Roasted Green Beans with Orange Butter and Pancetta is a super easy yet elegant side dish. With so much flavor, you will never be bored with green beans again.
This post was originally published in January 2020 and has been updated with step-by-step instructions, FAQs, tips, and new photos.
Green beans with pancetta and orange
Green beans are on regular rotation in our house, especially these lemon pepper green beans. They are versatile and easy to prepare.
But when I want to change things up, these roasted green beans with pancetta and orange are the answer.
The simplicity of these beans makes this dish perfect for casual weeknight dinners. But, don't let the simplicity fool you.
These beans look fancy when plated which also makes them perfect for an elegant dinner party. No matter how you serve these, you will be a rock star.
This dish is so fuss-free and full of flavor - you will want to make these roasted green beans again and again.
Ingredients
- Green beans - Fresh is really best. We want the green beans to retain a crisp-tender texture after roasting.
- Pancetta provides a wonderfully crispy, salty bite that pairs well with the beans and the orange sauce. You can find sliced or diced pancetta near the packaged meats in the deli section of the supermarket. Bacon can also be used.
- Oranges - Freshly squeezed orange juice adds sweet acidity to the sauce. Use the zest for garnish.
Step-by-step instructions
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- On a baking sheet, toss green beans with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender. If using slender haricots verts, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook the pancetta until brown and crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
- Over medium-low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the juice of ½ an orange until the sauce comes together. Season with salt sparingly since the pancetta is already salty.
- Transfer the roasted green beans to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with pancetta and orange zest.
Tips for roasting green beans
- Buy fresh beans that are firm and have a vibrant green color.
- Pat the beans dry before tossing them with oil. Wet beans will become soggy when roasted.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Crowding can cause the beans to steam and become soft and soggy.
- Don't over-roast. Just 10-12 minutes is enough to slightly caramelize the beans while still leaving them crisp-tender.
- Toss the beans with a flavorful sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Green beans pair well with so many flavors. Add a salty note with pancetta or bacon. Add brightness with citrus like lemon or orange juice. Green beans are delicious with shallots, onions, or tomatoes. Mushrooms and cheese are also great additions to green beans, like in this loaded green bean casserole.
Green beans are very versatile. You can serve them with everything from beef to chicken to seafood. Try baked turkey tenderloins, bacon ranch chicken, or barbecue beef stew.
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Roasted Green Beans with Pancetta and Orange Butter
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh green beans
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ orange (zested and juiced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet, toss green beans with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast 10-12 minutes until slightly brown and crisp-tender. (Note 1)
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook the pancetta until brown and crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
- Over medium-low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the juice of ½ an orange until the sauce comes together. Season with salt.
- Transfer the roasted green beans to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with the orange zest and pancetta.
Notes
- If using thin haricots verts, reduce the roast time by a few minutes.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending upon the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Laetitia
I love green beans but never think about roasting them in the oven ! I need to try this recipe ASAP!
Abbey
Laetitia,
I love roasting vegetables. I really think it enhances their flavor. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Please let me know how it turns out. I would love to hear! Thank you!