If you’re looking for a delicious and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with just about any meal, Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions should be at the top of your list. The earthy flavor of roasted green beans combined with the sweet and savory depth of caramelized onions is nothing short of magical. This dish offers an easy way to elevate the flavors of your meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast chicken, a Thanksgiving turkey, or even a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing choice that never disappoints.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a few key ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. The green beans get crisp and slightly charred in the oven, while the onions slowly caramelize to bring out their natural sweetness. This combination creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that is both comforting and nutritious.
Why Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions is So Special
Health Benefits: Green beans are a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and potassium. They’re also high in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Simple Ingredients: With just three main ingredients—green beans, onions, and olive oil—you can make a side dish that’s bursting with flavor without needing to buy a lot of special ingredients.
Versatile: This dish works well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian meals. It’s a perfect addition to any dinner table, whether for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight meal.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is suitable for anyone following gluten-free, dairy-free, or Whole30 diets, making it a great option for all dietary needs.
Ingredients
To make these roasted green beans with caramelized onions, here’s what you’ll need:
1. Green Beans
Green beans are the star of this dish. Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture. Trim the ends and remove any blemishes to ensure a clean and uniform roast.
2. Onions
Onions bring sweetness and depth to this dish. Vidalia onions or yellow onions are ideal because they caramelize beautifully. Their natural sugars come out when cooked slowly, creating a rich, savory-sweet flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to both roast the green beans and sauté the onions. It adds richness and helps achieve that crispy texture on the beans while also aiding in the caramelization of the onions.
4. Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the green beans and onions. You can adjust the amount according to your taste.
5. Optional Add-Ins:
Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic can add a fragrant touch when added to the caramelizing onions.
Lemon Zest: Adding a touch of fresh lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the savory elements.
How to Make Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
Now, let’s get to the step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Green Beans
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, wash and trim the ends off the green beans. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps them roast evenly and become crispier.
Place the green beans on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with olive oil spray, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the beans to ensure they are evenly coated, and spread them in a single layer for optimal roasting.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions cook evenly.
After about 10 minutes, the onions should begin to brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. The goal is to reach a deep golden brown color, indicating the onions have caramelized and released their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Roast the Green Beans
While the onions are caramelizing, place the green beans in the oven and roast for 16-18 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, give the beans a quick toss to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. They should be tender with slightly charred edges when done.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the green beans are roasted and the onions are beautifully caramelized, remove both from the heat. Place the roasted green beans on a platter and top them with the caramelized onions. Give everything a quick toss to mix the flavors, and serve hot.
What to Serve with Roasted Green Beans and Caramelized Onions
These roasted green beans with caramelized onions pair wonderfully with a wide variety of main dishes. Here are some great options:
Roast Chicken: The savory flavor of roasted chicken complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the crunch of the green beans.
Roast Beef: These green beans make a perfect side dish for hearty roast beef or beef tenderloin.
Stuffed Turkey Breast: Whether for a holiday meal or a simple dinner, these green beans are the ideal complement to stuffed turkey breast.
Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Serve these green beans alongside mashed potatoes, smashed sweet potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Grilled Salmon or Tofu: If you’re looking for a lighter, vegetarian option, grilled salmon or marinated tofu would pair beautifully with this dish.
Substitutions and Variations for Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
While this recipe is already simple and flavorful, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you want to make it even more versatile, here are some ideas:
Dairy-Free Caramelization: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter for a completely dairy-free version.
Vegan Option: If you’re looking to make this dish vegan, simply ensure you’re using plant-based alternatives for any dairy products you might use (like butter or cheese) and skip adding any dairy-based garnishes.
Add Garlic for Extra Flavor
For an added burst of flavor, garlic is a fantastic addition. When caramelizing the onions, simply toss in a few minced garlic cloves in the last 5 minutes of cooking to bring in a savory, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly.
Add Herbs for Extra Freshness
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can bring in an aromatic twist to your roasted green beans. Toss them in with the green beans before roasting or sprinkle them over the caramelized onions to infuse more flavors into the dish.
Try Different Onions
While Vidalia onions are often recommended for their sweet flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like yellow onions, red onions, or even shallots for a slightly different flavor profile. Each onion will give the dish its own unique twist.
Roast with Other Vegetables
If you’re looking to make this dish even heartier, you can add other roasted vegetables alongside the green beans. Carrots, bell peppers, or even brussels sprouts roast beautifully and add color, flavor, and texture to your dish.
Spicy Kick
If you like a little heat in your side dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the green beans. The spice will balance out the sweetness of the caramelized onions and create a delicious contrast.
How to Serve Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
This side dish can accompany a variety of main courses, making it a versatile option for different occasions. Here are some ideas:
Serve with Roasted Meats
Roast Chicken: The tender and savory flavor of roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the crisp texture of the green beans.
Beef or Pork: These roasted green beans also make an excellent side for roasted beef or pork. The savory flavors from the meat complement the sweetness of the onions, creating a balanced meal.
Grilled Salmon: For a lighter option, try these green beans with grilled salmon. The slight bitterness of the beans is a great contrast to the richness of the fish.
Pair with Starches
Mashed Potatoes: Roasted green beans are a great side to mashed potatoes, offering a fresh and crisp contrast to the creamy texture of the potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes are another great pairing. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the caramelized onions and adds a heartiness to the meal.
Add to a Salad
For a lighter, more refreshing option, toss the roasted green beans with caramelized onions into a salad. Combine them with fresh greens like spinach or arugula, and add a tangy dressing to balance the sweetness of the onions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat:
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store any leftover roasted green beans and caramelized onions in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the caramelized onions, you can freeze the roasted green beans for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating
Oven: Reheat the roasted green beans in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help them maintain their crispness.
Stovetop: You can also reheat them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to keep them from drying out.
FAQs On Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
How to cook green beans with onions?
To cook green beans with onions, start by trimming and washing the green beans. Sauté the onions in a pan with a bit of olive oil until they are soft and golden. You can add the green beans to the pan and sauté them together until the green beans are tender. Alternatively, you can roast the green beans in the oven while caramelizing the onions on the stovetop and then combine them to serve. This method allows both flavors to meld beautifully.
How to caramelize green onions?
Caramelizing green onions is similar to caramelizing regular onions but requires less time. Begin by slicing the green onions and sautéing them in a bit of olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until they become soft and golden brown, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. The natural sugars in the onions will caramelize and develop a sweet, savory flavor that complements many dishes.
How to roast green beans in the oven easily?
To roast green beans in the oven, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim the ends off the green beans and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Roasting at high heat helps them crisp up and develop a slightly charred flavor.
What is the best flavor to add to green beans?
The best flavors to add to green beans depend on your preference, but classic pairings include:
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory kick.
Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest brightens the flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or bacon fat bring a smoky, rich flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley enhance the earthy taste of green beans.
Balsamic vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness.
What is the secret to roasting vegetables?
The secret to roasting vegetables is to use high heat and even spacing. Preheat the oven to around 400-425°F (200-220°C) for the best results. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Roasting at high heat allows the vegetables to become tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavors. For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or garlic in the last few minutes of roasting.
Recipe Card: Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 large Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
Olive oil spray (for roasting green beans)
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help the green beans roast perfectly.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown (about 10 minutes). Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 30 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, stirring frequently.
Prepare the Green Beans: While the onions are caramelizing, spread the trimmed green beans on a baking sheet. Lightly spritz them with olive oil spray and season with salt and black pepper.
Roast the Green Beans: Place the baking sheet with the green beans into the preheated oven. Roast for 16-18 minutes, flipping the green beans halfway through for even cooking. They should be tender-crisp with a slight char on the edges.
Combine and Serve: Once both the green beans and caramelized onions are ready, transfer the green beans to a platter and top them with the caramelized onions. Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes:
Make Ahead: The caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Onion Substitutes: If you don’t have Vidalia onions, you can use yellow onions, shallots, or red onions for a different flavor profile.
Optional Add-Ins: For extra flavor, you can add a clove of garlic minced during the last 5 minutes of caramelizing the onions or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 102 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 18mg |
| Potassium | 310mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 15% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 8% |
