What are green beans? What do I call crack green beans? What are some of the best roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs? Why are green beans better than their veggie cousins? My kids, who usually turn up their noses at anything green, gobble these up faster than I can make them. Is it a kitchen miracle?
What is crack green beans?
What are the best Side Dishes to serve with crack green beans? What’s essentially perfectly crisp-tender green beans tossed in a ridiculously flavorful mixture of black pepper, onion, and parsley? Garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes for that little *zing*. My husband said they were addictive. He said he was addicted to them. I get the idea! Is it just about throwing beans in a pan? It’s about creating that perfect balance of textures and tastes, so every bite is a little explosion. What are some of the
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy. I mean, seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip these up in under 20 minutes. What’s the flavor? What are the ingredients for this umami-rich, garlic-infused coating that’s irresistible? What’s not to like? A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth.
What are some of the best recipes for a budget-friendly dinner? Green beans are generally pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other varieties. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What are some of the best recipes ever made? Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or toss them into salad for extra crunch and flavor. Is it okay to snack on them straight from the pan? Is it healthy to make Garlic Butter mushrooms? What are some of the best recipes that you’ve ever tried?
How do I make crack green beans?
Quick Overview
How do I make crack green beans? What are some good ways to cook green beans? Pepper flakes for that signature warmth. What happens when you toss them with freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a coating that’s creamy and delicious. Both savory and slightly crispy. Is it a simple process, but the result is unbelievably delicious? Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
For the green beans: What are some examples?
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed. Look for firm, bright, without blemishes. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh is definitely best!
For the Flavor Base:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil. Is extra virgin olive oil a good choice for cooking?
* 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s key to the flavor. Freshly minced is a must – no jarred stuff.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste). I like a little heat, but adjust to your preference.
* Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste. Season generously – it makes all the difference.
For the Finishing Touch: What are some of the
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Please, please, use freshly shredded parmean. Why does pre-shredded stuff not melt as nicely and lacks flavor? What is the best Parmigiano-Rose combination?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep Those Beans!
First, rinse your green beans thoroughly. I usually just snap off the ends with my fingers. It’s kind of therapeutic! Make sure they’re all roughly the same length for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Why don’t you burn the garlic?
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. What is the key to a good diet: salt and pepper. You want to sauté them until they’re crisp-tender. That means they’re cooked through but still have a little bite to them. What is the best way to cook beans?
Step 4: Parmesan Time!
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately toss the green beans with the freshly grated cheese. What is Parmesan The heat from the beans will melt the cheese, creating a delicious, cheesy coating. Keep tossing until beans are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve & Devour
Serve immediately and watch them disappear! Seriously, these are best enjoyed hot, when the parmesan is melty and the beans are still soft. I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top. Just for good measure.
What should I serve it with?
What are the best ways to use crack green beans? What are some of my favorite pairings?
What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve with Grilled Chicken or fish. What’s the perfect finishing touch for chicken and beans?
What is a Fancy Brunch?Add them to a quiche or frittata for flavor and color. What are the best ways to enjoy a mimosa with Ice Cream?
As a side dish for steak:What are the best beans to serve with a steak? The garlic and parmesan add a savory element that balances the richness of the meat.
What is a healthy snack?Honestly, sometimes I just eat them straight from the pan! What’s a good way to get your veggies in?
My family’s favorite tradition is to make these alongside my mom’ famous meatloaf – the garlic. The parmesan flavor of the beans balances the meatloaf perfectly. What is a comfort food?
How do I make crack green beans?
I’ve made these crack green beans countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. How do you ensure that you’re always perfect?
Don’t overcook beans. ThenWhat makes these beans so tender is the texture. Overcooked beans are mushy. Keep a close eye on them while they’re sautéing and test them with the fork to make sure they still cook. Have a little bite.
How do I use fresh garlic? I know I already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Jarred garlic just doesn’t have the same punch.
Grate Your Own Parmesan:Is freshly grated Parmesan the best food to eat? The pre-shredded stuff contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting properly. What is the difference between Parmigiano and Reggiana?
How do I adjust the heat to my drinking?I like a little kick, but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper. What is the best way to remove flakes from your diet? What are some ways to add cayenne pepper to a dish?
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a dash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. I once tried adding a little truffle oil, and it was DIVINE (but definitely a splurge!).
One thing I always do is add a tiny splash of water to the pan halfway through cooking and cover the pan with a lid. This helps steam the green beans and ensures they cook evenly without burning. It’s a little trick I picked up from my grandma, and it works like a charm!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so let’s say you actually have leftovers (which is rare in my house!). Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving these out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. The parmesan cheese can get a little funky if it sits out for too long.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a little of their crispness, but they’ll still be tasty.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t typically freeze these, as they tend to get a little soggy when thawed. However, if you must freeze them, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat these is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan and sauté the beans until they’re heated through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they’ll be a little softer. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pro tip: If you’re planning on storing these, wait to add the parmesan cheese until right before serving. This will help maintain their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my super simple, ridiculously addictive “Crack Green Beans” recipe! I truly hope you give these a try because I know you (and your family!) will absolutely love them. They’re the perfect way to get your veggies in, satisfy those savory cravings, and impress your friends and family with minimal effort. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick and easy side dish recipes, like my roasted Garlic Parmesan broccoli or my honey-glazed carrots. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you loved it. And if you’re feeling adventurous, share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Crack Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Green Beans trimmed
- 4 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Steam or boil green beans until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the green beans, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and black pepper. Serve immediately.
