Romano Italian string Beans

A Simple Family Side Dish Packed with Flavor

This is one of those simple Italian side dishes that may not look fancy, but once you taste it, you understand why it became such a favorite in our family.

My mom would make these Romano green beans during the week, and my sisters and I absolutely loved them as kids. There was something about the combination of the tender green beans, fresh garlic, toasted breadcrumbs, and salty Pecorino Romano cheese that made them so delicious. The breadcrumbs soaked up all that beautiful garlic-infused olive oil and clung to every bean, giving each bite so much flavor.

My grandmother made them too, and we always wanted to help. We loved standing beside her at the stove and helping her gently turn the string beans in the pan while they cooked. She would remind us not to stir too hard because she wanted the beans to stay whole and beautiful.

The smell of the garlic warming in the olive oil would fill the kitchen, and once the breadcrumbs and cheese went into the pan, we knew dinner was getting close. Everything slowly toasted together until the beans were tender and coated in that savory, garlicky crumb.

This dish also pairs beautifully with cauliflower prepared the same way. Something about the breadcrumbs, string beans, cauliflower, garlic, and Pecorino Romano together is unbelievably tasty and comforting.

It is the perfect side dish for steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, Italian sausage, or just about any meat your family enjoys. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve at Sunday dinner or a holiday gathering.

Your family is going to love this one. Just make sure you have a loaf of crusty Italian bread nearby because those toasted breadcrumbs at the bottom of the pan are too good to leave behind.

Italian Romano Green Beans with Garlic, Breadcrumbs & Pecorino Romano