Smoked Green Beans With Garlic + Parmesan

Smoked green beans with garlic and parmesan are a favorite recipe in my house, especially when we are in peak gardening season and my bean plants are popping off! Similar to Loaded Traeger Asparagus, this smoked green beans recipe takes minimal prep and simple ingredients to whip up.

Easily add your own twist to these grilled green beans by adding chopped mushrooms, bacon, ham, nuts, or other favorite toppings.

Dietary concerns or preferences? Easily make this recipe dairy free or vegan by swapping out the parmesan cheese for another cheese alternative. Smoked green beans are naturally gluten free and low carb, perfect for enjoying on a keto diet.

A Note About Green Beans

Green beans are vibrant, versatile, and are a delightful addition to any plate. From the crisp snap of a fresh green bean to the tender delight of a sautéed pod, these veggies offer a world of possibilities. There are several different varieties that can be smoked including string beans, snap beans, and French haricots verts, there’s a green bean for every taste bud.

When it comes to growing conditions, green beans thrive in well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and moderate watering. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice with a green thumb, these legumes are a treat to cultivate. This year I planted three different varieties including a purple bean, green bean, and golden wax bean. All of these beans are meant to be eaten with the pods and make great options for grilling.

Trimming Green Beans (For Faster Prep)

Trimming the ends off of green beans can become cumbersome. Use these tips to speed things up.

1. Grab a handful of fresh green beans + place them on your cutting board.
2. Using a large chef’s knife, push all of the beans against the edge of the knife.
3. Hold the beans tightly with your non-dominant hand and chop the ends off with the other hand. Repeat with the other side. Continue until all beans are trimmed.

Tips + Tricks

–Speed up smoking time. Blanch the green beans for 3 minutes in boiling water before seasoning and smoking to cut the cooking time in half!

-Squirt a little bit of fresh lemon juice overtop of the beans for a fresh flavor twist.

-Cut green beans into smaller pieces for bite-sized morsels. They will cook faster- stir at 30 minutes, checking again after 15 minutes.

Key Ingredients

Green Beans- Source out fresh green beans in season when possible! If you don’t have string beans/snap beans in your garden, consider grabbing from a local market or the fresh section in your local grocery store. Frozen green beans will have a softer texture- if using frozen beans, cut the smoking time in half. You can also use canned beans for this green bean recipe but expect them to be considerably softer than if you were to make them from fresh.

Sea Salt + Pepper- I choose to use fresh cracked pepper for best flavor but regular ground black pepper will work in a pinch.

Garlic- Fresh minced garlic is best but you can sub 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Olive Oil– Use your favorite cooking oil, melted butter, or melted lard.

Parmesan (Optional)- I love using large flaked parmesan or parmesan petals in this recipe, use what you have on hand, sub out for another favorite cheese, or omit all together.

Best Pellets For Smoking Green Beans

When smoking vegetables milder wood flavors such as maple, oak, pecan, and different fruit woods are suggested.

If you prefer a strong smoky flavor for your grilled green beans, hickory or mesquite pellets (or wood chips) are the way to go! I am not a pellet purist- I simply use whatever wood flavor I have in the hopper.

Exactly How To Smoke Green Beans

Step 1. Preheat your Traeger grill or other pellet grill/ smoker to 275°F.

Step 2. Wash all of the green beans under cool water and discard any wobbly or blemished beans. Trim the ends off of the beans. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, two cloves minces garlic, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Toss the bean mixture until all of the beans are evenly coated.

Step 3. Place the prepared beans in a slotted grill pan, cast iron skillet, aluminum pan, or other grill safe baking sheet. Smoke at 275°F (135°C) for 45 minutes, stir, and leave for an additional 30-45 minutes depending on your preference.

Step 4. Garnish with a little bit of extra parmesan and a fresh sprinkling of salt and pepper. Serve these easy smoked beans in the hot skillet or on a dish with your favorite grilled entree including this smoked trout recipe or smoked spatchcock chicken.

What To Serve With Smoked Green Beans

Recipe Card

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