Roasted Green Beans with Pancetta is a five-ingredient dish that comes together in less than 20 minutes. Serve this easy yet elegant side dish with ham or baked turkey tenderloins for the holidays or with barbecue beef stew or chicken pesto meatballs for an everyday meal.
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This post was originally published in January 2020 and has been fully updated.
Green beans, like these lemon pepper green beans, are on regular rotation in our house. They are versatile and easy to prepare.
When I want to take my side dish game to the next level, I add these roasted green beans with pancetta and orange butter to the menu.
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Why This Recipe Works
- The simplicity of this dish, combined with its pretty presentation, makes it ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant dinner parties.
- This recipe is fuss-free. Five ingredients and 20 minutes are all you need to prepare these beans.
- Each ingredient shines on its own with delicious flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh green beans are recommended because they will retain a crisp-tender texture while roasting. French green beans, or Haricot Verts, can also be used.
- 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.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
How to Make Green Beans with Pancetta
Step 1: On a baking sheet, toss green beans with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender. If using slender French green beans, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Transfer the roasted green beans to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with pancetta and orange zest.
Expert Tips
- 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.
Pancetta Green Beans 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 or this classic green bean casserole without mushroom soup.
French green beans, also known as Haricot verts, are more slender and usually more tender than American green beans. They can be used in a similar fashion but will cook slightly faster.
Try These Roasted Vegetable Recipes Next
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📖 Recipe Card
Roasted Green Beans with Pancetta and Orange
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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℉. On a baking sheet, toss green beans with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes until slightly brown and crisp-tender.
- 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
- Buy fresh beans that are firm and have a vibrant color.
- Pat the beans dry before tossing them with oil.
- Don't overcrowd the pan.
- Roast until just crisp-tender.
- If using thin Haricots verts, reduce the roast time by a few minutes.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Laetitia says
I love green beans but never think about roasting them in the oven ! I need to try this recipe ASAP!
Abbey says
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!