and keeps them bright and tender. Skipping this step can lead to unevenly cooked or overly chewy beans.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option can be substituted. Each gives its own unique twist, so experiment to find your favorite!

Can these be made dairy-free or vegan?

Definitely. Use olive oil instead of butter, and swap the Parmesan for a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast. Still delicious, still super craveable!

Italian Green Beans Recipe

Name: Italian Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces fresh or frozen green beans, cleaned and trimmed; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

Description

Italian Green Beans are a quick, flavorful side dish where tender green beans are tossed with golden, garlic-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. A perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and herby flavors, this simple and elegant recipe pairs perfectly with any main course!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

16 ounces fresh or frozen green beans, cleaned and trimmed

Bread Crumb Mixture

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

To Finish

Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together, ensuring the bread crumbs are well coated with butter. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns golden brown and fragrant.
Cook the Green Beans: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the cleaned and trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the green beans are fork-tender but still al dente, preserving their bright green color.
Combine and Toss: Drain the green beans in a colander and immediately transfer them to the skillet with the prepared breadcrumb mixture. Toss the green beans until they are thoroughly coated in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish!

Notes

Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen ones will also work well.
Don’t overcook the green beans; they should stay slightly crisp to maintain the best flavor and texture.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
You can substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
Calories: 145
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 17mg