If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this Roasted Green Beans recipe fits the bill. Tender beans get a quick roast in the oven, then are tossed with a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. The finishing touch is crispy caramelized shallots that add a delicate crunch and sweet-savory depth, making the whole dish pop.
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Best Roasted Green Beans
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive: only a handful of ingredients, but the flavors and presentation make it dinner-party worthy. I often make these roasted beans for friends and family, sometimes for an impromptu dinner with neighbors, and other times as part of our Thanksgiving dinner. They always disappear quickly, no matter the occasion. There are several reasons you’ll love this roasted green bean recipe, too:
- Enhanced flavor and texture. Roasting caramelizes the beans, leaving them lightly crisp on the outside and tender inside, with richer flavor.
- Bright, balanced taste. Lemon juice and Dijon mustard bring tangy freshness that pairs beautifully with the beans’ natural sweetness.
- Crispy shallots. Their sweet-savory crunch takes this dish to the next level.
- Versatile and make-ahead friendly. Perfect for elegant dinners, casual gatherings, and everything in between. Best of all, the beans can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Quick and easy. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Ingredients in These Easy Roasted Green Beans
You only need 5 ingredients to make these oven-roasted green beans and their delectable sauce, all of which should be available at your local grocery store (exact amounts in the recipe card below):
- Fresh green beans – Look for firm, brightly colored beans without spots or wrinkles.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps the beans caramelize as they roast.
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the sauce.
- Dijon mustard – Brings tangy depth and a little bite to the sauce.
- Kosher or sea salt – Essential for balance and flavor.
Caramelized Shallots Ingredients
Carmelization transforms just a few ingredients into the perfect crunchy, sweet-savory topping:
- Butter – Gives the shallots a rich base for cooking.
- Shallots – Milder and sweeter than onions, they caramelize beautifully.
- Granulated sugar – A pinch helps speed up caramelization and intensifies the sweetness.
- Sea or kosher salt and ground black pepper – Again, essential for balance and flavor.
Dijon Green Beans Variations and Substitutions
- Swap shallots for toasted nuts (cashews, walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts).
- Add lemon zest to the sauce for extra brightness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beans before roasting or into the lemon-Dijon dressing for a touch of heat.
- Finish with chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil, or thyme) or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Roasted Green Beans
If you’ve never roasted vegetables before, these beans will make you a convert. Here’s a brief overview of how to make them (scroll down to the recipe card for more details):
- Prep beans. Spread green beans in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet (see Tip below). Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, and season with salt.
- Roast. Roast beans for 10 to 15 minutes in a 400 degree F oven, until crisp-tender.
- Make dressing. Whisk together lemon juice, Dijon, and olive oil.
- Finish. Toss beans with dressing and season to taste.
Quick Tip
For deeper caramelization and light browning, spread the green beans in 2 rimmed half-sheet pans so they roast in a single, even layer with space between them. Using just one pan works too – the beans will still turn out crisp and delicious.
How to Make Caramelized Shallots
Caramelizing shallots (or onions) means cooking them slowly until golden brown and sweet. Once you try them, you’ll want to use them as a garnish for everything! Here’s an overview of all you have to do (again, scroll down to the recipe card for more details):
- Prep shallots. Peel shallots, cut in half, thinly slice, and separate into rings.
- Cook shallots. Cook sliced shallots in butter over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until very soft.
- Add suger, finish. Stir in sugar; cook about 3-5 minutes more, until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
Quick Tip
For crispier shallots, transfer to paper towels in a single layer to cool and season. For softer ones, skip the paper towel.
Make Ahead
Shallots can be caramelized up to 24 hours in advance, covered and refrigerated. Sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring shallots and sauce to room temperature before serving.
How to Store Oven Roasted Green Beans
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the caramelized shallots separately, also in an airtight container. The beans can be gently reheated, but I often serve them at room temperature.
What to Serve With These Roasted Green Beans with Shallots
These beans pair well with a wide variety of mains, making them one of my go-to sides when entertaining. I’ve served them as part of casual weeknight meals, as well as special-occasion dinners with friends and family, including Thanksgiving!
Here are some favorite main dishes I like to serve with these beans:
Oven Roasted Green Bean Recipe FAQs
Rinse the beans under cool water, pat them completely dry, and trim off the stem ends. I also like to snap longer beans in half (to around 1-2 inches) so they’re easier to eat and cook more evenly.
In a preheated 400 degree oven, they’ll roast in about 10-15 minutes. Thinner beans will cook more quickly, while thicker ones need closer to the full time.
They should be crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Taste one – you’ll know right away if they’re perfect.
Yes, but for the best results, thaw them first and pat dry. Frozen beans release more water, so they won’t crisp up quite as much as fresh ones, though they’ll still be tasty.
Oven Roasted Green Beans with Crispy Shallots
If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this roasted green beans recipe fits the bill. Tender beans get a quick roast in the oven, then are tossed with a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. The finishing touch is crispy caramelized shallots that add a delicate crunch and sweet-savory depth, making the whole dish pop.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Caramelized Shallots
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces (about 2 to 3 large) shallots
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oven Roasted Green Beans
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and broken into 1– to 2-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use
- Kosher or sea salt
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
Caramelized Shallots
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Peel shallots, cut in half and thinly slice. Using your hands, break slices into individual pieces. Sauté shallots in butter, stirring occasionally, about 10 to 12 minutes or until very soft.
- Stir in sugar and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Oven Roasted Green Beans
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place beans on a large rimmed half sheet pan (see Note below). Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, tossing to coat. Season with salt.
- Roast for 10 to 12 minutes or crisp-tender.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add lemon mixture to cooked beans and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with caramelized shallots sprinkled over the top.
Notes
Note on roasting green beans: For deeper caramelization and light browning, spread the green beans in 2 rimmed half-sheet pans so they roast in a single, even layer with space between them. Using just one pan works too – the beans will still turn out crisp and delicious.
Make ahead: Shallots can be caramelized up to 24 hours in advance, covered and refrigerated. Sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring shallots and sauce to room temperature before serving.
Variation: Green beans can be steamed instead of roasted.
- Category: side dishes, gluten free, easy entertaining
- Method: Roast
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 5.9 g
- Sodium: 145.5 mg
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.1 g
- Fiber: 3.8 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 10.2 mg
